Early Learning Project
Tip Sheet
Is your child forgetful, crabby, or constantly tired? He may be "overscheduled." Child care. Music lessons. Art class. Peewee sports. Play dates. Custody arrangements. Would you be surprised to find your child's day is as hectic as your own? People who study young children say that youngsters need time for unstructured activity—what adults sometimes call "free time" or "down time."
Why is free time good for children?
- Health. A child's body and brain need relief from demands and expectations. Rest and recreation help keep a child healthy and ready to learn!
- Independence. Unstructured time lets a child make choices. A child who is used to an intense schedule may feel a bit lost if she has to find something to do on her own. But she needs to experience making her own decisions. Allowing her some free time helps her learn to occupy and entertain herself.
- Play and learning. Children and adults need time to reflect on what they learn. A child can play in ways that let him connect new information with what he already knows. Play can also help him master stressful situations that interfere with learning. Daydreaming may be a way to figure out how to solve a problem.
- Active play and self-regulation. Active play helps a child have a healthy, fit body. During free play, she can run, jump, climb, throw, and dance until she is tired. Then she can pause, have a drink of water, and play quietly in the sandbox with a friend. She will learn to pace herself during unstructured active play.
What can I do to create more free time?
- Allow more family "down-time." If you're overscheduled, your child may be too!
- Think about your goals. Does your 3-year-old really need violin lessons, swimming class, and play group after child care? Or can something wait till he's older?
What can I do with my children when they're home?
- Encourage creativity. Even empty boxes or a mud puddle can inspire your child. Cook, put puzzles together, or make models. She will enjoy feeling competent and being close to you.
- Provide plenty of outdoor experiences. Walk, shoot baskets, garden, skate, ski, go to the playground, or just find things to do in the back yard.
- Show your child how to play games. Card games, board games, and physical games encourage friendly interaction and build family relationships.
- Make arrangements for your child to have unstructured play with other children.
- Stroll or bike to museums, construction sites, or other interesting places together.
- Make time to daydream, talk, listen, cuddle, and be "lazy" together.
Web Resources:
- Hurry Up! It's Time to Go!
http://ohioline.osu.edu/flm97/fs10.html - The Overscheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap
http://www.hyper-parenting.com/brownpaper.htm - Better Kid Care: Play Is the Business of Kids
http://www.nncc.org/Curriculum/better.play.html - Play in the Early Years
http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/sites/allianceforchildhood.org/files/file/pdf/pdf_files/BAECF_Play_in_the_Early_Years_May07.pdf
Spanish: Tiempo para jugar, tiempo para soñar: Cómo "desprogramar" el horario de su hijo
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.