What's On Your Family Play List This Summer?
Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from a blog post originally published at https://www.coachmyrna.org/blog on 6/29/2022.
In the book, “Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul,” Dr. Stuart Brown explains that play is anything but trivial. It is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. We are designed by nature to flourish through play.
Dr. Stuart explains why play is essential to our social skills, adaptability, intelligence, creativity, ability to problem solve and more. Particularly in tough times, we need to play more than ever, as it's the very means by which we prepare for the unexpected, search out new solutions, and remain optimistic. In fact, play just might be the most important work we can ever do.
One point, Dr. Stuart repeats throughout the book, is that true play requires a person to let go of pride and self-consciousness. A game of Twister would be horrible if everybody were concerned about what others thought of them. In short, play requires humility. Developing a humble spirit around others allows one to truly enjoy the game. If this practice could expand to create a culture where humility is the rule, we would live in a healthier society, economically and socially.
Play is the cornerstone of happiness and being a parent allows us the opportunity to play without getting weird looks. Also, we can connect to our family in new ways when we let the playful and unguarded side of ourselves show.
So, what is on your family’s play list? What fun do you have planned in the coming summer months that can engage the whole family? Use the next family-meeting to discuss this topic. If your family play list needs some work have each member of the family answer the following three questions:
What activity makes you lose track of time?
What makes you feel free and away from the "have-to's"?
What activity allows you to be yourself?
Next, figure out what types of play all of you share. Then, plan your family’s next play outing or activity. Need some ideas to get started? Check out this site: fun-family-activity-ideas-together.
More about the Author:
Myrna Lapres has been a teacher, administrator and educator for over 25 years but her passion is working with individuals and families—to strengthen their relationships through learning how to communicate, find authentic love for themselves and explore ways to heal.
Certified as a Family & Relationship Coach Coaching, as a Safe Conversations© workshop presenter Safe Conversations and author, Myrna Lapres is an experienced educator and coach who is passionate about supporting individuals and parents in finding joy in their relationships.
In her newly released book "7 Gifts to Give Your Child—Parenting That Will Touch Their Future," she shares wisdom, tools and resources that support raising children.