Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 November 2002 — Page 28

Playing helps define self

(NAPSI) — Parenting may not be all fun and games, but it should involve a lot of playing, experts say. Child psychologists say the process of play stimulates children’s development and functions as a “rehearsal” for their future adult roles. Parents can facilitate this process by providing a supportive context for play and toys that help spark young imaginations. “The true essence of play is really in the story telling. It can serve as a sort of dress rehearsal for roles children will have later in life,” says child psychiatrist Michael Brody, M.D. “Children can also act out their feelings through play, which can help them through difficult developmental stages.” Brody, a child psychiatrist and chair of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, says it’s “story telling” that helps children define themselves. He recommends parents fill a child’s toy chest with open-ended, non-scripted toys. That will help kids tell their tales. He suggests: • Play Friends — Dolls and stuffed animals can become children’s imaginary play partners. Children can use the toys to create and act out situations, while practicing their communication skills. In addition, “taking care” of dolls can help children learn to take care of themselves. For example, Zapf Creation makes a doll called Chou Chou. It looks and feels like a real baby. Children can learn to dress and care for it, just as they would have to do for themselves. • Role Play — Brody says children love to play “parent,” “sibling,” and virtually every other role. He suggests giving kids realistic dolls to help their desires to nurture growth. For instance, BABY born is a realistic looking doll — complete with “baby fat,” realistic clothing and a raised belly button. The doll has over 100 accessories, letting children create a variety of imaginative situations. It also has a number of life-like functions such as the ability to be fed, and the need to be “potty trained.” • House Children’s I naginations — According to Brody, doll houses and play forts serve as “catalysts, allowing for the suspension of logical thinking.” Children can use the toys to act out plays, or “live” in magical worlds. Kids can use BABY born Miniworld as the entire dollhouse complex. It includes a miniature version of the BABY born doll, as well as mini strollers, clothing and other accessories. Brody says the stories children create can help them become their “true selves”aod help promote self esteem. “Watch a child at play, either atone or in a group,” Brody says. “Parents will notice what role playing reveals about their a-*a -a»- -!• 99

For more information, visit www.tapf-crtation.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1,2002 ■ PAGE C8

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Pictured above from Left to Right: Mr. Les Carroll Associate Project Manager Eli Lilly & Co., Mr. Roderick Johnson System Analyst Eli Lilly & Co., Mr. William Powell Educator/Media Specialist, Mr. Victor Pasley Vice President Xerox Corp., and Mr. Dennis Bland CEO Center for Leadership Development (kneeling). Pictured Left: Mr. Clarence Reynolds News Anchor Fox 59 WXIN-TV.

Pictured right: Mr. William Powell proudly displays his gourmet dish. All photos S. Williams

Alumni of Florida A A M met for the 25th Florida A A M Rattler Round-Up. Pictured here from left to right: Mitchell Hopeon, Jeffrey Muagrove and Michael Payne. 2nd row: Shannon Grady, Kristina QoMard, Nakfa Campbell, Mrs. Lula Rawls, Veronica S. Powell (President) and Rachel L Wade. Btandtog: George H. Rawls, Terry Morris and Timothy L Langston.

Sarah D. Clark is joined by her great-granson, seven year old David Pointdexter, as her family celebrated her 90th birthday recently

Sarah Clark celebrates 90tb birthday The family of Sarah D. Clark ues to do crossword and jigsaw came together for her 90th birth- puzzles as her favorite hobbies, day party on Saturday, Oct. 12 at She also enjoys sitting in her garthe Washington Square Mall Com- den on the swing, and reading the munity Service room. Organized Bible. by her granddaughter. Dawn Currently, Clark has three chilPointdexter, the evening’s pro- dren living from ages 67 to 71. All gram included the reading of let- of her siblings along with her tersof appreciation by three of her youngest daughter Willie Mae have great-grandchildren and the mu- preceded her in death, sic of vocalist Jerome Adkins. She said the best way to live Bom on September 26,1912, in a long fulfilling life is to “stay Greenwood, Miss., Clark was once clean (maintain clean living), a manager at Wade’s Drugstore at stay free from alcohol, drugs 12th and West Street. She contin- and smoking, and listen to your mother.”

Marie Briscoe (center) recently celebrated her 70"’ birthday In the company of family and friends at a fun-filled party. Daughters’ LaVonne (left) and Mari as well as son, Bobby, join her.

Corey Allen Rhlm Sr. and Donne!la Dillon became husband and wife on Aug. 10, 2002, making them among the numerous couples joined In holy matrimony, in this city, In the year 2002. The wedding took place at Greater St. Mark Baptist Church, and the reception at the Dolphin Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo! Rhim Is a press metal technician for General Motors, with Mrs. Rhlm working as a student services representative at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis. Although the couple does not have children as yet, Rhim has a son, Corey Rhim Jr. from a previous relationship.