On Wednesdays I have a Recreation Therapy Play Skills group scheduled in the afternoon for our youngest group at New Hampshire Hospital.

This week the group has been very challenging. It has been made up of six 8ish year old boys (and one girl) with histories of lots of trauma and neglect. Without structure, even free play there is much impulsivity, yelling, crying and even hitting.

Five of the seven kids were available for group today and we decided to head outside and work some Playmaker game magic!

We played squirrels and nuts then transitioned to junk yard dog…it was awesome to watch the collaboration and teamwork take place between kids that typically would have cried and yelled at each other…and the group leaders.

One boy who chose not to run around found a role as a “lookout” to tell the group leaders when the kids were coming out to collect the items.

There was much movement, smiles and laughter by both kids and staff…so good. Life is Good.