Playfulness in Childhood what’s happening to it?

In the current situation our children have paid a big price, their right to play, and it will be felt. Reading an article in The Guardian about “There’s a blossoming of playfulness on the streets” by Oliver Wainwright it reminded me of my childhood play, and how awesome it was with imagination. Link

Reflecting on how much I’d love to see Gracie playing with her friends and socialising, she is a very competitive little girl and I’m always proud of my gorgeous nice, the times we had together are few but precious I made sure that she enjoyed things, even those things that were essentially boring, we made it fun. She shines a light in my life even now. 

And then realising that yes much of my childhood was littered with unfortunate events I did have a strong network of children to play alongside with and we had a laugh and from the most simplest of things. I’m sure, definite that play encouraged me to be adventurous and go outside of the ‘social norms’ of parents’ lives. We tend to forget those little people need to play. 

One thing that stands out for me in the article was the imaginative way children see the world, that creativity is so strong and in much need to nurture, grow and nourish.

Aged 6 I recall playing ‘kitchen’ with a little patch of soil where I pretended to have my own stove and cooking areas, it was almost like a little office space is to a grown up first time, but mine was new every day, creating all sorts of potions and lushness that was messy, muddy and most of all FUN! 

Looking into the future, I’d love to be allowed to arrange my sister’s garden so that she could have Gracie play out there safely and with fun. Maybe one day she will allow me? I will always be there when she lets go of her anger. But the main thing I’d like to envision is the encouragement for children to play. Me and Gracie totally love having a laugh and being silly together she is so fun and alive! It gives me reassurance of the future, my own family.