Wouldn't you love to go back in time to that period when there were no worries and all you could do is play? Many of us want that. However, it seems that our children do not have the same kind of childhood. At least not in the same sense we had it. Although the markets are bombarded with millions and gazillions types of toys, our children miss that key element of PLAY. The creativity which stems from role playing, dressing up dolls or teddy bears, playing with a friend and creating a story is often left out when we concentrate on video games or any other type of "passive" versus "active" entertainment.

I am not one to put down the new generation of toys. Times have changed and we can surely not expect our children to use the same toys we did. However, some things are basic. You cannot learn how to read before you learn the alphabet. Therefore, classic toys and games are still the basis of a child's development. They are as important as practical activities such as learning a new language and sports. No matter how much we want our kids to excel, playing is part of that path and not an obstruction.

Let me explain why!

1. First of all playing is healthy for children. Playing a sport is healthy. It teaches discipline and it make a child be part of a team. Even before a child grows up old enough to play a sport, he or she needs to learn to enjoy activities. All of this comes from playing. Be it from running outside, playing hide and seek or hopscotch, these activities are the basis for being part of a team, being competitive and enjoying the outside. There are many theories and researches which attest to this.

2. Secondly, playing develops a child's creativity. This comes in a number of ways. First, it helps them create a universe of their own. They are no longer the student, but they can be the teacher. They can be an adventurous researcher in a tropical jungle surrounded by stuffed lions and stuffed tigers. They can be Snow White leaving in the enchanted forest talking to all the forest animals waiting for their Prince Charming. They create the scenario, giving them the freedom to be and to impersonate whomever they want. Since they have to create characters their imagination grows immensely. Opposite to video games and television where all the images are "served", they are now in charge of painting the picture. Not only that, but many of these games are a lot less violent than what is pre-made, allowing a child to grow in a more harmonious way.

3. Thirdly, playing develops a child's social skills and they are also educational. Take the example of the jungle scene. With the use of a stuffed tiger, a child can learn all about its habitat, the type of food it eats, what is a pray animal, etc. This opens up the world, literally and makes it a lot more fun. Moreover, by playing, a child develops his or hers social skills. Whether jumping rope or playing with stuffed animals, kids learn how to interact with each other and depend on one another. If it weren't for the other two kids holding the rope, then the game would not be possible.

Playing is vital to a child's development. By being able to transpose themselves to a world of make-belief they absorb the real world around it and make it more fun. Plus, they grow up in a healthier, more creative and sociable way. As the world starts developing we should not forget about the basic ABC of play. Also, as parents, we should always take the time to be part of the play and be the damsel in distress worth saving from the fearful lion or the mighty king in their emerald castle. This is what real childhood is. This is what will trigger the best memories later on.