So this week I was wondering what
to write for the blog, then I saw it right in front of me.
On Saturday morning I was busy
trying to do house chores when I looked outside the window to see a little boy
playing football. He was so consumed by it, that he imagined himself on a field
with friends (I guessed so). He kept on calling names and then saying pass the
ball, kick it hard, just shoot pass it here and goooooal. My grandmother joined
me and was like “the kid is disturbing his mum, she’s still asleep.”
I just grinned and acted like I had not noted her concern about the sleeping mother. I kept on
staring at the little boy. He happily kicked the ball from one side of the compound to another.
And smiled widely when he reached the other side of the compound, banging the
wall with the ball and shouting out loud gooooal. I looked at him and somehow pitied him. I
felt his loneliness and lacking of buddies to play with. He reminded me of my
childhood when I had to make imaginary friends and play with them in the same
manner. It’s not like there were no other kids in the neighborhood, it was
morning and they were still locked up in their homes.
Well I didn’t have anything that
I could do at that moment because I was occupied. So I thought maybe I would
write something about it. We as grownups have to understand that the fun part
of being a child is to be able to play, not just playing alone like the boy I
saw., but to be able to play with other kids of the same age and circle of
life. It’s an overwhelming feeling when you can just say something that those
who are around you can just blend in. Locking kids at home all day everyday is
not good. Even if they would be studying they still need an essential part of
their growth, i.e. play. Not just play with classmates or schoolmates. They need
to meet other kids too, that’s how bonds of friendship are created.
So as a parent you might e
concerned about which kinda kids your child blends in with, if this is your
thought then it’s fine though am not yet a parent I understand. If you are not
comfortable with your neighborhood then you need to find another circle of
friends for your son or daughter. Just like you would go around looking for a
great saloon for your hair then do the same for your child. Move that extra
mile, go ask your friends if they would like to let both your kids join
together and play over the weekend. Ask them if they can all go out together
for a game or picnic as long as you know that your kids get to play. It creates
a magical moment for them. They feel love around, they feel accepted not just
by their parents or guardians but also by those who are their peers. It teaches
them the importance of friendship and respect right from a young age. Playing
games helps them build self esteem and confidence that they can do something
and be able to make something out of it.
