I’m Just Playing MARY KATE WARD, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
When asked, “Why is play so important to include in our lives?” I find that the clearest way to define the power of play is to imagine your childhood without ever experiencing a day of play. So, consider that you have never played or participated in tag, board games, underwater screaming matches, storytelling, Disney movies, singing, action figures, dodgeball, shooting hoops, Barbies, keep-a-way, wrestling, daydreaming, card games, football, finger painting, soccer games or joke telling. If those memories weren’t in your childhood, what would you be left with? As the Youth Development Coordinator, my job is to help young people develop positive life skills by providing supportive staff, quality programs, and a safe camp environment. I do my job by incorporating play into every aspect of the programs I manage and facilitate. The American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report, “The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children,” explains how and why playing with both adults (specifically parents) and peers is key to building thriving brains, bodies, and social bonds—all important in today's world. Research shows play can improve children's abilities to plan, organize, get along with others and regulate emotions. In addition, play helps with language, math and social skills and even helps children cope with stress. Therefore, when children participate in the programs I’m responsible for, they will have the foundation leading them to become more effective and thriving adults. So, to the future I say, “You’re welcome.” However, the benefits of play in our lives don’t stop once we reach a certain age. Even though play for adults is critical in our stressful go-go- go lives, our society tends to dismiss play for adults. Play is perceived as unproductive, petty or even a guilty pleasure. The notion is that once we reach adulthood, it’s time to get serious. And between personal and professional responsibilities, there’s no time to play. Many brilliant and driven adults have said “the opposite of play is work.” I believe that statement is false; I believe the opposite of play is depression. One of the things that may often stop us from playing is that we, as adults, get very set on who we are and the types of activities that we do and do not like. But play is healthy and fun, so it benefits us figuratively—or literally—to roll the dice and allow play back into our lives. Play brings joy. And it’s vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships. Remember that play is important for all aspects of our lives, and also can stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems, improve relationships and your connections to others. Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust and intimacy with others. So, I am begging all of you to give yourself permission to play every day.
Meet the Staff
MARY KATE WARD Title: Youth Development Coordinator Fun Fact: Prior to working with the City of Pearland, I was a college professor teaching interpersonal communication. Why I Serve: I serve because I believe in the power of providing purposive programs that give youth a sense of belonging, and help develop the knowledge, values, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to successfully transition into the next phase of their development.
Pearland in Motion / Fall 2020 / 19
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