Chris McEachron, M.S.’s Post

In the insightful words of Barbara Hendricks from her book "Designing for Play," we're invited to revisit our childhood through a modern lens. Hendricks poignantly notes, "Playfulness teaches us as adults to step back and recognize that while we played when we were children, we lack the experience of contemporary childhood." This observation opens a window into the evolving nature of play - a transition from the untethered outdoor escapades and imaginative explorations of our past to today's digital playgrounds where technology reigns supreme. But what does this shift mean for us and the generations to come? It's more than nostalgia; it's a reflection on how the essence of play has transformed, influencing creativity, problem-solving, and social interactions. We invite you to share your fondest childhood play memory and contrast it with what you observe in children's play today. How do you think these changes impact the development and imagination of today's youth? Join the conversation below and let's explore the profound implications of the play generation gap together. https://lnkd.in/gn-5TStj #PlayGenerationGap #ChildhoodMemories #DigitalPlayground

When was the last time you allowed yourself to play? As adults, we often forget how to play. Children naturally embrace it, while we tend to view it as something inappropriate or unproductive. But play isn’t just for kids—it's a powerful tool for adults too. Let me share two important insights I’ve gained about the value of play: Relieves Stress and Elevates Mood: Play is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and elevate your mood. It helps us reconnect with our inner child, find joy in the present moment, and recharge. This leads to greater focus, creativity, and energy in all areas of life. Requires Minimal Time and Resources: Incorporating play into your life doesn’t demand a lot. It can happen anywhere, at any time—whether it’s through a physical activity, a board game, a card game, or simply playing with your children. All it takes is the willingness to embrace it. As we recently celebrated Children’s Day in October, ask yourself: how are you going to incorporate play into your life moving forward?

Play is for adults! I repeat… Play is DEFINITELY for ADULTS! While many of us might think of children engrossed in games, laughter, and imagination as the definition of play, play is a vital part of our well-being, no matter our age! We often forget the importance of play in our lives, dismissing it as something trivial or unproductive. Play is the balancing factor that helps manage stress, develop creativity, and strengthen relationships. If you don’t think you need play in your life, I kindly remind you today that it is false! Play is NOT frivolous, you NEED play to battle the things that are hard about being human! Now, there is a difference between adult play and childhood play. As we get older we tend to have different purposes and intentions in our play. Some of us focus on play towards goals and interests (like running a 5k to work on fitness or joining a club to be more social). But play doesn’t have to have an outcome. As children we played spontaneously, just to try things out in our world. Anything can be play if it incites joy or relaxation. Complexity often comes with play as an adult but don’t get hung up about that. Simple star-gazing or taking a walk can afford you enough joy to be considered play. Remember spinning in a circle as a kid for no apparent reason? That’s play! Although I will pass on what would now become a barf-fest for me.  The saddest thing to me is that we often lose play as an adult because responsibilities take over. Even I struggle sometimes, forgetting that I have the power to infuse play into my life when things are tough. Responsibilities do not have to be joyless. We can choose to infuse play into our most mundane or stressful parts of life. At the very least, we can promise and follow through on some play after the serious tasks are taken care of, right? What will you do to take 10 seconds, 10 minutes, or even an hour to bring you joy today? I hope we both grow our play muscles by making it a habit!

A DAY FOR PLAY Play opens up a whole world of possibilities. That’s why the LEGO Foundation got together and successfully called on the United Nations General Assembly to adopt an annual International Day of Play, on this day 11th of June. They did this because they believe every child can reach their full potential, with the time, space and access to play. It’s time to put play back on the agenda. On this day, and every day. Play is a fundamental right; it builds resilience, instils confidence and helps children develop. But children need time to play. That’s where we need policies, training and funding to get play integrated into education and community settings. Play heals through learning, life skills and psychosocial well-being. That’s why there must be investment into diverse, inclusive and safe play spaces, extending access to all, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised children. INVEST in children’s well-being by protecting our right to play. PROVIDE children with more time and opportunities to play, including in school. PROTECT our right to play by creating safe and accessible places to play, including for those of us with special needs. RESPECT our rights to be heard in decisions impacting our right to play. SUPPORT us in developing social skills through play. There are so many reasons we should all be celebrating the power of play.

