Thursday, October 20, 2016

All Games and No Play Makes our Jills and Jacks Dull Kids

There was a time when mothers were happy that kids were out of the house. It gave them time to finish their chores in peace. Now we live in times when kids don't leave their homes easily. Yes, many growing kids rarely go out to play.



Here are three reasons this has happened, according to me:

1. Schools have reduced their recess
2. Kids are getting more involved in gaming
3. Parents are getting overprotective

Importance of Outdoor Play
This cannot be overemphasized. Play is where a child learns naturally. Kids should go out looking for mythical dragons rather than play dragon games at home. Digital games are great fun and very useful in many areas, but nothing is better than playing in nature. Their senses are stimulated. Joy is felt and expressed. The physicality of outdoor play is great for building hunger. Its the best thing for growing children. Small problems that are encountered and solved, become lessons in problem solving. Every sense organ is challenged and playing in dirt builds their immune system.

Importance of Imagination
Dragons are mythical creatures. Yet people go looking for them in real life. Imagination is that wonderful beast which can take us on a wild ride. Playing in nature teaches kids to be imaginative. Clouds have faces, tree branches are rockets to fly on and what can be better than sleeping on one's back and looking up at a sky full of stars?

Importance of Balance
Like most other folks, I love digital games. I do play them. I see no harm in introducing kids to games, but what I believe in is balance. It's important to emphasize this when the kids are young. Soon it should become a habit with kids. Balance helps kids make good choices even as they grow up. There is always a long list of what not to forget while your kids game. Watch movies, but discuss your favorite dragons, out in the yard!

I rest my case. Balance, balance and more balance in the things we do around kids.