My Connections to Play

"Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play."- Henri Matisse

As a child I loved playing in the steam near our house.

"Creative play is like a spring that bubbles up from deep within a child."-Joan Almon

 

My parents were advocates of imaginative and active play.  My childhood involved countless hours of creative play. A majority of my play was outdoors. As a child I remember them doing things like building snow forts with me and exploring the woods behind our home. 

 

I feel that play has changed so much since I was a child. Children today think of play as interactions with technology. Most children spend a majority of their free time either on the computer or watching movies. I feel that play today is less active and engaging. Children want to be entertained effortlessly, they don't want to have to work for it. 

 

Nature was my playground.

Play has played a vital role in my life. It has helped form the way I look at the world and other people. As a new mom I look forward to introducing my son to the enjoyment of play. Life would be boring without play. 

Relationship Reflection:

“Human relationships, and the effects of relationships on relationships, are the building blocks of healthy development” (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000, p. 4).

I have many relationships in my life that have a positive influence on me. 

My Parents:

My parents raised me to respect myself and others and to value life experiences. My dad isn’t the most vocal person, but I have never doubted that he loves me. He taught me that actions really do speak louder than words. I have many childhood memories including my dad helping me build a fort, playing in the snow, and teaching me how to change a tire. Now that I am an adult, my dad continues to be there for me and support me in all of my endeavors. My mom is a very special woman. She has always been there when I needed consolation. She has great compassion for people and is always there to lend a hand. Now that I am grown up, she is the one I call when I need someone to listen to me. She has taught me the importance of really listening to someone when they are talking.

My Husband:

My husband is my best friend, our relationship is trusting and open. Jon has helped me to become a better communicator. When we first met I had difficulty sharing my true feelings at times. We were married six years ago and since then we have grown closer and have watched our relationship grow and mature. 

My Son:

In August I gave birth to my son Lance. Our relationship is new and we are still forming it and learning about each other. He has taught me things about myself that I never knew. For instance, I never knew that I had so much patience! He can be very fussy at times and I have learned to just keep my chin up and continue on. 

My Friends:

I have several friends who I can depend on to always be there when I need them. They are always there to listen or offer advice. I would be lost without them!