As parents, we are constantly juggling school, sports, music lessons, appointments, homework, and more. Sometimes we take pride in how busy our kids are and think they will be more well-rounded and successful; however, we often forget about how important it is to give kids space to explore, imagine, and develop on their own terms through unstructured, free play. Free play isn’t just downtime; it’s a crucial part of growing up for younger and older kids. When kids have the freedom to explore their world without a structured schedule, they develop important life skills. Younger kids use creativity to make up games with the neighborhood kids, while teens use free time to explore hobbies, like learning the guitar, or to socialize with friends. They learn to problem-solve—whether it’s figuring out how to share toys with siblings or collaborate on a project with peers. Unstructured play teaches kids to work together, share, and resolve conflicts independently which builds their social skills. Finally, as kids learn to handle small setbacks on their own, they build resilience and independence.
Over-scheduling can lead to burnout. Kids can become overwhelmed and exhausted, which takes away the joy from activities they really do like. They need time to just be kids. Without time to rest and reset, they may avoid activities they once enjoyed. As a parent, I recommend aiming for a healthy balance between structured activities and downtime. Here are a few ways to achieve this:
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AuthorDana Parisi Archives
September 2024
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