Child’s Play: It’s Not Just for Fun

New AAP Report Cites Importance of Play for Healthy Child Development

 Too many structured activities may be robbing children of the ability to develop their creative minds and depriving them of their most important resource—time with parents, according to Dr. Susan Drez, pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic of SWLA.

A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that unstructured spontaneous play is essential for the development of children helping them reach their unique potential academically, physically, socially, and emotionally, as well as giving parents an ideal opportunity to interact fully with their children.

Despite these benefits of play for children and parents, there are forces today that are reducing opportunities for unscheduled time for free play. These forces include changes in family structure and increased attention to academics and enrichment activities at the expense of recess and free child centered play. This loss of free time along with a hectic schedule can be a source of stress, anxiety and may contribute to depression for many children.

In trying to prepare their children for success in life, many parents over-schedule the children in an effort to expose them to every activity or to excel at certain skills.                                                                                          

“The character traits most needed for success in life come not from extracurricular or academic commitments, but are learned in the home, where parents and children look to each other for positive support and unconditional love,” says Drez.

“Children and their families need to slow down and allow children of all ages time to think, discover, and use their own creativity to entertain themselves, as well as visit with family and friends.  Unstructured play time gives children a chance to develop new competencies which leads to enhanced confidence and resiliency they need to face future challenges.”

 The report notes that some children excel with a highly driven schedule of increased exposures and enriched academics. Children living in poverty should receive more enrichment activities. But even children who are benefiting from this enrichment still need some free unscheduled time for creative growth, self-reflection, and decompression.  For some children, over-scheduling and the pressure to excel can lead to emotional distress and lowered self esteem.

“The challenge is to strike a balance that allows children to reach their unique potential without causing stress and anxiety, and while allowing them personal free time,” Drez said.

            The AAP report suggests some specific guidelines for parents:

• Allow ample time for free play in which a large portion should be child driven rather than adult directed.
• Offer “true toys”, such as blocks and dolls, in which children use their imagination fully
• Encourage active play and discourage passive entertainment such as TV and computer games.
• Academic schedules and extracurricular activities should be balanced and determined by the individual child’s unique needs, skills, and temperament and not based on competitive community standards or a need to gain college admissions.
• Share unscheduled spontaneous time with children allowing time to just be together, to talk, and to listen in a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Avoid conveying unrealistic expectations that each young person needs to excel in multiple areas to be considered successful or prepared to compete in the real world.
• Choose child care settings that offer academic preparedness as well as attends to social and emotional developmental needs of children.