Breaking news… play is not just for children.  I mean, maybe we need a more sophisticated word for play so that we get rid of the childish persona.  To play is to be alive and therefore PLAY IS FOR ADULTS!!!  Play simply feels good.  It is also combats stress, helps us be innovative, and creates bonds in our connections.  If you don’t think you need play, you are missing out.  Play is NOT frivolous… you NEED play to battle the difficulties that come with simply being human! I hope to be able to rebrand the concept of play for adults.  I don’t need a cutesy cartoon to be playful.  I don’t want to ever sit my booty on a see-saw ever again.  And surely, Monopoly isn’t my only option for joy.  And that’s where we redefine the definition of play for an adult versus a child.  We can absolutely take part in child-like play!  Please do get on the floor with your children, nieces/nephews, or puppies.  However, as we get older we might crave more intention in our play.  Some focus on an outcome or goal, like running a 5k or completing a cycle of book club.  But play does not have to have outcomes.  Star-gazing or brushing your own hair are simple examples of pleasurable actions that are play!  So spin in a circle like when you were a kid if that feels good.  I won’t lie, I’m skipping that barfable option. The most important point I have for you today is please don’t lose your willingness or ability to play.  Don’t let the responsibilities take over so much so that you have no joy or pleasure in your world!  We often forget we have the power to infuse even the most mundane or stressful tasks with a drop of play.  Commit to working play into your life more regularly.  You’ll see the benefits and joy snowball into more joy over time.  So, how will you incorporate play into your day today?  10 seconds as a habit over time has the power to transform your life!

Play is for adults! I repeat… Play is DEFINITELY for ADULTS! While many of us might think of children engrossed in games, laughter, and imagination as the definition of play, play is a vital part of our well-being, no matter our age! We often forget the importance of play in our lives, dismissing it as something trivial or unproductive. Play is the balancing factor that helps manage stress, develop creativity, and strengthen relationships. If you don’t think you need play in your life, I kindly remind you today that it is false! Play is NOT frivolous, you NEED play to battle the things that are hard about being human! Now, there is a difference between adult play and childhood play. As we get older we tend to have different purposes and intentions in our play. Some of us focus on play towards goals and interests (like running a 5k to work on fitness or joining a club to be more social). But play doesn’t have to have an outcome. As children we played spontaneously, just to try things out in our world. Anything can be play if it incites joy or relaxation. Complexity often comes with play as an adult but don’t get hung up about that. Simple star-gazing or taking a walk can afford you enough joy to be considered play. Remember spinning in a circle as a kid for no apparent reason? That’s play! Although I will pass on what would now become a barf-fest for me. The saddest thing to me is that we often lose play as an adult because responsibilities take over. Even I struggle sometimes, forgetting that I have the power to infuse play into my life when things are tough. Responsibilities do not have to be joyless. We can choose to infuse play into our most mundane or stressful parts of life. At the very least, we can promise and follow through on some play after the serious tasks are taken care of, right? What will you do to take 10 seconds, 10 minutes, or even an hour to bring you joy today? I hope we both grow our play muscles by making it a habit!

What Do We Mean by “Play”? Play is tied to cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Play is the vehicle for learning, especially in early development, but actually throughout our lives. Human play can be looked at a number of different ways. When we talk about social play, we speak of a process of moving from solitary play with objects, the body, and the environment, and expanding to parallel play, cooperative play, and collaborative play. When we think about symbolic play, we break it down into these categories: sensorimotor play, early and later pretend play, rule-based play, and strategy-based play. Play Has Specific Characteristics, a1) ccording to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, in their article, Five Essentials to Meaningful Play, there are five essential components of play: 1) Children make their own decisions. 2) Children are intrinsically motivated. 3) Children become immersed in the moment. 4) Play is spontaneous, not scripted. 5) Play is enjoyable. Helping children to become storytellers through play is giving a gift that helps him become more connected to others. How are you encouraging the art to play with your children? Play, learn and celebrate the 10 Commandments with the Squeeze Ten Commandments Game today! #squeezetencommandments #lovethetenandlivethepromise

