The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds

by Kenneth R. Ginsburg (October 2006)

This clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics identifies and explores a variety of factors that have reduced the occurrence of free play in young children's life, including a hurried lifestyle, changes in family structure, and increased attention to academics and enrichment activities. The report goes on to offer guidelines on how pediatricians can advocate for free child-centered play as an important developmental need for young children and as an opportunity for parents to fully engage with their children.

View the full report