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by Mary Ann Abbott, Parent Consultant
North Seattle Community College
 Seattleites search for the sun! Lately it's been hard to find. Adults and children are eager to don shorts, and get out and play! One Seattle native captured his summer philosophy this way: "I work hard, and I play hard." Obviously, work had to be important to him, but he also intentionally made time to play. He considered playing an important part of his life.
Carving out a scheduled play time may be a desire for many adults, but not all adults can actually play as much as they want. For some people, play and work are mixed together. Summer's relaxed schedule is an opportunity for many people to engage in play; hopefully, many NQACC parents will find time to play-time to engage in fun, stress-free activities.
What about young children? It seems they have a lot of time to play. They are free from the daily, mandatory work schedule which brings income and puts "bread on table." Is this a carefree life, void of serious involvement? Many early childhood educators would remind us of the common expression: "Play is children's work." Play is serious involvement by children!
In play, young children deal with many aspects of reality. Through play, children make sense of their world. They experiment with new ideas and expand knowledge and skills. They learn how to get along with others and problem solve. They do what they're interested in. They make their own learning. They participate in trial and error. They dream and imagine. They have fun! They get dirty and messy! This kind of playing takes concentration, endurance, and creativity.
Child psychologist David Elkind, Professor of Child development in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development at Tufts University, has written the book, "The Power of Play," which trumpets the value of spontaneous, unstructured play. In several earlier books, Elkind had argued that children and families are too scheduled, too rushed, too pushed. The hurriedness of life squelches a child's spirit and creativity.
In this latest book, Elkind encourages "down-time" for children. That's time when a child can play without any prescribed agenda from anyone. It's time to be, to explore, to dream, to create. He asserts that it's easy for families to be over programmed with electronic learning, academics, sports, lessons, etc. and crowd out the simplicity of simple play. The sub-title of the book -"How spontaneous, imaginative activities lead to happier, healthier children," gives a glimpse of Elkind's ideas to safeguard simple play in family life today. Simple play is still foundational to healthy child development, despite modern day pressures and competitiveness. The book addresses play for children of all ages. He also reminds adults of their need for play, even if they are not Seattleites!
What does simple play look like this summer in your family?
When can your family play, without a prescribed agenda?
Is it casual time at the beach and molding uncomplicated sand castles?
Is it a picnic on a blanket while listening to and watching birds?
Is it saying good-bye to the gorgeous sunsets each night?
Is it playing hide and seek at dusk with cross-generation members?
Is it strolling in the park and smelling the flowers?
Is it a family reunion with silly games and crazy fun?
Is it playing catch or kickball or kick the can?
Is it splashing each other in a wading pool or with the sprinkler?
Is it crawling under the table to visit princesses in the "castle?"
Is it playing "chase!"
Is it a road race competing with Lightning McQueen?
Summer is the perfect time to provide for the spontaneous, unstructured play which Elkind describes. It's also a good time to intentionally plan for spontaneous, unstructured play when Seattle's weather is dark or rainy. Martha Stewart's trademark words apply here: "It's a good thing!"
It is a good thing when children and adults play together! | 
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