Give Kids More Playtime!!

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Here’s some soothing medicine for stressed-out parents and over-scheduled kids: The American Academy of Pediatrics says what children really need for healthy development is more good, old-fashioned playtime. Many parents load their children’s schedules with get-smart videos, enrichment activities and lots of classes in a drive to help them excel. The efforts often begin as early as infancy. Spontaneous, free play--whether it’s chasing butterflies, playing with “true toys” like blocks and dolls, or just romping on the floor with mom and dad--often is sacrificed in the shuffle, a new academy report says.

There’s just such a huge variety of things you can do for your kids if you have the resources, you almost feel why not. There is a part of us that would worry if we don’t sign up our kids for some of these things. We need to allow our kids plenty of time for looking for bugs, romping at the beach, riding in wagons, toys and other play activities they love to do. They are better off when they can just do their own thing.

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, the academy report says. Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood.

A lack of spontaneous playtime can create stress for children and parents alike. If it occurs because young children are plopped in front of the 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.

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.

In the current environment where so many parents feel pressure to be super parents, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg says “I believe this message is an important one. Dr. Ginsburg is a pediatrician at the The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Get the pots and pans out and a wooden spoon for the little tots…..get out and help your sons build wooden soap box racers….or just let them play in the mud, you do remember those mud pies?? How about a good game of Hide and Seek? Kick the Can? Maybe a family night around the table with some good board games!!! Turn on some fun music and let your children dance the night away! There are many wonderful children's CD's available today. Give your kids more playtime!!!!

Excerpts from Dr. Ginsburg MD

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