Let kids play freely

Too often, parents sacrifice children's spontaneous free play for structured learning and activities in an effort to help the youngsters excel. However, the report noted that this can create stress for both parents and youngsters and increase the risk of childhood obesity, the Associated Press reported.

Unstructured play - such as romping on the floor with parents or playing with "true" toys such as blocks or dolls - offers many benefits. These include helping children to become creative, develop problem-solving skills, relate to others, discover their own passions, and adjust to school settings, the report said.

Noted paediatrician and author Dr T. Berry Brazelton praised the report and said he hoped it would have an effect, the AP reported. – (HealthDayNews)

October 2006