You are never too old to play
'We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.'
George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”.
I am sure that the majority of our fondest childhood memories are made up of the times we were able to play, be it board games with our friends, building a puzzle, playing make-believe with some dolls or action figures, riding our bicycles through the neighbourhood, playing backyard cricket, climbing a tree, building a fort, playing toktokkie, touchers, open the gate or just sitting around and telling each other some fantasy or other.
These memories are usually accompanied by some nostalgia and a longing to experience the pure bliss of being young and carefree again. For some of us, age has dampened our enthusiasm and playfulness, but there are adults who are still young at heart and believe that life is not to be taken too seriously.
You might wonder why I am telling you this, and the answer is simple; we all need a reminder that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and to make time for some relaxation and yes, play. What better way to do this than on May 28, when World Play Day will be celebrated.
Even though this day mainly celebrates children’s right to play, it is a day adults can also benefit from. The International Toy Library Association formally agreed to this day during a conference held in Tokyo in 1999, and the first official day was celebrated in 2000. Unlike most official “days”, World Play Day is more of an attitude of connecting generations through play than a day of scheduled or planned events.
This does not mean you cannot plan some fun activities to celebrate this day, ensuring you have a whole day filled with fun, laughter and activities that involve exploration, language experimentation, cognition, and the development of social skills; all of which are central to children’s learning and the foundation for adult achievement and creativity.
I want to challenge you to use this day, set aside your adult responsibilities and reconnect with your inner child; spend the time with your children or grandchildren, and rediscover the wonderful world of play!
Share your World Play Day activities with us by sending an email to adeleb@caxton.co.za.
Until next week, stay safe, look out for each other and have some fun!
