Despite what society says, young children do not need multiple structured activities and classes. In fact, David Elkind, PhD, author of The Hurried Child and child development expert, says that organized activities before age 6 or 7 are not even developmentally appropriate. Children are naturally curious and will discover their own interests as they climb, build, create, and pretend with others on their own terms.
The concept of increasing free play sounds simple, but the practice isn’t always easy.
Schools Can Add Fuel to the Fire
Schools can exacerbate the problem of overscheduled kids. Especially since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, schools have increased academics at the expense of arts, music, and free play. Across the United States, some 40 percent of elementary schools have limited or dropped recess.This is detrimental to young children and can exacerbate behavioral issues like ADHD. The data suggest that kids who have more recess in school actually end up doing better academically in the long run.
If you’re financially able to, there are some more “radical” options for schooling, including Montessori schools and nature-based education. However, those aren’t possible for many—most people send their kids to the local public schools. But the best you can do for your pre-schoolers and elementary-aged kids is to keep their non-school times less “busy” and more low-key with developmentally appropriate toys and supplies.
Fight the Pressure
Parents feel the weight of modern pressures to get their kids involved in sports at a young age and start academics earlier and earlier. Not giving in to this pressure can be the most difficult part of trying to “free” your kids from overscheduling. If you keep hearing from other parents how their first graders are in soccer and Girl Scouts and take piano lessons and dance lessons, it’s easy to wonder if your kid is missing out or falling behind.
Instead of trying to “keep up with the Joneses,” trust the childhood developmental experts. Surround yourself with like-minded families who place value on children’s free play.
Get Your Kids Outside
Unfortunately, not all children have the luxury of a safe, outdoor space to play. But access to nature is ideal for kids—get your kids outside whenever you can.
Kids thrive outside! Compared to indoors, when children are outside they are more likely to engage in free play and naturally increase their physical activity and gross motor activity levels.Green spaces are beneficial for everyone, kids included. Access to the outdoors correlates with better mental and physical health in children and is associated with improved symptoms of ADHD.
Try to adopt the philosophy that “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” If it’s raining, let children jump in puddles in rain boots (or barefooted!). Buy wool socks and long underwear so that they can enjoy snowy, cold winters outside.
Less Is More
To encourage creative play, choose fewer passive toys and more simple, open-ended toys. Think blocks, books, pretend play items, and playdough versus toy phones and other devices that light up and play songs.
Electronic gadgets with bright colors look attractive, but when kids play with more traditional toys, they tend to engage in more varied and advanced language. Compared to watching Baby Einstein videos, pre-schoolers who play with blocks develop better language and cognitive skills.
Despite what our consumer-driven society says, young children really do not need many toys. And don’t be afraid to let your kids be “bored” sometimes. Boredom is where creativity is born.
Limit Screens
Discussing screen time limits for kids can cause a lot of tension in parenting circles, but the evidence is clear that screen media in young children is more harmful than helpful.Because they compete with active playtime, screens may contribute to childhood obesity. Screen time is also associated with an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping in children.
Free play provides numerous benefits to your children’s well-being. Limit structured activities and classes, especially in young children, to avoid overscheduling stress. Make sure your children have opportunities to explore the world and play on their own terms.
