Children are Exposed to an “All Work and No Play” Society
June 1st, 2011 
Carol 
After a long day of school with minimal movement, many youth continue their day in another controlled environment known as home. Instead of allowing youth to explore the world and create their own playful experiences, parents often strip away the opportunity for developing autonomy. The focus of parenting becomes complying with rules and protecting their children from any activity that may result in an injury. Parents are transferring their own fast-paced and structured environment onto their children. I’m referring to the current life of so many American families who wake-up early to make their children’s lunches while giving repeated reminders to get dressed and brush their teeth before rushing to get them out the door. The day continues with meeting the daily job demands, followed by running errands, driving your children to practice, paying bills and hoping to get at least four hours to sleep only to wake up and do it again.
Let’s face it, we are creatures of habit, but we have since adopted the “all work and no play” attitude. We have it ingrained in our mind that any activity, which doesn’t serve a purpose is a waste of time. However, we are missing the crucial components of play and pleasure that are essential parts of both physical and emotional human development. Childhood play is directly correlated to the development of the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for cognition and our ability to organize thoughts and feelings. According to Dr. Stuart Brown (Founder of the National Institute for Play), play allows us to experience situations we have never encountered before and learn from them in safe environments. Furthermore, we make new cognitive connections that find their way into our everyday lives resulting in learning skills and the ability to problem solve.
How do we define play? The definition for play is different for everyone whether it’s sports, flying a kite, dancing, listening to music or gardening. My childhood consisted of numerous physical activities and outdoor adventures. When I ask my pre-adolescent patients in group therapy what they do for fun, ninety-five percent of the time it’s sedentary and involving the television. I cannot argue that video games are not a form of play, but when it becomes the child’s number one go-to activity I worry about their ability to survive in the world. Children are inundated with technology (e.g. ipads, cell phones, computers, video games and HD televisions) that parents have allowed to be the most common form of play in today’s youth. I see the negative impacts on a daily basis with emotional disturbed children, who struggle through daily play therapy activities. I challenged my group of eight 12 and 13 year-olds to spend 20 minutes outside participating in a physical activity. The only two rules given consisted of moving and having fun. Materials provided were various sport balls, jump ropes, Frisbees, tug-of-war ropes, whiffle ball bat, swings, beach balls and yoga mats. Half of the group went and sat on the picnic table while the other half came to me asking what I thought they should do. I finally took out the double dutch ropes and the kids joined in with me. Without setting the environment up with rules and my participation as a therapist, they reported feeling unmotivated to move on their own.
As a society, have we inhibited our youth from exploring their environment and learning from mistakes? In this scenario, the children played only when I presented a specific activity. Although there are multiple external factors that may have also impacted their ability to interact playfully with one another (e.g. mood disorders, defiance, trauma, anxiety, safety etc.), six out of the eight children reported having no recess with two or less physical education classes per week. This is an example of a structured school environment not providing minimal opportunities for joyful play.
If we know children model parent behaviors, it would benefit adults to find time for pleasure in their own lives. If you think back to your favorite childhood memories, imagine recreating those pleasurable moments in similar scenarios. However, you have to be willing to expose yourself to play and make it a priority in your life. In a stressful work environment, set a few minutes aside to interact with a co-worker, take a walk or pick a flower. Instead of rushing to cook dinner, why not include the children or your significant other and then read a favorite magazine before bed. Children will respond to adult emotions, whether negative or positive and adapt accordingly. For example, parents with symptoms of depression commonly present a low frustration tolerance and children will tend to internalize the negative emotions resulting in their own guilt and blame. If the parent were to incorporate positive coping skills or play activities, children will be inclined to want to play as well. They will come away from the experience happier, more focused, and engaged.
Melissa Lambert, M.Ed., LPC, YFS1, Child and Adolescent Therapist
Posted in Comments (1)
Well thought out article that hits on many points in so few words. You can tell while reading it you have a passion for this topic and look forward to reading more articles about this from you in the future. Keep up the amazing work!