Guidepost 7 — Cultivating Play and Rest: Letting Go of Exhaustion as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth

“Neoteny,” meaning the retention of immature qualities into adulthood.

Every parent has a long to-do list. Among our adult responsibilities we also have numerous duties in relation to our children. This list can vary depending on the child's age, health, or the presence of siblings. Do most parents consider play as an important aspect to their wellbeing? I’d wager a majority would answer ‘no’. We tend to do things we need to do, like getting our children outside to play out of necessity for their health, rather than thinking, “I’m going to the park to play with them,” or maybe it’s just me?

Reflecting on my childhood, I realised I don't recall my parents engaging in 'immature' play with me. I remember fairs, parks, and horse-riding, but the participants were always other children.