Today is the first-ever International Day of Play

Today – Tue 11 June 2024 – has been proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to be the first-ever International Day of Play 🙂

It should not come as a surprise to anyone who has followed me or playmeo’s work, that this news is very exciting.

This day adds play to the agenda, and not just for kids (although, advocating for a child’s right to play is very important.)

Why Play?

Gosh, where do I start?

Play opens up a world of possibilities. It builds resilience, promotes confidence and, let’s face it, it’s just fun to be a part of.

But more seriously, the research clearly shows that play is as critical to the development of a human being as sleep and nutrition. Yep, that’s right – just as important as sleep and nutrition. Now, no one is ever going to argue that we humans can survive and thrive without sleep. And, in the past 40 to 50 years, we have come to learn that eating a balanced nutritious diet is also a good thing for our health.

Well, the next most important element in the development of our human being-ness is play.

Just let that sink in for a moment.

Play is a State of Mind

But note, play is NOT an activity. It is a state of mind. It is a mental framework that fuels the development of our character and well-being.

For many of us, we often view play through the lens of activities that are childish or frivolous. I can understand this perspective, but it is an extremely narrow lens through which to view this important life skill.

But, don’t confuse childish with childlike, they are not the same thing. Childish is an absence of empathy, whereas childlike is filled with possibility, wonder and awe. And we could all – young people and adults alike – benefit from ample doses of childlike experiences.

Get Out & Play

In some ways, today is a little bit like how we should view other celebrations such as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. The International Day of Play should not just be celebrated one day a year – it is important enough to be on the agenda every day.

So, enough from me. To truly celebrate this day, get out there and play.

Bounce on a trampoline, get down on the floor and tug-of-war with your doggie, or pick up that lonely skipping rope and jump a few rotations.

Whatever, play and have fun.

Learn More…

For those interested, you can learn more about the International Day of Play here and here.

There are many big names involved with this movement, and in some cases, a few of them offer lots of ideas of how you can intentionally integrate play into your day.

For example, check out the Play The Play Memories Game, which is a variation of our popular Dicebreakers game

By Mark Collard - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

Comments (2)

1. 

   Clementina Renner July 12, 2024

   Your writing is both informative and engaging.
2. 

   jeWElle de Mesa June 12, 2024

   wow.

   a global day of play!

   yeyyyyy.

   thaaaaanks for this, mark.