Do we still have time to play?

With May coming to an end and the holidays on the horizon the question of many children at the clinic has been: is there still time for us to play?

In 1999, the International Toy Library Association, an international entity of toy libraries, chose May 28th as a date to draw attention to the importance of this essential part of the children's universe. With the recognition of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), from the year 2000, the date began to be celebrated in more than 40 countries. So, in addition to helping many stores sell more toys, there was also the opportunity to reflect a little on our lifestyle.

Many say that today's children need to "play more" or that "they don't play like they used to because they are always hooked on games on their phones and tablets." Would these games be the choice of the moment? Or the most available?

Playing is part of human development and has a function throughout our lives: you must have heard that when playing children learn, right? Perhaps what is missing in today's world is not play but time to play...

Many studies discuss the importance of play and that day-to-day fun has become one more task on the children's agenda with scheduled times. Playing, for some, has become an obligation!

And how is it in your house? Is there still time to play? I hope​ there is because the 28th is tomorrow.

Vanessa Meirelles

Psychopedagogue Researcher of Human Identity

Master in Social Psychology from PUC São Paulo

Member of the Brazilian Association of Psychopedagogy - ABPp 722