Introduction
Children use play universally to express themselves, solve their own problems, grow decision making models, and to socially connect with peers and others around them. It’s the space where imagination takes flight, social bonds form, and kids learn life’s most important lessons, including how to be confident and capable adults. Yet, in our digitally-driven, hyper-scheduled world, free play is rapidly diminishing. This blog advocates for the return to free play, emphasizing its irreplaceable role in nurturing well-rounded, healthy children.
The Shift Away from Free Play
Our society has rapidly changed over the past few decades in multiple ways. Since the advent of smartphones and easily accessible technology, there has been a significant decline in children’s ability to engage in independent play without screens at home (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). The US education system has reprioritized academic achievement over autonomy and play-based activities (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2020).
Parents have also become more concerned for their child’s external safety, intervening in most risks before a child even has a chance to choose to take it (Berk, 2018). The rise of digital entertainment, increased academic pressures, and safety concerns have significantly limited opportunities for free play (Ginsburg, 2007). This storm of circumstances has created a world where children may not be getting enough free play without adult supervision to grow to their fullest selves.
The Importance of Play
Children are naturally curious, creative, and social beings, and quite frankly play is now children grow and develop into balanced and flexible adults. Free play allows children and teens to make decisions independently and builds confidence in their ability to handle anything life may throw their way based on the ability to navigate difference challenges autonomously. In addition, it also allows them to learn important skills like problem-solving, communication, negotiation, and resilience. Furthermore, free play promotes physical activity and reduces stress levels in children. It is crucial for their mental health as it offers an outlet for emotions and helps develop coping mechanisms.
How Moving Away from Free Play Hurts Our Children
The decline of free play has had significant consequences on our children’s development. Research shows that children who engage in unstructured play tend to have better emotional regulation and mental health compared to those who do not. Additionally, over-organized schedules can lead to burnout and increased anxiety in children. By constantly being supervised and directed by adults, children are prevented from developing their own unique interests and creativity. In Yes Brain, Dr. Dan Siegel calls this “bubble wrapping” your child. I know it can be scary to see your child climb a tree for the first time, but micromanaging this experience only supports self-doubt in your child. r
The Impact on Children
The consequences of reduced free play are far-reaching. Physically, children miss out on essential exercise, leading to health issues like obesity. Mentally, the lack of free play can stifle creativity and problem-solving skills. Socially, it hampers the development of negotiation skills, conflict resolution, and empathy. In short, the absence of free play is creating a generation that may excel academically but lacks the holistic attributes necessary for personal and social success.
What Parents Can Do
As parents, we want to ensure our children’s safety and well-being at all times. However, it is important to find a balance between supervision and allowing for free play. One way is by creating a safe environment for children to explore on their own within boundaries set by the parent. Another way is by encouraging outdoor activities like riding bikes or playing tag with friends in the neighborhood. We’ll offer some more practical suggestions below.
Practical Suggestions
Here are some practical ways to incorporate more free play into your children’s lives:
- Dedicate Time: Set aside specific times each day for unstructured play. Even 30 minutes can make a significant difference. Show your children that it’s okay to have unstructured time by engaging in playful activities with them. Let them tell you what to do within reason. This benefits both your child’s brain and your relationship!
- Create Safe Spaces: Designate areas in your home or community where children can play freely and safely. Coordinate with your neighbors and take turns sitting outside while your child plays with the neighbors’ kids more autonomously.
- Limit Screen Time: Balance digital activities with outdoor and imaginative play. In the Anxious Generation, Johnathan Haidt recommends one hour of screen time during the week and up to two hours on weekend days. Read our blog post on how screens can actually increase your child and teens’ anxiety.
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Nature offers endless opportunities for free play, from climbing trees to imaginative games. Find areas where your child can take risks and give them space to figure things out by themselves.
- Manage Your Own Anxiety: I know this may sound harsh, but children learn to be anxious by looking at our faces and seeing us worry. If you’re feeling scared of your child’s experiences, see if you can take a few deep breaths or tag in another adult who might not feel quite as worried. Allowing your child the ability to take risks is going to help them figure out the world without as much of your guidance.
Conclusion
Imagine a world where laughter echoes through the streets, where children’s faces are aglow with the joy of discovery and friendship. This is the world of free play, a world that is rapidly slipping away from our children. Picture your own childhood, enjoying with bike rides to nowhere, endless games of tag, and the feeling of freedom that came from unstructured, imaginative play.
Now, think of your children, or the children in your life, who are growing up in a time where every minute is scheduled, every activity structured, and every playtime curtailed. Isn’t there a pang of regret, a sense of loss for the simple, yet invaluable experiences that free play offered us? We must not let the essence of childhood slip away, for it is in these moments of unscripted joy that our children learn the most about themselves, their world, and each other.
By advocating for and integrating more free play into our daily lives, we can help our children develop into well-rounded individuals who are not only academically successful but also physically healthy, socially adept, and emotionally resilient. Let’s bring back the magic of free play and preserve the essence of childhood for future generations. It’s time to prioritize free play in our children’s lives and take off the bubble wrap. Let’s create a community of confident kids and teens! For more help on raising empowered children and teens, check out our asynchronous coursework at Connect EdU!
