When play becomes a luxury: A wartime Story

I grew up in Lebanon with my father, mother, and three sisters. Over many years, wars disrupted everyday life. Although the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) calls for the protection of children and refugees (Articles 22, 31, and 38), the situation was complex, which made it difficult to track people's movements, protect children, or allow for systematic opportunities for play and recreational activities. I remember hiding in a small corridor with my sisters for days in one war. Going outside was risky, and playing outdoors became a luxury. The shelling was all around us, but not too close. My sisters and I played games such as Monopoly, cards, or Dama (a variant of checkers) until the end of the day. Occasionally, we could continue playing into the evening by the light of the candles. A significant pastime for me was reading books and stories. Sometimes, my sisters and I would act out stories, make money, and run a cafe with a light menu.