The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says free and unstructured play is healthy and essential
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS – December 31, 2006
By Kenneth R. Ginsburg MD, MS Ed., the Committee on Communications and Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health
CLINICAL REPORT Guidance for the Clinician in Rendering Pediatric Care The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds ABSTRACT. Play is essential to development as it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. This report addresses a variety of factors that have reduced play, including a hurried lifestyle, changes in family structure,…