The Value of Play

The mental health of our youth is at a critical juncture.  During the pandemic, the number of students that sought help with a mental health issue tripled. While it is encouraging that so many have been empowered to speak up, the unfortunate reality is that as a society we were already at a crisis point before Covid commandeered our lives. The combination of these facts is startling and scary - and oftentimes leads us to a place of hopelessness. And mental paralysis. Wanting to help our young people, but seeing a problem so vast it is hard to know what to do or how to help. So we stay stuck in neutral.

The question is simple - “what can we do?” The answer is that there is no right answer. Actually, that isn’t true. The answer is “something.” We will not cure mental health or prevent every child from struggling with something. But lest that not be a deterrent. Every day, new initiatives are being fostered. Big and small ways to combat the ever-changing landscape that is young people’s lives. True innovation that will be revolutionary in the years to come. That is encouraging, and of course, helpful.

However, one of the simplest ways to do something to help has been around forever. Play. Certainly there are tangible benefits to playing sports as a kid. They provide lessons in just about every aspect of life; success, failure, adversity, pressure, belonging, pride, diversity, identity. And the list goes on and on. I’m sure that many of you can remember fondly a memory made through sports from your childhood. Whether that memory is of glory or a moment that hardened us through failure, they helped shape who we could become.

But beyond organized sports, there is an even simpler joy that comes from simply playing. Anything. I used to love shooting hoops in my driveway with my Dad. Maybe your son or daughter loves kicking the soccer ball around with Mom. A family game of frisbee? Big brother or sister teaching little brother or sister how to swing a golf club - or softball bat. A game your family made up themselves that only they know the rules too. It doesn’t even need to sports. Chess or checkers anyone? Playing make believe. Playing dress up. It honestly doesn’t matter. When we play, we communicate. In ways that we might not even realize. The camaraderie and fun that playing provides leads to communication. Communication leads to openness. Certainly not all at once, but over the course of time. And through the course of repetition. Consistency can be relied on. Consistently playing can combat the negative things that want to intrude on young people’s minds. Again, not a cure all. But something that we can do every day that helps push back on the anguish that affects so many of us.

So, I encourage you to get out and play! And if they resist, you persist. Once you get out there, everyone will be glad they did. Regardless of what you decide to play. Happy throwing, kicking, pushing, pulling, pawn-moving. Whatever it may be!