The Dilemma About Play
Today’s society has us believing that if our children’s schedules aren’t full of new and organized experiences then we’re depriving them of vital learning opportunities.
It is common knowledge that children learn best by playing. And adults have tried to take advantage of that by structuring as much “learning” into those play moments as possible — when all we really need to do is not structure their play time at all.
Children have lost the sense — as have we — of the value of doing things “just 'cause” and on the spur of the moment, and of the value of doing nothing at all.
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D., co-author of "Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less" said, “There is a myth that doing nothing is wasting time, when it’s actually extremely productive and essential ... During empty hours, kids explore the world at their own pace, develop their own unique set of interests and indulge in the sort of play that will help them figure out how to create their own happiness, handle problems with others on their own, and sensibly manage their own time. That’s a critical life skill.” (2)
Instead of getting the most out of life, many overscheduled children experience:
• burn out
• temper tantrums
• inability to concentrate
• sleep problems (2)
The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “The challenge for society, schools, and parents is to strike the balance that allows all children to reach their potential, without pushing them beyond their personal comfort limits, and while allowing them personal free time.” (5)
The Value of Free Unstructured Play
Through unstructured play, children experience or learn:
• Stress relief
• Physical exercise
• Self-regulation - their ability to control their emotions and behavior and to resist impulses
• Intellectual, physical, social, and emotional well-being
• How to work in groups
• Conflict resolution
• How to speak-up for themselves (6)