Kid Play

My husband and I bought our granddaughters a bounce, slide, and wade pool combo in preparation for the hot Florida summer ahead. So far, it has been a big hit, even though the sun is brutal from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At least it cools them off, and with a slathering of sunscreen, they burn some never-ending energy instead of themselves.

It makes my heart happy to hear the girls laugh and enjoy themselves, especially outdoors.

The summers were not nearly as blazing hot when I was a kid in Illinois. I’d lay on the ground staring up, searching to distinguish animals in the clouds. I used to swing on our metal playset and tried to touch the tops of the trees with my feet. I’d play badminton with my brother and feel I’d won if I could hit the birdie over the net more than three times. I still think that way when I “play tennis” as an adult.

When we were growing up in the country, only three television channels existed. On a good day, one of those channels would tune in clearly with the assistance of aluminum foil. 

We used to invent ways to entertain ourselves without screens, unlike today, when we can access unlimited electronics and channels. Similar to television programs though, some ideas were more memorable than others.   

Sometimes, we would play croquet, which was always more fun if our Dad joined us. He kept the rules straight. We occasionally had a wading pool but mostly used it to clean our feet before entering the house.  

I would play football with my brother and his friends, but only if they didn’t have enough players. I couldn’t catch the ball, but I could run fast. In that sport, however, I quickly realized there wasn't much point in running if no one was trying to catch you. 

We played with water balloons, but I could not catch them either. I did manage to get soaked quickly, which I learned to accept as a good thing on a warm day. 

I was great at catching a frisbee, usually in an attempt to protect my face. I found it easier to grab onto a disc than an odd-shaped ball. 

When I was older, we continued to play croquet because it was a favorite of my Dad’s. We also played Jarts, which are lawn darts you throw in plastic circles on the ground, similar to horseshoes. I liked it because it was faster-paced, but unfortunately, the game was banned in 1988 due to many injuries from the sharp steel point. We never had any trauma at our house, except for hurt feelings when a throw was way off target.

Indoors, I played jacks and made up my own rules, Monopoly with our Dad, Battleship with my brother, and endless games of Go Fish, Spoons, and Rummy with whomever I could coerce into playing with me. I learned Dominoes from my Grandmother. 

My brother and I used to take turns singing popular Top 40 songs on the stoop in front of the fireplace, which acted as a stage. You'd still be in the running if you sang two lines without repeating or using a different verse of an already-sung song. When you couldn’t remember any more new music, you were out. It helped that we paid particular attention to the radio and listened to any 45 or 33-RPM records we could access. We formed an expansive musical vocabulary,  at least during the 1960’s. Even so, with the enhancement of air or broom guitar playing, my older brother was often better at the game. Still, I found the singing fun, and it filled time, even without the reward of “winning.” 

I've recognized that kids' games these days are much more complicated, just like the times we live in.

While my grandchildren are still young, I want to show them more unsophisticated ways to entertain themselves and enjoy nature.

I’m teaching them how to play Dominoes and recognize shapes in the clouds. We observe bugs, plants, and the light of the moon. We sing songs and blow bubbles, albeit through a battery-operated machine. 

My four-year-old granddaughter has repeatedly beaten me in Candy Land, the princess version. Her three-year-old sister feels accomplished when she finishes puzzles. As they grow, I plan to teach them multiple card games, especially Spoons and Uno, get them a croquet set, and play rousing games of the Monopoly- Disney version. 

After a long day, passively watching a Disney movie or a YouTube for Kids series together is easy, and sometimes we do. However, those memories will last about as long as the popcorn.

 When we play a game, we are focused on each other, communicating and making decisions. Games require interaction, participation, problem-solving skills, learning through playing, sometimes physical coordination, and more. I want to do many of them.   

Even with the water slide, we can make an obstacle course, have a treasure hunt by placing waterproof toys in the water,  display different faces as we go down,  or play “Simon Says.” 

I aim to make many memories for them that they will treasure.  

What games do you remember playing as a child and with your children or grandchildren? What ideas do you have for games to play with toddlers? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

I wish you all a fun-filled, memorable summer with your families.

Thank you for reading. I’ll have another article for you next Friday. 

Keep Smiling! (and Keep Playing!)

xx