In the article, "All Work and No Play: Why Your Kids Are More Anxious, Depressed," Esther Entin brings to light the problems of children who are not getting enough playtime.
Entin says that children who don't get enough play end up depressed, and nervous/anxious. She said that when you don't let your child make choices on their own, or when you keep them all wrapped up in safety, that they won't really understand what happens when they get older, therefore they get depressed.
Entin also stated that according to Peter Gray, "Since about 1955...children's free play has been continually declining, at least partly because adults have exerted ever-increasing control over children's activities." Gray has a Ph.D, Professor of Psychology (emeritus) at Boston Eollege.
Entin also brings to light what is interfering with children's play. The answer; parents who are basically controlling on what their children do. "It is hard to find groups of children outdoors at all," Gray says, "and, if you do find them, they are likely to be wearing uniforms and following the directions of coaches while their parents dutifully watch and cheer." There's a study saying that comparing 1981 and 1997, the children of 1981 played so much more.
Another study says that mothers are the reason why play time has decrease. In a survey, most mothers say that they are afraid of sexual predators, bullies, and traffic.
In this case, I'd have to agree with the mothers. The world has gotten crazy since way back when, and there are more problems to worry about. For example, there are sexual predators, murderers, and bullies. If you let your child outside, and something bad happens, all hell breaks loose. So what's the point of letting them outside if all you can do is worry.
However, there is a better way. Instead of interfering with the child, sit somewhere close to them, and if somethiong seems suspicious, that's when the parent walks in. Don't make all the choices for them.
Also, I hate when people compare back then to now. Things have changed, so why would you compare them. Back then, you could trust people, now, anyone can be a predator. Some people say "Same poop, different toilet." That may be true, but back in the day, the poop was lighter.....
Entin says that children who don't get enough play end up depressed, and nervous/anxious. She said that when you don't let your child make choices on their own, or when you keep them all wrapped up in safety, that they won't really understand what happens when they get older, therefore they get depressed.
Entin also stated that according to Peter Gray, "Since about 1955...children's free play has been continually declining, at least partly because adults have exerted ever-increasing control over children's activities." Gray has a Ph.D, Professor of Psychology (emeritus) at Boston Eollege.
Entin also brings to light what is interfering with children's play. The answer; parents who are basically controlling on what their children do. "It is hard to find groups of children outdoors at all," Gray says, "and, if you do find them, they are likely to be wearing uniforms and following the directions of coaches while their parents dutifully watch and cheer." There's a study saying that comparing 1981 and 1997, the children of 1981 played so much more.
Another study says that mothers are the reason why play time has decrease. In a survey, most mothers say that they are afraid of sexual predators, bullies, and traffic.
In this case, I'd have to agree with the mothers. The world has gotten crazy since way back when, and there are more problems to worry about. For example, there are sexual predators, murderers, and bullies. If you let your child outside, and something bad happens, all hell breaks loose. So what's the point of letting them outside if all you can do is worry.
However, there is a better way. Instead of interfering with the child, sit somewhere close to them, and if somethiong seems suspicious, that's when the parent walks in. Don't make all the choices for them.
Also, I hate when people compare back then to now. Things have changed, so why would you compare them. Back then, you could trust people, now, anyone can be a predator. Some people say "Same poop, different toilet." That may be true, but back in the day, the poop was lighter.....
lighter? Interesting post. 100
ReplyDelete