When did it become the norm to plan out every moment of our children’s lives? So many of my mom friends complain about how they’re exhausted with shuffling their kids from league sports to classes to extracurricular activities — and yes! All during the pandemic! If they’re not taking kids to classes, they’re setting up playdates or researching crafts to occupy their kids.
My friends and millions of their fellow moms are wracking their brains to engage their kids — all in the name of helping them develop as people and to stave off boredom. But what I want to know is: When did we stop just letting kids play?
How are these parents doing it?
Why play is so important
“By not allowing free and feral play, your kids lose a sense of self,” play expert Jeff Harry told Mom.com. “Allowing them to simply be bored and learn how to come up with new ways of playing helps your child connect to who they are and who they are meant to be.”
This year, let’s give ourselves a break and let the schedules go. Let your kids run wild and bored and witness the amazing creations they invent.
