(NaturalNews) Many parents have tried to give their children a head start on education with get-smart videos and enrichment activities as early as infancy, but spontaneous, free play is often sacrificed, so the American Academy of Pediatrics says that the best medicine for busy, overscheduled children is an increase in traditional "playtime."
A number of studies suggest that unstructured play can help children become creative, discover their own interests, develop problem-solving abilities, and relate to others socially, according to a report prepared by two academy committees for release Monday at the group's annual meeting.
"Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood," the report states.
Conversely, a lack of such playtime can create stress for both children and parents, and it can also contribute to obesity when children spend too much time sitting in front of educational videos or lose recess time. The report notes lack of playtime could even contribute to depression in many children.
The report blames the lack of conventional playtime on both societal and marketing pressures on parents to have super-smart children and a reduction in safe places for children to play. A balance between free playtime and educational activities should be struck, the report states.
"In the current environment where so many parents feel pressure to be super parents, I believe this message is an important one," said Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, the report's lead author and a pediatrician at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Noted pediatrician, author, and presenter of cable TV's "What Every Baby Knows," Dr. T. Berry Brazelton agreed.
"I hope (the report) will have some effect," Brazelton said, noting children inundated with structured activities "are missing the chance they have to dream, to fantasize, to make their own world work the way they want it. That to me is a very important part of childhood."
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