What children really need is more good, old-fashioned playtime. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics children are not engaging in enough free play. The report is based on numerous studies that show that unstructured play has many benefits.
Allowing children time to play helps them become creative, discover their own interests, develop valuable problem-solving skills, and relate to others. “Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood.” Yet spontaneous playtime is disappearing from many children’s schedules.
So why do so many children not have time to play? Part of the blame can be laid on social pressures and the media. Many parents feel that in order for their child to be successful that they must be involved in numerous activities and have the chance to explore many options. They are in fact trying to be super parents creating “super children.” The report states that “enrichment tools and organized activities can be beneficial” but are not a requirement for a child to be successful. If children do engage in extracurricular activities it should be balanced with plenty of free time to play.
The report also shares that a lack of playtime creates stress for children and parents, increased risk for obesity, and may even contribute to depression.
Growing up my siblings and I did not have the opportunity to be involved in multiple activities because of financial reasons. Instead we spent lots of time together as a family. An emphasis was also placed on school achievement. As a result I have a close relationship as an adult with all three of my siblings. Plus all four of us graduated from high school with honors or more, and three of us receiving full-ride scholarships to a local university.
So if you are a parent that can’t afford to enroll your child in every activity don’t worry about it. You are in fact helping them by allowing them time to play. If you are a parent whose child is involved in multiple activities take another look at your child’s schedule. Do they have enough time to just play? If not, you should probably consider dropping something. After all, according to Dr. Brazelton children who are overscheduled “are missing the change they have to dream, to fantasize, and to make their own world work they way they want it.”
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