Good Old Fashioned Playtime

by Lois Breneman, © 2003, Revised October, 2006

Just this week The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that what children need most for healthy development is more good, old fashioned playtime, rather than full schedules and classes that could sap passion and creativity.  The academy report says that numerous studies have shown that unstructured play has many benefits.  It can help children become creative, discover their own passions, develop problem-solving skills, relate to others and adjust to school settings. 

"Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood," says the report, prepared by two academy committees at the group's annual meeting in Atlanta.

The report says a lack of spontaneous playtime can create stress for children and parents alike.  If it occurs because young children are plopped in front of get-smart videos or older children lose school recess time, it can increase risks for obesity.  It may even contribute to depression for many children.

Social pressures and marketing pitches about creating "super children" contribute to a lack of playtime for many families.  But so does living in low-income, violence-prone neighborhoods where safe places to play are scarce, the report says.

It says enrichment tools and organized activities can be beneficial but should not be viewed as a requirement for creating successful children.  Above all, they must be balanced with plenty of free play time, the report says.

Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, the report's lead author and a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said, "In the current environment where so many parents feel pressure to be super parents, I believe this message is an important one."

Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a noted pediatrician and author, praised the report, saying, "I hope it will have some effect."  Children overscheduled with structured activities "are missing the chance they have to dream, to fantasize ... that to me is a very important part of childhood." 

Today there is so much peer pressure for young mothers to begin as early as their child's infancy to get them into "programs" to make their child intelligent.  What very young children do not need is a strict regime of get-smart videos, gymnastics, ballet, karate lessons or T-ball games.  Simply exposing them to good music while playing with blocks, dolls, cars and trucks, a magnifying glass, and toys that don't do all the thinking for them is what they do need.  Romping on the floor with Mom and Dad, playing tag and hide-and-go-seek, catching bugs in a jar, watching ants in action, playing dress-up, and the list goes on!  Ask your parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents what they did as small children, when there were very few toys and certainly few or no toys with batteries!

Although there are so many new toys that you may think your child or grandchild just has to have, don’t forget the basic toys and activities that have been proven over years and years, to be favorites of children – and no batteries are required!  Many of these items can be found at yard sales and after they are cleaned up, your children won’t care one bit that you didn’t pay the full price. 

Most of the basic activities to which I am referring may need some supervision by the parents in the beginning, but soon many toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school age children will be involved in their own individual playtime, using many of these ideas as they learn.  You as their parent will be reaping the great reward of countless smiles and laughter as you watch and listen to their wonderful imaginative independent play!  

So Mothers, please check out the article, Tried and True Toys and Activities for Children.  You can do a search, using the feature in the top right of this blog.