THE DAILY BELLELLI: The Power of Play by David Elkind

Children Play and Parent Angst


"Our parental angst over not doing enough for our children is often expressed in overprogramming. This problem is aided and abetted by the commercialization of childhood and the abundance of toys, lessons, programs, and learning materials marketed by children. In this regard parents always ask me, How much is too much? As we saw in regard to toys and screen play, many of the claims for these products have little or no research to back them up. Yet many of us, parents and grandparents alike, feel that unless we avail ourselves of these products and programs, we are not doing enough for our children or grandchildren. Given the commercial onslaught, it is difficult to decide how much is too much." Dr. David Elkind