“The consequences of play deprivation are profound — a growing crisis that threatens children’s health, fitness, and development. As free, outdoor play declines, fitness levels decline, waistlines expand, and a host of health problems follow, including obesity, heart disease, rickets, and a spiraling upturn in emotional and social disorders. The solutions are complex and require massive, coordinated action.”
We talk about the perils of play deprivation here, but I tend to focus on the benefits of play and time spent outdoors in nature. But play deprivation is is real, has long-lasting consequences, and it is utterly preventable.
Learn more about play deprivation and get involved in some of the great work that is going on across the globe. The following is a list of some of the groups working on play and related issues. If you know of others, please leave them in the comments section.
HSBS Center for Physical Development & Outdoor Play
International Play Association (and IPA USA)
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The Association for the Study of Play
The National Institute for Play
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
photo credit: Axel Bührmann
Playing outdoors is fundamental to the survival of our planet.
Renowned UK outdoorsman, Ray Mears, once said: “If we learn to enjoy being in wild places, we will look after them better.”
Playing outdoors in nature is not only crucial for human development, it is crucial for understanding and fostering a more sustainable lifestyle.
Whichever organisation you are a part of, however you live your life, MAKE TIME FOR PLAYOUTDOORS!
Thanks Bethe, for showing just how many organisations are out there promoting and sustaining play for all.
@wildelycreative´s last blog ..Autumn Harvest – Pine Sap
Thanks for all the resources Bethe.
As a mom, one of the best ways I’ve found to combat play deprivation is with this one sentence, “You can go play outside or you can clean the bathroom.”
Works every time they’d rather be inside playing video games!
Robin´s last blog ..Clotheslines are for more than just those who want to be quaint
I take care of a lot of children and I can always tell which kids play lots- these children have great imaginations, usually much better vocabulary, social interaction skills etc…
These are great resources Bethe! Thank you!
For the waldorf approach Sofia’s Hearth is also nice. Waldorf incorporates lots of play into the learning classroom and the early childhood years are almost exclusively playful.
Shannon´s last blog ..Children and Nature Movement in Rhode Island
Thanks for the great list Bethe.
At the end of the day parents have the biggest job; maybe we’ve become slaves to the TV images of happy kids playing with toys, all clean and controlled and indoors.
I’m with Robin, “Play outdoors or do chores” would get me outside every single time. In fact that was #1 on my list of Ten Tricks to Get Kids Outdoors.
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Thanks, ladies. There really is so much going on in the area of play and kids and nature. Exciting stuff for so many reasons.
I like that many of the above-listed groups and others working to promote outdoor play are coalitions. Cheers to varied organizations (and individuals!) coming together to promote a common cause!
Good list of resources. It’s so important to get children outside and playing. My daughter’s teacher calls her “uniquely imaginative”, and I have no doubt that that is because it is so hard to get my daughter to stop imagining. Tough on teachers, good for her future.
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Outside play is SO important…. and Fun! Our family Loves camping, the boys are always so good because they are able to play outside all weekend. It’s amazing to see how they entertain themselves without any “toys” Just sticks, rocks and dirt…. what more could you ask for?!
Anytime one of the boys is in a grumpy mood (or when they were really little if they started crying) a trip outside is all they need to put a smile on their face.
Elizabeth (Baby Signs With Elizabeth)´s last blog ..The Color Of Autism
Thans for keeping us honest – it is so easy to let the everyday chores get in the way of playing.
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