The Healing Power of Play: A Pathway to Resilience
In the heart of Vinnytsia, Central Ukraine, amidst the ongoing conflict, a small yet powerful sanctuary exists within the walls of Kindergarten No. 30. This is not just a typical classroom or playground; it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and healing for children and parents alike. The "No Limits" center, housed within an air-raid shelter, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of communities striving to nurture the next generation even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The impact of war on play
War, with all its chaos and destruction, infiltrates every aspect of life, especially the lives of the youngest. Children, naturally inclined to play, laugh, and explore, find their worlds abruptly altered by the constant threat of violence. Play, once a carefree and joyous activity, now carries the weight of new fears and anxieties. Loud noises, once merely a part of their environment, have become triggers of fear. The "No Limits" center recognizes these changes and has adapted its approach to play to address these new realities.
Educators and psychologists at the center have observed a significant shift in the way children play. Where there was once unbridled joy, there is now caution. The once simple act of running and shouting is often tempered by the heavy atmosphere of uncertainty. Yet, within this darkness, play still holds immense power. It serves as a critical tool for helping children navigate their complex emotions, offering a way to process their experiences and regain a sense of normalcy.
Play as a tool for healing
The educators at "No Limits" have become adept at harnessing the therapeutic potential of play. Through a variety of activities designed to reduce tension, help children reconnect with their bodies, and stabilize their emotions, they have created a safe space where children can momentarily escape the realities of war.
One of the most effective techniques they employ is the ability to quickly transition a child’s focus from anxiety to a fun, engaging game. This shift allows the child to relax and regain their balance, both emotionally and physically. The success of these interventions is not just in the games themselves, but in the way they are delivered—with sensitivity, understanding, and a deep knowledge of each child's unique needs.
Empowering parents through play
The "No Limits" center does not only focus on the children; it also plays a crucial role in supporting parents. Recognizing that parents are the first line of support for their children, the center provides them with the tools they need to manage their own stress and, in turn, help their children. Through thematic sessions, parents learn about the importance of play in healing and are taught specific activities that they can do with their children at home.
One such activity is "Circle Play: Introduction," where parents and children engage in a simple ball-throwing game. As they pass the ball, they introduce themselves and share a little about their lives. This activity, while seemingly simple, helps to foster a connection between parent and child, creating a shared experience that can be taken home and repeated in a safe environment.
Another powerful tool is the "Australian Rain" activity, a kinesthetic exercise that helps both children and parents become more aware of their bodies and promotes relaxation. Through a series of movements that mimic the sounds of rain and wind, participants learn to tighten and relax their muscles, grounding themselves in the present moment. This exercise not only provides immediate relief from stress but also helps to build a long-term resource for resilience.
Small steps, big changes
The center encourages parents to incorporate at least one play activity into their daily routine. Even if it's just for a few minutes, these small moments of play can lead to significant improvements in both the parents' and children's well-being. The activity "Get Off My Back," for instance, is a favorite among both educators and parents. This simple game involves physically brushing off imaginary burdens from each other's backs, symbolizing the release of stress and negative emotions. It’s an exercise that quickly lifts the spirits and energizes the body, bringing smiles even in the toughest of times.
The effectiveness of these activities is evident in the stories shared by parents. One mother, after learning the "Get Off My Back" activity, used it with her daughter to "drive away" the fear of air-raid alarms. This simple game, performed in the safety of their apartment corridor, became a powerful ritual that helped them cope with the daily stresses of living in a war zone.
Breathing life back into normalcy
Breathing exercises, like the "Flower-Candle" activity, are another essential part of the center's toolkit. This activity involves imagining a flower and a candle, where the child inhales the scent of the flower and exhales to blow out the candle. This simple exercise helps children regain control over their breathing, an essential skill in managing stress. The act of focusing on an imaginary flower and candle also aids in redirecting their attention away from their fears and anxieties.
These activities, though small in scale, have a profound impact on the children and their families. They provide not just temporary relief but also a foundation for long-term resilience. By playing together, parents and children build a shared resource that will help them navigate the challenges of the present and prepare for the future.
The path forward
In these challenging times, the work being done at the "No Limits" center is a shining example of the power of play in healing and resilience. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope. Through play, children can find joy again, parents can rediscover their strength, and together, they can build a future where laughter and love prevail over fear and uncertainty.
As we reflect on the lessons from Vinnytsia, it becomes clear that play is not just a pastime; it’s a lifeline. In the hands of skilled and compassionate educators, it becomes a powerful tool for healing, growth, and resilience, providing a pathway through which the next generation can rise above the challenges they face and move toward a brighter, more peaceful future.
About the "No Limits" Center
The "No Limits" center was set up with support from the Ukrainian Step by Step Foundation (USSF), a key organization focused on early childhood development in Ukraine and a founding member of the ISSA network. USSF holds the license for the Step by Step Program and has played a significant role in enhancing inclusive and quality education for children aged 0 to 8 in Ukraine, developing a broad network of master trainers who have improved the skills of kindergarten and primary school educators. Their work extends to engaging local communities, working closely with families, and ensuring that their needs are considered in decision-making processes.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, USSF has partnered with the ISSA Secretariat to support early childhood development professionals and families, providing psychological first aid and trauma recovery practices. Through funding and collaboration, they have made a crucial impact on the ground, delivering both immediate and long-term responses to the crisis.
Additional Resources
To learn more about Playful Parenting and to read other articles from this series, click here.
In partnership with LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, ISSA is committed to protecting children's right to play. Together, we are supporting parents and caregivers to engage in Playful Parenting.
