Pediatricians prescribe more playtime for children

CHICAGO – Here’s some soothing medicine for stressed-out parents and overscheduled kids: The American Academy of Pediatrics says that 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.

Spontaneous, free play – whether it’s chasing butterflies, playing with “true toys” like blocks and dolls, or just romping on the floor with a parent– often is sacrificed in the shuffle, a new academy report says.

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,” says the report, prepared by two academy committees for release today at the group’s annual meeting in Atlanta.

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

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, the report says.

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