Family Playing

Playing with our children can be a wonderful and fun experience for us all, OR it can be a big pain and a headache!

I have spent over 25 years playing with children and their families, from babies upwards, in educational settings, in the paediatric ward at the hospital, in the Child Development Center, in my Drama Therapy Clinic or in our “In The Quiet Space” (ITQS) Center in Tsfat. From my many years of experience, I know that play is one of the best and easiest ways to bond with others.

I try to use creative play and games to help enrich lives as well as adding to our joy of being together. This means taking the time to adapt the play to fit healthy social rules which keep us within acceptable and comfortable boundaries and limits, and help us concentrate and focus. The emphasis moves from competition to support and encouragement for participants whilst showing respect for the needs of others and ourselves.

In this column I hope to share some of my ideas about playing games. Many of the games will be familiar, but with a little flavour of my own drama therapy spice added for extra taste. In our Creative Workshops at ITQS we believe that by creating an atmosphere of trust, care and quiet we help to build up the self confidence and self image of our children, allowing them to really enjoy playing together.

I will also try to answer any questions you have about playing with your family. Please use our website or e-mail address to contact me.

Let’s PLAY …. Pamela