I grew up watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood on our black and white TV. At that time, I had no idea that he was advocating for children through media. I just knew he was kind and I related with the way he shared life. So now, fast forward several decades from the years of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood to my own understanding and love for children. Over these many years of learning about children, I have not fulfilled my calling well if I have not also learned from the children.  And I’ve learned that play is serious learning!

Perhaps the hardest part of becoming a parent is learning about your own child and their design. One over-arching characteristic or need of children, is their need for Play. Play, for young children, really is the best way for them to learn! They learn to write by first manipulating playdough. They learn to count by first picking up sticks. They learn to read by first working puzzles. They learn shapes by stacking blocks. When we, as adults, can set aside our check list of expectations for our children and give them the space to play, we are encouraging them to learn. As they experience new ways of playing, they are feeding their desire to learn. Fred Rogers has said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

If I’m honest, as I’ve gotten older, I have let play time stay with the children and in so doing, I may have stopped learning. When my granddaughter said, “Nan, do you want to play with me?” my first response was, “Yes, as soon as I finish cleaning the kitchen.” I caught myself asking her to wait on my adult to-do list. That response could communicate the kitchen is more important than she or my big people list comes first.

When we answer children with “I’ll play in just a minute”, we run the risk of squelching their excitement and desire to learn. We down-play their play needs. We ignore their request for companionship. So, back to that dirty kitchen. I left the dishes where they were and went to play in her Play Kitchen. And do you know what happened? I learned how to make soup from foam shapes and can be served from a plastic easter egg. I also learned to wait, imagine, and relax. I learned that children are full of whimsy and creativity. And I also learned to enjoy the space and time while playing. I hope I never stop learning how to play from the children! Play is serious learning!

~Nanette

P.S. We offer Open Play every month in our Children’s Building Lobby. Open Play is designed to just come play with your child while also having conversations with other parents. Our next Open Play is October 17 at 10:00 a.m.