"The debt we owe to play of the imagination is incalculable."
-Carl Jung
"In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play."
-Friedrich Nietzsche
I had to give my mom a call to review this, but as a 4 and 5 year old my essential play items included:
(Picture from underscoopfire.com)
(picture from amazon.com)
(picture from fy90s.tumblr.com . . . and if you don't recognize this, you will understand it's importance after watching Ghostbusters or Ghostbusters II)
When I was 4 or 5, if I had the space available to me, I was running around and shooting baskets on my Fisher-Price basketball hoop. When my sister was home from school, we would dress up and play. My costume of choice involved anything which allowed me to wear my Ghostbuster's Proton Pack. I also loved playing with my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, and I would save my allowance to purchase them whenever I could (but my mom would take the weapons and hide them in her drawer). With parent and sister assistance, I set up scenarios and walked my action figures around without banging them against each other and fighting, perhaps because I didn't have the weapons to instigate that violence... When space was limited or others were exhausted, it was often time for Pizza Party, a board game where my parents and sister helped me learn the importance of following rules and taking turns.
I feel that due to a lack of available space due to decreases in vacant lots and parks, many children today do not have the same options for running around and staying physically active. Today's fast paced lifestyle leaves many families on the run, unable to sit down and play games like Pizza Party together. Additionally, advances in technology have created some serious coach potato habits in our youngsters, and playing the way I did as a child has shifted.
To this day, I love to play. I am happiest when I am playing. Although the last time I busted out my action figures was when I was 4 or 5, I have figured out other ways to play as an adult. My girlfriend and I snowboard, hike, and go to Disneyland. I play soccer and basketball. When my friends and I get together, we make a competition out of anything, and our time together becomes play time. We are grown up, but I think that Nietzsche described this best when he said "In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play."
Parker, my brother too enjoyed the same toys as you. My brother was a little different with those ninja turtles. He made them fight one another which now is difficult to understand. Yes, the fast pace of life has really robbed children of great play experiences. Parents are either working full time or attending school themselves which leaves not much time for children. I was lucky to have my mother at home when I arrived from school. We would have hours and hours of play time outdoors. Yes, we would play in open dirt fields, friends house, and anywhere where there was enough space to play. You mentioned parks in your post. It's always nice to take children to the parks to meet new friend to socialize and interact with. thanks for sharing your childhood!
ReplyDeleteCotati Crompton
Parker, I loved watching ninja turtles when I was a kid.. My brother also had all the toys and played with them constantly, same with batman. Your second picture shows how two child are being active with one another. There isn't too much of this going on in today's play. When I first looked at the picture of the ghostbusters equipment, I did not where it came through.. You don't see this type of equipment for children's play. Your right, everything is so fast paced and its hard for children just to be children. Parents need to make times for this especially when they are very young. You seem to stay active as possible and enjoy doing it. Thanks for your post!!
ReplyDeleteParker,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My nephews grew up watching and playing Ninja Turtles! Parks are so important for children's play. There aren't enough of them in any community, I feel! I take my preschoolers to the park in the spring, summer and fall! They absolutely love to play at the park!
I think it's great you still like to play although it's a different type of play than when you were little, but it's great you still play as an adult!
Jodi
I forgot how much I like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Your post brought back fond memories. I also remember when my 6 year old brother decided to send Raphael back to the sewer through our toilet. My grandmother wasn't happy when the expensive plumber pulled him out!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, due to a lack of resources and the technology, couch potatoes are cultivated. Funding has been cut for afterschool programs which often affects basketball, volleyball, book clubs, and drama clubs. Even gym is looked at as a class and there are limitations to activities. I agree with your quote from Nietzsche, there is truly a kid in all adults. Thanks for sharing.