Most parents frown when the kids don’t do anything but play video games.
Video games can be good in training reflexes as well as strategies. Furthermore, it can also provide a common topic for kids to socialize. However, too much of just video games can suffocate physical activities or can lead to dis-interest in academics / homework. Isn’t it true that too much of anything is bad for you?
Fun (or total engagement) is an essential part of play. Fun can be different for different people. Some people think roller coaster is fun while others hated the experience with a passion. Your preference do change over time. Through play, lessons can be learned and remembered easily because the participants are totally engaged and passionate about it.
A lot of new immigrant families freak out when they see that their kids don’t have much homework. Shortly after a two week spring break, some school districts get another two day professional day off. It seems like kids go to school so that they can have holidays! Parents wonder how can you achieve excellence if you don’t work hard. However, in recent years, there are lots of talk about the merits of the Finnish’s flexible, noncompetitive learning. There are also lots of talk about the value of free play.
There are lots of people like me with selective learning/memory. I only remember things I am interested in or that I think is relevant. During my high school & college years, I excel in subjects that I love. I think I could have done a lot better in some subjects if only my teacher presented the topics differently to intrigue my interest or make it more fun/cool.
Following is a video of a classical music performance and if I knew classical can be this much fun, I might have learnt more about it.
Through play, we learn to accept the possibility of losing and be okay with it. We gain relevant experiences through play. We also learn the social aspect of play; like when and where; what is acceptable behaviour and much more. Watch the following video of a pair of tiger cubs playfighting.
Exercise
How can you incorporate more fun into your training?
What are the essential attributes for play within the martial arts context?