Grown-Ups Need to Play Too
written by Ellen M. Drolette April, 2019 following the World Forum in Macau, China
“The opposite of play is not work; it is depression.” Brian Sutton-Smith
I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet with early childhood educators, administrators and advocates from over 70 countries in April at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Macau, China. There is something so powerful when you come together with a global group who are as passionate as you are about young children and their rights in this world.
This opportunity came with a responsibility as well; I was selected to teach on a panel on the importance of Sustaining Ourselves: Enhancing our Work Through Play. Yes, play. As adults, we are far too often way too solemn to worry about play. However, regardless of the type of job you have, the profession you are in, the leader or follower that you are, we all need elements of fun and play to sustain ourselves. Bringing this philosophy into the workplace not only enhances the capacity of staff to be able to be more creative, innovative but also creates joyful connections.
For 90 minutes, my co-presenter from Canada and I talked about the fruitful gains that are made when an adult engages in activities that bring them joy. The hobbies they may have lost touch with because they have become overworked stressed out and exhausted. For me, play looks like seeing live music, dancing to my favorite bands around my house, singing loudly, playing board games and lawn games and daydreaming by the lake in the summer. Our society has become so driven to succeed that many have forgotten what we need to do to sustain the success and passion we carry.
As parents and caregivers, have we lost our joy in the hurriedness of making sure our youngest children are readying for Kindergarten?
Have we forgotten what playing feels like or looks like for ourselves as an individual? Have we forgotten what it feels like NOT to hurry all the time? I know if early childhood teachers are losing touch with the joyful connection of play for themselves that surely parents may be suffering as well. How can we create time for play?
Create time to assess the activities that bring you laughter, joy and fill you up. ? It takes two minutes to have an impromptu dance party, and this can be done with your children or without. It takes two minutes to sing along to a song that makes you happy. Taking a walk in the woods does not have to have the purpose of getting a cardio workout. Let it be to enjoy the sounds and slowly walk. Whatever you choose, do it because it makes you smile and gives you relief from the hustle and bustle.
What does play look like for you? For me it is teaching adults how to play, dancing (my favorite dance partner is my Dad), hiking and going to see live music.
Play on!
