It’s generally accepted that “playtime” is an important part of childhood development. When kids play, they learn how to form stories and use their imagination, how to make sense of the world around them and how to communicate with others. However, at some point on the road to becoming an adult, playing turns into a restricted activity. Instead of “go play” and “look at them playing, so cute,” teenagers often hear “stop playing around,” and adults are taught that playing is a privilege reserved for weekends – and certainly not something to be done at work.
As adults, what happens when we lose our sense of play? Are we more focused and “serious”? More efficient and productive? Or do we lose the ability to create scenarios and imagine “What if?” Are we stuck using only words, instead of pictures and building blocks, to communicate our vision? Do we forget how to “play nice” with others?
