"Playing Out" During Childhood

While growing up one thing that I deeply enjoyed was to play outside my house with the other children on the road. We would play all kinds of games such as Stuck in the mud, Hide and seek and Grandma's footsteps. Not only did I find that it helped me social with the others, however me being the oldest was left with a lot of responsibility, especially when it came to ensure the others safety. This gave me a sense of leadership which I was extremely proud of and hoped to gain more.

Most memorable time of my childhood.

While playing the different games with the children gained knowledge of what it meant to take turns and to also take into account how others would feel. I was able to sympathize with the children when they would get hurt or upset and would try to help them.

The main thing I was able to do while playing out, as we used to say, was to develop physically, socially and emotionally. I was able to gain the independence and freedom I needed in addition to being able to rely on the adults when I needed the help. Due to this I believe I am who I am today and for that I am grateful.

Another memory that I have is playing with my older brothers and sisters. I remember thinking that I would be the fastest in the family as I used to be pretty fast in my class, little did I know that that wasn't entirely right. After loosing to my elders I remember getting really upset, and throwing a tantrum as my family says, and not participating in the games anymore. They were then able to encourage me to play a different game which they allowed me to win without me knowing, in order to make me feel better and continue playing the game. From this I feel that I learnt that you are not always the best at everything, however this is okay.