Children Play On Amid Crisis: From Jump Ropes to Kite-Flying, Kids Find Joy in Turbulent Times

Children Find Joy Amid Crisis with Make-Shift Play COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh - In the midst of conflict and displacement, children around the world are finding ways to cope with the trauma through play. From makeshift jump ropes in refugee camps to kite-flying in war-torn Gaza, kids are using imagination and creativity to manage stress and regain a sense of normalcy. In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, 12-year-old Asma Bibi spoke about the importance of play in her life. "It helped remove our sadness," she said, referring to the makeshift jump ropes made from rubber bands that she and other children use to exercise and socialize. Bibi's family fled their home country of Myanmar after her father and brother were killed. Similar scenes are playing out in other parts of the world. In Gaza, children are flying kites made from discarded parachutes as a way to express themselves and have fun despite the ongoing conflict. "It's a way for them to forget about the war," said Dr. Ahmed Al-Kurd, a child psychologist at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. In Ukraine, children are engaging in make-believe war games, imitating soldiers as they play out their own versions of reality. This type of play helps kids process and deal with the trauma of living through conflict, according to Dr. Natalia Shapoval, a Ukrainian psychologist. The use of play as a coping mechanism is not unique to these regions. Child psychologists around the world agree that play is essential for children's emotional well-being, especially in times of crisis. "Play helps them regulate their emotions and regain a sense of control," said Dr. Peter Gray, an evolutionary psychologist at Boston College. The current situation in Cox's Bazar refugee camp is dire, with over 700,000 Rohingya refugees living in cramped conditions. However, despite the challenges, children are finding ways to adapt and thrive through play. "It's a way for them to be kids again," said Danielle Villasana, a photographer who has been documenting life in the camp. As the world continues to grapple with conflict and displacement, it is clear that play will remain an essential tool for children to cope with trauma and find joy in the midst of crisis. *Reporting by Npr.*