| Kids are under so much pressure today, that time | | | | aged children, free play encourages decision |
| for creative and imaginative play takes a back | | | | making skills, leadership skills, and also serves to |
| seat to the day's pressing demands. | | | | help young children identify their own areas of |
| Appointments, deadlines, finances and job | | | | interest. Through this, kids receive inner |
| demands dominate the thought processes of | | | | suggestions of their likes and dislikes. With time, |
| parents, while the importance of developing the | | | | children more clearly identify their preferences and |
| cognitive skills, social skills, and problem-solving | | | | can passionately follow and develop their talents |
| skills in children of all ages is often deemed better | | | | and interests. |
| left to the schools. But even the schools are | | | | Mums engaging in play with babies or young kids |
| reducing play time. Just prior to the 21st century, | | | | can get a refreshing look at the world through a |
| from 1989 to 1999, free time in kindergarten was | | | | younger person's eyes. However, it is important |
| reduced almost 30%. Many reports from the | | | | for mum to remember that kids' free and |
| American Academy of Pediatrics attest that TV | | | | self-directed play help children come to terms with |
| cuts down on kids' time for creative play. Kids are | | | | self-confidence, manipulation skills, negotiating skills, |
| playing less at home and at school. Lack of | | | | and decision making skills. It nurtures creativity |
| creative play can hinder child development. | | | | and imagination to levels that help kids deal with |
| Parents who want the best for their children must | | | | complex situations and problems which later |
| allow time for kids to play. | | | | contributes to forming problem-solving skills. |
| Play is one of the earliest interactions that children | | | | Children's playtime is more than play. It's kid's |
| have with the world. Even in early infanthood, | | | | work for healthy child development. |
| curiosity and imagination lead to object | | | | Too often, today's world suffocates the creative |
| manipulation, cause and effect responses, and | | | | and imaginative potential available for the free play |
| development of dexterity and physical strength. | | | | that is a significant contributor to healthy child |
| Babies learn how to control their surroundings. | | | | development. TVs need to be shut off. |
| Toddlers begin to emulate adults in creative play, | | | | Neighborhoods need to be safer. Time has to |
| and can use it to conquer fears, develop | | | | stop to let kids play in their own world. Kids need |
| emotional security, and learn new competencies. | | | | to balance organized and free play, playing with |
| Preschoolers and young children learn how to | | | | mum and self-directed playtime. This basic need is |
| interact with others, and can develop their | | | | a right of every child. Parents need to take a step |
| emotional maturity, linguistic skills and social skills. | | | | back and make sure their children have time to |
| Elementary school aged children continue to | | | | enjoy creative play time. Take a refreshing look |
| develop cognitive, emotional and social | | | | at the world. Get involved with your children and |
| development skills through play. In young school | | | | join in their games. |