“A child loves…play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. ” -Benjamin Spock
How has play helped you approach something difficult?
outside
A couple of weeks ago, we went to my sister-in-law’s family lake house in Maine. Spending time in nature reminds me of play. We played in the water with pool noodles, played a word game, and an outside game that was kind of like outdoor bowling. And we got to witness nature with wonder, like two butterflies dancing with each other or two bald eagles sitting together in a tree. Spotting wonders in nature was like a game itself. -Liz Auguste (CLF)
What is your favorite game to play outside?
trust
“Playing a game together actually builds up bonds and trust and cooperation. We actually build stronger social relationships as a result. ” -Jane McGonigal
How has play helped you form relationships of trust and cooperation?
fear
One of my best friends is a 5 year old. Her favorite thing to do is terrorize me with spiders. Little drawn spiders on scraps of paper, hand spiders through FaceTime, even a fluffy stuffed spider! The joy on her face when I fake scream makes me laugh and laugh. By the time we are done we are both laughing. After more than a year of being tortured and laughing until my sides hurt, I’m not so afraid of spiders anymore! -JeKaren Olaoya (CLF)
When has play helped you face a fear?
helping
It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”-Fred Rogers
Help someone play today and make a difference to them.