The transition to distance learning underscored the critical necessity for students to engage in more unstructured playtime. When the announcement came that schools would close and we would be learning from home, I quickly devised a rigid daily schedule. With four kids and both parents working remotely, I believed structure was essential to maintain some semblance of order. However, it soon became clear that my children craved significantly more free play and considerably less time devoted to academic tasks, music practice, and chores.
During the initial week of lockdown, the weather was grim—rain every day, with snow on one occasion—forcing us indoors and creating a truly dismal atmosphere. My meticulously crafted schedule did little to alleviate our collective frustration. Then, on the seventh day, the sun emerged, and with it came a shift in our perspective. We found ourselves unwilling to stay inside, and it became evident that the more time we allocated to free play, the more my kids thrived in their learning.
Rethinking Academic Excellence
Isn’t the goal supposed to be pushing our kids toward academic excellence through endless worksheets and screen time? Not quite. For children to learn effectively, their basic needs must be met. If they are tired, hungry, or restless due to a lack of physical activity, they won’t reach their full academic potential. To foster genuine learning, we must prioritize ample free time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Play is not frivolous: it enhances brain structure and function and promotes executive function (i.e., the process of learning, rather than the content), which allows us to pursue goals and ignore distractions.”
The Benefits of Free Play
While not every family has access to outdoor space, free play remains invaluable whether indoors or outside. However, when children can venture outdoors, the benefits multiply. My kids have spent hours soaking up the sun, enjoying popsicles, digging in the dirt, drawing with chalk, riding bikes, and shooting hoops. They engage in physical activity, returning home dirty and hungry. After a hearty meal and a shower, they often settle down with a book for a half hour while I prepare dinner. The combination of sunlight and vigorous exercise works wonders. Previously, bedtime was a struggle; now they are simply too worn out to resist.
Social Skills Development
In their free play, my children have also been honing their social skills. Like many parents, I initially worried about their social well-being in the absence of direct interactions with peers and teachers. However, I soon realized that siblings can practice these skills just as effectively at home. They learn to negotiate, resolve conflicts, and express empathy—all critical life skills. Watching them navigate their interactions is like observing a self-improvement workshop in action.
The Gift of Boredom
They have also faced bouts of boredom, which many parents might dread. Yet, boredom can be a surprising gift. It fosters self-reflection, creativity, and relaxation. Just the other day, my kids gathered various items from the yard—dandelions, bark, grass, and rocks—to create a “stew” while playing house, all while I enjoyed reading and sipping iced coffee nearby.
My daughter even woke up one morning inspired to write a hilarious book, while my son crafted a cell phone from construction paper. I discovered three of my kids constructing a fort using boxes and cans, held together with glue. They’ve spent hours dressing up in old Halloween costumes, mixing and matching outfits to model for photos.
Yes, it may sound like we inhabit a whimsical community, but we are simply making the most of our time together in suburban life. I refuse to confine my children indoors while I struggle to maintain silence and stillness. We learn within reason, and often that learning occurs through the freedom of play.
Acknowledging the Shift in Education
Interestingly, educational institutions are beginning to acknowledge this shift. There is growing recognition of the importance of recess, with some districts reducing or eliminating homework altogether. As a society, we are starting to understand that allowing children the freedom to play without constant adult supervision can yield significant benefits. As stated in Pediatrics, “When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue.”
Conclusion
This period of social isolation has reminded parents that learning can occur in various settings—both indoors and outdoors. Allowing our children unstructured playtime adds immense value to their happiness and development. And when our kids are content, it makes parenting all the more fulfilling. For more insights on home and family topics, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit and explore additional resources on fertility from experts like Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, prioritizing free play over structured academic responsibilities can enhance children’s happiness and learning, proving that play is essential for their development.