Teaching kids to play...Really??

There is advertising out these days aimed at children & parents that goes something like this; "Bring back play".  Huh?  Bring back play?

Whatja talkin' about?

Where did play go?  Did someone steal it or was it misplaced?  Good grief, I always thought kids just instinctively played.  Guess not??

So "Participaction" has a web site dedicated to bringing back play for kids.  It lists various games with instructions and there is even a place where you can add a game.  Nice idea except...

We shouldn't need such a web site!!!

What has this world come to when we, as parents and grandparents, can't remember and teach the games from our youth to our children??  "Participaction" has even designed the site in easy to read and follow rules so, our children can look these games up themselves.  So, where are we in all this?

Working?

Doing our own thing?

Ignoring our responsibility?

Oh, I know, we're just so BUSY!

Yuppers!  Perhaps this explains the need for this web site.  Am I being too quick to judge?  Maybe.  After all, in my generation our parents threw a ball our way, told us to get outside and play...and don't return until the street lights went on...

We learned to play.  We made up games.  We had to learn to discuss, negotiate, listen, cooperate and yes, sometimes even fight, but we played!  So...

even if today's parents can't or won't participate in their children's play...turn off the TV and video games, throw them a ball and tell them to get outside and play!  But...

maybe skip the order about the street lights...