Paying attention to child’s play

I’ve been paying closer attention to my kids lately.
My 10-year-old son has a unique gait, sort of a wobble. I can pick him out of a crowd 200 metres away, as school lets out.
I don’t know if it’s his overstuffed backpack or his own personal style. I watched intently one afternoon, looking for his quirks and mannerisms. It made me chuckle.
I see him talk to himself; stage mock battles of some sort, and likely picturing himself as a modern-day superhero of sorts, albeit in a smaller stature.
He is a typical boy. I guess I forgot all about that, pushing my inner child aside as life gets more complicated and taxing. I still maintain a collection of tiny model aircraft – they make me smile and for a few, brief moments each day I’m taken aloft, soaring through the clouds.
These are collectibles, not toys, yet my wife and eldest daughter make fun of me for my one harmless hobby.
My boy has different tastes and today’s playthings are much more varied and plentiful, offering youngsters a cornucopia of imagination-stimulating possibilities.
And that’s what it’s all about – taking a break from reality to simply play. I have committed the following quote to memory to sum this up: the more complicated the mind, the greater the need for the simplicity of play. I think it came from a Star Trek episode, but likely has older origins.
When I stroll past my son’s room and hear his “noises,” I smile again. When I enter he waits for a critical word, but lately I’m more apt to flop down beside him and engage in outlandish battles and journeys.
I should have done it more often, instead of telling him to make his bed or tidy up his mess.
My youngest daughter, even at 5, amuses herself in often intense play time, where she bosses around her Barbies and creates wonderful art on her desk and dresser. Of course, when asked about this, she admits nothing! She’s as clever and evasive as she is cute. Let’s face it, dollies aren’t my thing, but I have played, even though I’m taken to task for my improper play style. My dolls jump, yell and fight, what can I say?
My eldest, who recently became a teen, is a bit beyond interacting with dear, old dad. She desperately wants to grow up and experience grown-up things. She watches teen movies, makes crafts and sings loudly (she’s actually quite good) as if to make a statement to the world.
We have kept all of the good, old toys in the basement and I often find her rummaging around, picking out some oldie, but goodie. She can also be found playing with Hot Wheels and for some strange reason, she tends to like the really odd cars of the ‘70s of the ‘80s, like station wagons, Gremlins and Pacers! Don’t tell me these are making a comeback! I understand retro, but come on!
Does play really tell you a lot about someone? Psychologists will say yes and there’s likely mountains of data on play behaviour.
The bottom line is to allow them the simplicity of play. And, it doesn’t hurt to get down on the floor with them and let loose. Getting up is another matter!
Have fun!