Power of play

Play is far more important to a child’s development than most people realise.

WHAT is the opposite of “play”? Work. Since play is the opposite of work, it is often censured and curtailed.

Today, however, play is gaining new currency in the world, and parents and educators would do well to pay attention. Clearly, our children need playful (read: innovative, entrepreneurial, flexible, adaptable) minds to thrive amidst the rapid changes and shifts that characterise our world.

It is strange, then, that as parents and teachers, we often look askance at play. In many parts of the world, the child’s right to play seems to keep being eroded as education systems, anxious about national and international rankings, pile on reform after reform that seems to unravel childhood.

It doesn’t help that this smacks of concern for global rankings and national pride rather than concern for the child in the classroom.

Children get less and less time to play even at kindergarten level. Instead they spend more time in formal classes, private tuition and enrichment sessions, being taught all the useful skills and knowledge we think they need.

Go to ParenThots to find out more about play and its importance.

To work or not to work

Often, mothers are faced with the hard decision of continuing in their careers or quitting their jobs to stay home with the children.

There is no right decision in this issue. One mother says she gave up her job because her child started going to school and she wanted to be there when the child returned home – to listen to her stories and encourage her daily.

Another mother says she decided not to quit her job because many depended on her. In addition, working helps her children learn to accept her and her career. Besides, she asks, why should it be a choice between work and family. Why can’t women do both?

Focus on the Family

This week’s instalment deals with physical punishment. Often, as parents, we are afraid that if we don’t discipline our children, they will become spoiled.

However, parents should not start punishing their children too early.

Psychologist Dr James Dobson says the foundation for emotional and physical health is laid during a child’s first 12 months and this period should be characterised by security, affection and warmth.

source : http://thestar.com.my