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Peek-a-Boo Really Can Change the World
May 31, 2023
Play is … the ‘meaningless’ moment that makes the day memorable and worthwhile.
-Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan, Play
-Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan, Play
Seven-year-old Molly Wright opens her brief TED Talk with the question, “What if I was to tell you a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?” She then proceeds to explore “some powerful things you as adults can do that shape us as children and the adults we become.” Wright notes, “Our healthy development depends on these top five things: one, connecting; two, talking; three, playing; four, a healthy home, five; community.”
In a compelling demonstration, Molly narrates the delightful serve-and-return interaction evident as her neighbor Armajot plays with his child Ari. Armajot then turns his attention to his phone, and Ari cries as his bids for connection momentarily fail. Wright comments, “I know it’s important for adults to use their devices sometimes, but kids are hardwired to seek out meaningful connections. Not receiving them causes confusion and stress.”
Ari laughs almost as soon as his dad re-engages with him, and Wright asks, “Now what if our whole childhood was like that last 30 seconds? How hard it would be for a child to feel calm? To feel safe? To learn to trust anyone?”
Wright concludes, “The positive relationships with the grown-ups in our lives gives kids the confidence we need to try new things, to explore and be a kid…See? Peek-a-boo really can change the World.”
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Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsEugene, OR, United States
Ginger, thanks for your thoughtful feedback! I imagine and hope that many EED readers might find this a useful video to share with their staff, teammates and families in their programs. As you point out, seeing Ari in those moments of disconnection is so illustrative.
West Harlem Community Organization
New York, New York - NY, United States
What a wonderful segment. I actually saw the TED talks video. I thought it was a great reminder of the importance of connection with children no matter what the age. It reminded me that engagement is key to learning. Children absorb so much from the communication we give them whether its good or indifferent. As adults our roles are significant in determining serve and return. If we expect our little ones to mature and develop positive connections then we have to be a part of the synergy so they can feel comfortable exploring and trying things out knowing they have a safe base to return to.
As Molly Wright states, "what would happen if the 30 seconds Ari experienced were a child's whole development? how unfortunate that can be. I thought about children in foster care or children growing up in violence. Instead of positive interactions they are left to fight or flight. Play is so important in developing healthy, secure and calm relationships. How can we shape the minds of adults!!
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