Several years ago, I was about to go to a child development forum, when an upbeat organiser called and asked:. And by the way, to get everyone energised we will be having some playful activities for delegates. My stomach turned. I had no childhood photos, few memories of play and forced playfulness as an adult seemed terrifying.
She recounted asking a family friend why he left the room whenever board games were suggested. He described the inconsolable memories of a playless, and perhaps loveless childhood.
He had never really learned to play and now it made him feel awkward and shameful. Perry used the story to illustrate a challenge for many parents.
I had never verbalised or thought consciously about my own play-phobia, until this moment. Play is an obvious biological imperative for every child.
It is the foundation of our ability to learn and to build the relational skills needed for love, friendship and even healing from pain. Feeling safe and loved at home provides the secure base necessary to explore and play. Child trauma short-circuits play with another biological imperative, survival.
