Today we look at the “play deficit” and the consequences of filling out children’s time with adult directed and supervised, “constructive” scripted, structured activities rather than giving them space to play as, well, a child would.
This decline in play runs in parallel with a disturbing incline in childhood anxiety, depression, and other mental unwellness.
I question what happens to us when after a life sentence (as institutionalised schooling feels to many of us) of formal education and adult-instructed free time we are launched into a world or work where employed or self employed we find ourselves with an unstructured time surplus.
How can we expect to instil creativity and self direction if we leave our children no space and time to formulate it?
Why do we feel guilty (to the point that we need a script from our physicians) to allow ourselves to allow our children time off from
Expectations and Activities?
What are your thoughts on the health and sustainability of 9 hour plus school days?
Let me know.
Read more:
Play deficits and life sentences