Free Play is an Essential Part of Childhood

by guest blogger Dr. Rick Bavaria

Every parent and teacher knows that adults’ most important role in the lives of our kids is to listen to them, care for them, and guide them with healthy routines and wise values. We want them to think, to learn, to be responsible, and to care for others. We want them to be respectful of their friends and peers, to be honest, and to live healthy and safe lives. It’s not easy, but since when have parenting and teaching been easy?


We schedule our kids’ lives with family, school, worship, play, friends, sports, and hobbies. That’s good. Kids need the routines and rhythms that add structure to their lives, make clear our expectations, and provide them with a sense of safety.


But sometimes we overdo it. Sometimes the schedules, no matter how lovingly intended, can add stress to kids’ lives. Schedules should not be treadmills.


Play is the perfect example. Readers of the Dr. Rick Blog know how much I admire, respect, and support the efforts of creative physical education teachers. I’ve written about the need for adult-guided summer exercise, and I’ve even praised gym class dance units.


But today let’s praise what scientists call “free play.” The unstructured, imaginative play that kids make up as they go along. This is an important part of kids’ lives, too.


Here’s why.

1.It increases creativity. When kids get their creative juices going, there’s no stopping them. Watch them invent games, and before you know it, they’ve got rules and teams established. Watch them create storylines, complete with characters and relationships. Amazing.
2.It reduces stress. Kids feel stress, just as we adults do. Except they don’t always have the words to express it. Free, unstructured play may be just the outlet.
3.It’s the opposite of passive entertainment. Let’s face it. Lots of kids spend too much time sitting in front of screens that do all the imagining for them. Their brains can come up with some exciting plot lines, too.
4.It encourages “true toys.” I’ve heard pediatricians refer to toys like blocks, action figures, and dolls as “true toys,” meaning they encourage kids’ imaginations. No passive entertainment here.
5.It balances “over-scheduling.” If you suspect your kids are over-scheduled – when even you can’t keep the family calendar straight – then free play can be a worthwhile antidote. Maybe it’s time to dump the macramé lessons.
6.It encourages adults to be analytical. When we evaluate marketing claims of certain toys, games, and activities, we quickly see that a lot of them are not as valuable as some creative free play. And they’re a lot more expensive.
7.It promotes spontaneous play groups. Free play is the perfect reason why kids with similar interests like to get together. They can be cowpokes, pilots, space travelers, entertainers, sports stars, tag players, jump ropers, hide-and-seekers, or Simon Says players. Whatever they want.
8.It allows for exploration. Free play lets kids discover a variety of interests and talents on their own. Discovery is one of childhood’s most important gifts.
9.It’s important for school, too. School free play – as any teacher can tell you – allows kids to unwind after tests, and other potentially stressful activities. It lets them expend energy just after lunch or before events when they need to be quiet – a guest speaker, for example, or a school play or concert. Make sure your school or early childhood organization has plenty of time for play.
10.It gives you time with your kids. The best one. Playing with your kids builds memories, lets you talk to and listen to them, and enables you to laugh often and loudly together. Nothing better.
Free play doesn’t eliminate the need for supervision, naturally, nor does it mean that structured time – ballet lessons, tutoring, homework and study – is unhelpful. It’s simply another reminder of the value of balance in just about all things.