RIGHT TO PLAY

 

            Right to play. People may find it weird but yes it is one of the child rights. Wish we knew about it when we were child. Many would be able to recall their mothers shouting “padhai ka time ho gaya hair, ghar aa jao”, “enough of playing” etc. As it is rightly said lucky exceptions are always there. But that’s okay.

          When I used to hear mothers shouting those stuff, I would get nostalgic and just smile. I said I used to, it’s past because neither you see many playing outside nor you hear there mom’s shouting. It’s because today’s children whom we often refer as tomorrow’s leaders are tech savvy.

1.     They don’t play outside for various reasons.

2.     Even if they, they want to reach home as soon as possible to get along with their mobiles, laptops, etc. (video games are out dated)

These kind of games can be encouraged to an extent but if it is extended beyond then it would result in problems within the child, like, frequent headaches, vision problem, lack of physical fitness, prolonged playing results in restlessness and even deaths (check the case where a child died as he was continuously playing game).

I said they don’t play outside for various reasons. It can be considered in a better way they are not allowed to play outside. The various reasons are like

1.     Security reasons- as so many crimes are happening around, parents being frightened is obvious.

2.     Health concerns- seasonal diseases are another cause. It is a matter of concern.

3.     Insecurities- worry about their child getting involved any wrong practices or getting to wrong circle.

4.     Out of choice- they simply don’t want their child to go out and play. These people also try to influence others also.

 

          Eventually this is the responsibility of parents to keep their child active. Only games/ PeT hours are not enough. Children should be encouraged for outdoor games. Rather than imposing the choice of game they should be exposed to other games also. And hence there should also be a freedom of choice. There is nothing wrong if I say that once a child enters his/her teens they themselves pave way for their choice of sport. And many parents don’t encourage them. They should be appreciated, encouraged; encouraged to go ahead and pursue it to another level. You never know the same child might bring laurels to your family, state, it can be even country. I really like the sports quotas thing. It helps even the low achievers and sometimes it also helps Below Poverty Line to secure admissions. It should be encouraged at a larger level. I would suggest that every school should have compulsory extra-curricular of choosing a sport and the student should be allowed to change also. It is an age to play; play to the fullest.