We all had a playroom growing up. It was called "outside." - Anonymous
Essential play items when I was younger!
When I was a child I remember playing all the time. I spent hours playing with dolls, riding my
bike, going to the park and playing with my friends. When the weather was nice we were always
outside. When I was about five years old
we lived in an apartment building. I
remember playing with the other children in the apartment building. We would play outside and ride our bikes on
the sidewalk right in front of our apartments.
My mom would check on me often and sometimes stay outside with me. My mom would also take me to the park and
watch me as I played on the equipment. I
had a pretend kitchen and I would make my mom all kinds of different food. My mother always encouraged me to play and many
times would watch me play or play with me.
All of these are very fond memories when I think of my childhood. I learned a lot about getting along with
people, communicating and problem solving through my play. Today children do not get nearly enough time
to play outside or inside. Children
definitely spend way too much time watching television, playing video games and
using technology. I understand that
parents have to be more protected of their children because society has changed
during the last twenty-five years. I am
a parent myself and I am just starting to let my seven year old go in our
backyard without me being out there with him.
Even though I am very protected of my children I do understand the
importance of play and exploring outside.
I enjoy watching my children play with each other and friends. My husband and I also spend a lot of time
playing with our children and this does help you feel like a child again. Growing up I loved playing basketball and
always wanted a basketball court in my yard.
We have a basketball hoop in our backyard and we love having family
games and competitions. I hope, as my
children get older they will get the opportunity to experience the fun of playing
night games in their neighborhood. If
nothing else they will get to play night games with their parents!
