Why Play Matters

For many reasons, children take part in organized sports and activities to a greater extent today than ever before -- and at younger ages, beginning as early as the toddler years. While this is positive in many respects, it reduces the amount of time and energy children have to engage in less structured "free" play.

In moderation, organized activities can be fun and playful. However, experts warn that many children today are "over-scheduled" and they fear this creates added stress for children and families. It may also diminish the pleasure that children experience through play.

Some experts believe that today's emphasis on goal-oriented, competitive activities may also be fueling a growing atmosphere of incivility often found on playgrounds and sports fields - among children as well as adults.

We also face the reality of more working parents having less time and energy to devote to family life. Fostering play that is creative, imaginative and non-violent requires time and focus that is increasingly scarce for parents and caregivers.

Finally, cultural, socioeconomic and physical ability issues divide our nation and create a climate in which all children do not have equal access to "constructive play." When we say urging a child to "go play" is a more complicated proposition today, these are some of the issues at the heart of the matter.

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