Food for Thought—
Rechild isn’t alone in seeing that play is an important key element in our lives. There are many articles, TED Talks and scientific researches about the importance of play. Here we listed some of our favorites for you to play around and learn why we do what we do.
Play articles
“Think about how kids are excited all the time,” Mr. Harry said. “That’s basically what we’re all trying to get back to.” This New York Times article is about what play is and how we can get there as grown-ups.
The National Institute for play website gives a lot of information about the importance of play, not only for children but especially for adults. Please also read other articles on the website, like ‘How We Play’ and ‘Play Personalities’.
A National Geographic article about play and the relating between play, humans and animals.
‘This is why we need to take play serious’
In this article read Part 4. ‘The Characteristics of Play’ and if you want the complete story read also Part 1. ‘Stages of Play’, Part 2. ‘Born to Play’, Part 3. ‘Types of Play’ and Part 5. ‘Adult Roles in Child’s life’.
“The opposite of play if not work. It is depression”. In this article Allen Baird explores the medicinal value of play and practical ways to incorporate it into working life to help people's mental health.
In this article Rutger Bregman, author of HumanKind, writes about why even children lost the capability of play. He comes with interesting facts and a good distinction between game and play.
Play-talks
By far the most inspirational Ted Talks about the importance of play by Dr. Stuart Brown, who is the founder of the National Institute for Play where he studies the scientific knowledge on play behavior and its implications in everyday life.
Dr. John Cohn - the self confessed nerd in his colored coat - says he’s at his most creative, influential, productive and happy when he is playful at his work. By playful he means being in a state of childlike innocence. Playfulness is not just about enjoying your work, you get more creative at work, as studies show.