Toddlers need to get off the soccer field and onto the playground. Children need to get out of the gym and into neighborhood stickball games. We need to give kids room to create their own rules, set their own terms, and move their bodies in their own ways. Darell Hammond bodychildcreate share on social
Our society spends a lot of money on prison bars. For the sake of our kids, let's invest in monkey bars. Darell Hammond barinvestkid Change image and share on social
No child wants to fall off a jungle gym or slide. Accidents are an unfortunate fact of life, but to lower every last slide and jungle gym to a height that would only interest a toddler is doing our children a grave disservice. Darell Hammond accidentchilddisservice share on social
People have to see play as more important than what it currently is. We don't want to get boxed into thinking play only happens on a playground. The best type of play is all kinds of play. Darell Hammond boximportantkind Change image and share on social
A cultural shift is needed to incorporate exercise into our children's daily lives. Darell Hammond childculturaldaily Change image and share on social
Increased physical activity during the school day can help children's attention, classroom behavior, and achievement test scores. Meanwhile, the decline of play is closely linked to ADHD; behavioral problems; and stunted social, cognitive, and creative development. Darell Hammond achievementactivityadhd share on social
During National Playground Safety Week, I'll celebrate common-sense safety. I'll also celebrate skinned knees and bruised elbows. I'll celebrate so-called 'dangerous' playgrounds - playgrounds with see-saws, zip lines and towering slides. Darell Hammond bruisecallcelebrate share on social
Play is the best natural resource in a creative economy. Kids need more of it. It is the work of childhood. We hope to intrinsically change the opinion that play is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity for kids' lives. Darell Hammond absolutechangechildhood share on social
It's absolutely crucial that every child-serving organization - be it an elementary school, daycare, or community center - provide its children with time and space to play. Darell Hammond absolutelycenterchild Change image and share on social
Public swimming pools, recreation centers, summer reading programs, youth jobs programs - they are all shutting their doors. And they are all facilities and programs relied on most heavily by low-income children. Darell Hammond centerchilddoor share on social
