You're Grown, Go Play

I don’t know how else to say this. You’ve got to go play.

No, I’m not talking about the sweet little boy in the cartoon underpants. He’s already got this thing under control. The question is, will he keep it. Way over on the left side of the picture you can see a girl with her face in the water. That’s my daughter, almost twelve when this picture was taken. She’s still got it too but many, many of the kids I know have already lost play by her age.

In fact, my son isn’t in this picture because he’s sitting next to me. He’s thirteen. Eventually, he did shrug off his almost adultness, take off his shirt and shoes, and kept pace with the carefree one pictured above. I hadn’t made a fuss about it, just said I’d watch his new tennis shoes, wallet, and iPod if he wanted to get wet. The oppressive heat helped too.

I played too. I don’t do it often but put a camera in my hand and look out, my inner child takes the wheel. It happens when I paint, laugh, play board games, and on and on. It happens after about 45 seconds of dancing and lasts for as long as I can keep moving my butt. It doesn’t happen when I knit (because that shit is serious) but maybe it will be more play-like when I get more comfortable. It happens sometimes when I’m cooking and every single time I get dirty in the garden.

Every single time I get dirty in the garden, it turns into a playground.

I wasn’t the get dirty type of kid, so it surprises me but I love to dig in the dirt. I don’t even like to wear gloves (unless I’m weeding something vicious, then the extra grip helps) because I love the way dirt feels. I love being dirty and sweaty, the exact same way I love having paint all over me and my clothes. I even love it when my hands are stained for a few days after we tie dye.

Strange? Perhaps, but I understand it.

I’m a grown up who lost the art of play in childhood and has worked (ironically) very hard to reconnect. All of those things that I avoided like the plague from some age between cartoon underpants boy and my kids’ age, left me avoiding some of the best parts of myself. I missed her. I’ve had to go back for her.

You might want to go back for yours, too.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

KS G.

4:01AM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Thanks for the article.

send a green star

Chad A.

1:02AM PST on Feb 19, 2012

My coworker's son and I played "ice baseball" (hitting snowballs with a watering wand left out by the cleaners) on the roof of the building just last week and we both had a great time.

irfan d.

1:05AM PDT on Oct 5, 2011

Being playful in thought and spirit is a most potent defense against stress, depression and physical ageing. Ironically people who are playful are thought to be less sophisticated or intelligent. A flawed mindset/stereotype we have created and keep feeding it all our lives till it negates us totally.

Time to splash in the rain puddle with the cartoon underwear on!

Deb B.

10:46AM PDT on Sep 5, 2011

I've been struggling - I want to play so badly but I'm living with a depressed husband and a bipolar twin sister - the house is a prison for me but for them, it is a refuge. Agggggggh! So.... made a reservation for a B&B in AZ for myself and what do you know? My sister wants to go with me. I know she won't play the way I will but at least she will be leaving the house and I will be in a place I love and where I can play, play play for 5 days. When I get back, I will be going to play with some good friends in VA for a week. And, then....there is my funny, lively little min pin who loves to play with me when no one else will. She loves to hear me laugh and it's a good thing, because I love to laugh. Keep your wonderful articles coming. I've been reading Care 2 articles for several years but have not had the pleasure of reading your articles for some reason. Glad we have connected.

Michael L.

10:06AM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

Great article, Thanks,, I try to have fun, laugh and act like a silly kid every day, because if You act serious and sad all the time, its very unhealthy for the mind and body,,maybe Ill even look for some cartoon underpants to fit Me,,LOL.

Mady M.

3:27PM PDT on Aug 15, 2011

Excellent and for real! You can not deny your child! live your child and be your child.

Dana A.

9:54AM PDT on Aug 15, 2011

Thanks for the article Christy..we all need to lighten up and go play! I'm gonna go out now and find a swing set...lol

Jennifer C.

1:19AM PDT on Aug 15, 2011

Thanks for sharing.

Jo A.

1:06AM PDT on Aug 15, 2011

Yes, let's go and play!