Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful.
– Susan Linn

In her article, “Play and Resilience,” that she contributed to The International Play Association USA’s white paper, “The Child’s Right to Play,” Dr. Stephanie Goloway offers research on the relationship between resilience and children’s play. Here are excerpts from the paper’s conclusion:

“When one has a deep understanding of play and the protective factors that support the development of resilience, it is not hard to make the connection between play and whatever standards ‘guide’ our work with children. Both play and resilience have been critical aspects of the human experience long before standards were even a glimmer in policy-makers’ eyes. Both play and resilience will ride the waves of changing standards and be with us long after each succeeding set of parameters is literal and digital dust.

“As play advocates, we are responsible for connecting the dots for those who need to see them… By recognizing and valuing the specific conditions needed for the development of resilience, we can prevent resilience from becoming yet another buzzword that glimmers in and out of our awareness.

“We all face challenges. We all need to overcome adversities, large and small, and move forward. With play in our toy boxes, the development and practice of resilience can affirm and enrich our humanity with a sparkle of ‘ordinary magic’ and joy.”