🌟 It's the very first International Day of Play! 🌟 As an educator and school leader myself, I've seen firsthand how play transforms young minds. Remember those days when you couldn't focus unless learning felt like an adventure? That was me! It was only through stories, games, and hands-on activities that I truly engaged in school. And let's not forget those late evenings playing hide and seek or creating epic indoor adventures with friends. Why is play so crucial? 🤔 Because it's not just about fun—it's about developing resilience, leadership, and creativity. Did you know? 1. 71% of children say play is important because it makes them happy, and 58% say that it helps them make friends and have a good time with others. 2. It is estimated that 160 million children around the world are working instead of playing or learning. 3. Only 1 in 4 children play out regularly on their street compared their grandparents generation where almost three-quarters said they played outside a few times a week. 4. 41% of children had been told to stop playing out by either their parents or other adults such as neighbours. Source : United Nations Today, on June 11, 2024, let’s champion every child’s right to play. Try new play ideas with your kids, spread the word, and let’s make every day filled with playful moments. Who's with me? How will you celebrate play with your children today? Share your ideas and let's inspire each other! 🙌 🙌 #InternationalDayOfPlay #PlayMatters #ChildhoodDevelopment

‘Share your experiences – and help shape play policy’ - Child in the City The #RaisingTheNation Play Commission suported by Centre for Young Lives needs your input and ideas to help shape policies that can improve children’s access to play. An open call for evidence began in June, seeking input from individuals and organisations involved in all aspects of children’s play provision. The closing date for submissions is 30 September, and it’s hoped that many more people, including parents, guardians, children and young people themselves, will share their ‘lived experiences’ of access to – or lack of it – play in their communities ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/edSmFGcR In particular, the commission is asking for feedback on the following questions: - How do we boost learning through play? - How do we expand places and environments where children can play? - How can we use children’s right to play to ensure national and local government support children’s play? - How do we provide children and families with more time to play? - How do we harness technology and the digital world to boost children’s play? - How do we encourage parents to play with their children and to encourage their children to play in the offline world? Paul Lindley OBE said there had been an ‘unforgivable absence of vision’ for creating play opportunities in recent years. It's vitally important that the new government urgently address the decline in children's play over recent decades. This 👆🏼is why Play England are calling for meaningful change as part of the government’s legislative programme set out in the King's Speech, through the introduction of play sufficiency legislation and a new national play strategy ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gWCHVGSR 🏫🚸🌿🍁🍂🪵 🚲 🛴 🛹🛼 🛝 🏃🏼♂️🏃🏼♀️🏃🏾👩🦽🚴🏿🚏🚶🏻🤸🏾♂️🤸🏼♂️🌳🏘️ #RaisingTheNation #PlayCommission #PlaySufficiency #FreePlay #Play #PhysicalLiteracy #PhysicalActivity #ActiveTravel #PlayStreet #SchoolStreets #StreetPlay #HomeZones #Parks #FreerangeUrbanNeighbourhoods #FUN #Playces #Splace #Playgrounds #KnowBallGames #UNCRC #Article31

How "invitations to play" are good for you and your kids. An invitation to play is when you set up a toy or activity in a way that sparks your child's curiosity. Invitation to play is a great way to spark the imagination and give the child a different direction of play. It expands their way of thinking and helps them to flex those creative muscles. It can be set up in a way to encourage independent play which then gives you some time to get on and do the tasks you need to complete. It’s also a great way for kids to discover different ways to play with their current toys and how to combine different elements, experiment and use their imagination. Sometimes it might be mixing different toys to create something new or other times, setting something out in an unexpected way or unexpected place. It takes very little time to set up and can win you a good chunk of time as the kids discover their new activity or way to play. If you need more ideas, let me know.