Play in Mayan children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of play activities and playfulness in a group of Mayan children in southern Belize.


METHODS
This qualitative study involved participant observation in the daily occupations of 20 children from five Mayan families over a 2-week period. Analysis of the field notes, using open and closed coding, revealed themes specific to customs of child rearing, play activities, and playfulness.


RESULTS
The primacy of adult work is a major cultural principle that influences Mayan children's daily occupations. Parents did not encourage play but permitted play if it did not interfere with work. Children found ways to integrate play activities and playfulness into their daily occupations.


CONCLUSIONS
The statement, "play is a child's major occupation," may not be a universally held belief. Parental values and customs of child rearing should be considered in order to provide culturally sensitive and relevant services.
Bazyk
Susan
S
Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Health Sciences Building, Room 120, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, USA. s.bazyk@csuohio.edu
Stalnaker
David
D
Llerena
Maricel
M
Ekelman
Beth
B
Bazyk
John
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001531:Belize; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009790:Occupations; D010988:Play and Playthings