Unconstructive play in children is playing without a defined objective and meaningful outcome that poses harm. It involves undefined random movement or throwing objects, pushing, and pulling.
This type of play takes place in the absence of teachers, pa rents, and caregivers.
Children are unaware of the negative impact of unconstructive play.
Oftentimes, children have sustained high-level injuries and fractures in this kind of play.
Many schools have restricted recess(Breaktime), to sitting in class and having snacks due to safety. Others have placed stringent rules for every teacher to watch over the children.
Who is to blame when children play in a harmful manner?
The Teacher or Parent
About 10 years old, Ezemdi Dike.
Ezemdi Dike was born into the family of Deacon and Mrs. Dike of Orlu in Imo state. The family resides in Abayi Aba in Abia state.
Before the death of Ezemdi, he was a student of “God’s Own Academy”. A school located in Aba of Abia State.
Late Ezemdi with his three siblings had spent years schooling at God’s Own Academy.
Late Ezemdi took ill.
In April 2021, Ezemdi complained of a headache, and his mum administered paracetamol to him. The headache persisted, so he was taken to the hospital.
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After some medications, there was no relief. He didn’t get better.
It became scary for Ezemdi’s parents because, for many years, their son hasn’t visited the hospital.
Medical Examination
Medical practitioners had to re-examine him to know the cause of his consistent Fever and Headache. Late Ezemdi’s mum questioned her son using her motherly instinct, “Did you hit your head”?
Yes, Ezemdi replied.
How Ezemdi Sustained Brain injury
Symptoms got worse as he was transferred to Federal Medical Center, Umuahia for further examination. It was observed that he had sustained an injury in his brain. Federal Medical Center, Umuahia couldn’t perform brain surgery.
Hence, he was referred to an undisclosed private clinic in Owerri of Imo state.
While the surgeons prepared for the surgery, Mrs. Dike asked her dear son in tears. Ezemdi, “who did this to you”?
The Play
Ezemdi narrated that it was the close of school, while students left for their homes. Others awaited their parents to pick them up.
Two older male students in their teens carried him. One of them held his hands while the other his legs. He was thrown above their heads.
Can you imagine that?
Why?
What were they thinking?
There were no plans to catch him as he crashed to the ground. Little did Ezemdi know that this would lead to something bigger.
After the Surgery
Ezemdi developed amnesia after the surgery. His parents were hopeful that he would recover fully.
Two weeks after the surgery, he still showed symptoms of head pain. The doctors assured them that he will be fine.
Ezemdi’s Death
Two weeks after the surgery, while at the hospital. Ezemdi passed on.
Why do Children Play?
- Play forms part of a child’s well-being.
- Playing builds the social skills of children.
- Through play, children learn better.
- Children learn to take risks during playtime.
- Playing helps children to discover the emotional needs of others.
How parents can manage unconstructive play.
Unconstructive play is child-led play. There are no rules to guide what children spend their playtime doing.
In this play type, children are not safety conscious. They are unaware of what will harm them or others.
Unconstructive play begins with your child playing aggressively and rough.
Play as this emanates from unguarded freedom.
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Children are more free at home than anywhere else. Every parent needs to watch out for unconstructive play.
Also, kids’ television programs trigger rough plays. The children want to try out actions seen in the movies.
Hence, these acts tend to cause more harm to them and those around them.
How can parents manage unconstructive play?
- Parents and teachers should set rules for children in their playtime.
- Instruct children to play with open palms, not with their first.
- Parents and teachers should ensure children play on grassy surfaces.
- Instruct children to signal their playmates when they aren’t comfortable playing.
- Parents and Teachers should do frequent checks of children during playtime.
