"I just want to play with my friends." I hear that a lot at my house. When our after-school calendar becomes so booked we have to schedule in our bathroom breaks, I can feel the tensions rise and the energy levels plummet. That's when it's probably a good idea to turn off the PDA and tell the kids to go out and play.
Researchers say unstructured play time is important to child development according to a segment on the The Today Show. Play may even be the key to making kids more successful later in life. Play nurtures curiousity. If you want to boost their creativity, give in to their pleas to "just play."
Of course a math tutor class can help your kids. But don't underestimate the power of play. What breeds innovation? Play. What helps kids to think on their own and develop self direction in life? Play.
Unfortunately, kids today have on average 12 hours less play time per week than kids only two decades ago. And more and more school districts are reducing recess time or even eliminating it.
It's not just the loss in play time that is detrimental, it's the temptation to only provide educational toys. We love educational gadgets at our house, but I'm learning that a watering can, some sticks, and a corner of the garden is better than a educational science DVD. It's time to get out the blocks, read a book, and just enjoy free play.
I know I'm guilty of worrying about how my kids spend their free time. It's only natural as parents that we get anxious about wanting to help our kids, but sometimes we give in to our anxieties and over schedule our kids lives. We forget the value of "agenda free time."
That reminds me, it's a sunny and warm outside today. The perfect reason for me to squeeze in some time for the kids (and me) to get outside and play today. Hope you can too.