Be Strong, Play On
Updated: Jan 27, 2022
Playing is a child’s superpower. Whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall, a child naturally plays. If he or she is lucky, this superpower is nurtured by the people who love them most: parents, uncles and aunts, and grandparents. When grown-ups model the “power of play” in their own lives, it sets a child up for success and a lifelong desire and skill to be OUTSIDE!
By going for a walk, taking your children to the park, and even pulling out the skis and snowshoes are all ways we can show our strength and resolve in times of stress. And, I think it is safe to say that we have all been under more stress than usual since the pandemic started in 2020.
The New Year is a fitting time to reflect on our vision and purpose for the next phase of our lives and in our work. Each year LuckyDog selects a new doggie sticker to go on all our promotional materials. The 2022 dog is wearing a superhero cape with the words, “Be Strong, Play On!”
The message of “Be Strong, Play On!” is one of hope. Being outside literally makes kids strong. It’s a natural depression deterrent, increases your immune response to stress, and builds strong muscles when play is active. Your microbiome gets more diverse.
Getting out-of-doors to engage in physical activity releases all sorts of feel good chemicals in your brain, and it is significantly better for you than a diet of social media. Breathing clean cold air opens the airways and lets in fresh air, something we could all use more of if you find yourself cooped up indoors. Basically, being outside is good for you and the people you care about. It promotes healthful living and shows the children in your care that you care.
Just like our LuckyDog motto “in pursuit of play,” we want to take the New Year to express our desire to help kids of all ages to increase physical activity, even in winter. It’s humbling to think not every community has a playground, park, walking path, exercise station, or bike trail within a few minutes of their houses like we do in the west.
There’s no time like the present to take advantage of your investment in the health, wealth, and welfare of yourself, your family, your community, your nation. Do it for the people in your care. You’ll be glad you did.
“Be Strong, Play On!”
Nicole Stoddard, VP of Sales & Marketing STICKERS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS!
Additional Resources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880