Playing freely - a way to thrive and... take a breather!

When do children have time to sit down and play freely? Less and less often, unfortunately. Yet many researchers and pediatricians believe that free play has become particularly important today, as children live in environments that are more structured, more closely supervised, and more digitized than those of previous generations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, in particular, has observed¹ that time spent on free play has decreased due to an increase in structured activities, early academic expectations, and a more “hectic” lifestyle.

This reduction in free play time is one of the main reasons why experts today emphasize the importance of protecting it.

Free play: well-documented benefits

Free play can stem entirely from the imagination, without any materials at hand, or it can be based on simple, versatile materials that lend themselves to a variety of uses. Some concrete examples include giant building modules, pretend play, and modeling clay...

Fewer predefined rules, for more spontaneity and creativity. That is the guiding principle behind these unstructured games. Children invent their own rules, discuss and negotiate with their peers, resolve conflicts, and practice their ability to plan, adapt, and manage their emotions (frustration, impatience, anger, and many others). All these social-emotional and cognitive skills, along with these self-regulation abilities, form the foundation of executive functions that will help them become stable adults who are well-adjusted to life in society.

Resilience in the face of differing opinions, setbacks, and opportunities to experiment and make mistakes has become an essential character trait that should be cultivated without limit. In a world where children are increasingly subject to academic and social pressures, this emotional flexibility is becoming almost vital to preserving their mental health.

Beyond the psychological benefits and the development of fundamental skills, free play is often linked to additional physical benefits. When practiced outdoors in particular, it can encourage more spontaneous movement and help combat a sedentary lifestyle. Building a fort out of pieces of wood and an old sheet, staging a game of tag between a robber and a police officer, hopping on one foot to cross an imaginary lava flow… Any method is fair game for increasing children’s physical activity levels and supporting their overall health.

>> What role does movement play in a child's development? Find out here.

Overly busy schedule: a few nuances to consider

Research on children’s health and development does not show that a packed schedule of activities is automatically harmful. On the contrary, structured activities (such as sports and the arts, among others) offer clear and well-documented benefits. The problem arises when the workload becomes excessive, activities are done under pressure, and rest time is compromised.

Constantly switching from one activity to another - whether at school, in extracurricular activities, or at home - can contribute to stress, emotional exhaustion, a sense of pressure, and the drive to perform. Especially when a child hasn’t chosen these commitments themselves, an overload of activities can contribute to anxiety, stress, a sense of unease, and exhaustion².

The logistical stress resulting from the increase in these activities is just as real. What time do we need to leave to take the oldest to soccer? Should we plan to bring the middle child’s swim gear - which isn’t quite dry yet - or do we have time to go back and pick it up? What about a snack? Should homework be finished before or after? You’re the one putting this stress on your shoulders. You alone are therefore in a position to make it disappear. Especially since it leads to fewer quality moments spent with the family and potential unnecessary tensions that can affect family relationships. Obligations are taking precedence over enjoyment? That’s a red flag. It’s high time to slow down.

Another point to watch out for: schedules that are too intense for children can lead to a reduction in the duration and quality of their sleep. Consequences: an increased risk of attention, behavioral, and emotional difficulties. This risk is further heightened by heavy screen use during the day, particularly in the evening, when the effects on sleep are most detrimental³.

>> A few tips for balancing children's screen time.

A busy schedule, structured activities, and academic demands aren’t a problem in and of themselves. It’s all a matter of balance. When the scales tip too heavily toward rules, schedules to follow, and goals to achieve, this imbalance can manifest in many ways: too little sleep, a loss of enjoyment and motivation, and a feeling of constantly being pressed for time or having to perform at the highest level all the time. Don’t neglect periods of total freedom (in a safe environment, of course). A little play without any imposed rules allows children to recharge, thrive, reach their full potential, and, quite simply, relax - without any goals or expectations.

Sources :