The Importance of Unstructured Playtime!

Creativity comes out of boredom. When people are bored, they are forced to invent pastimes for themselves. When they are bored, they observe things.

Little George Stephenson wouldn’t have invented the steam engine had he not been idling around in his mother’s kitchen observing the steam come out of the kettle.

Another hoorah for letting children be!

Parents are so busy planning every minute of their child’s spare time that they forget to let them breathe, get bored, play by themselves, and discover things on their own. If every minute of their free time is not accounted for, parents feel that their child will somehow be left behind. Left behind at 6 years of age?

Children are shuttled from one hobby or sports class to another giving them very little time to bond with each other, socialize, or seek active hobbies.

Unstructured play also gives children a sense of independence. They are their own masters; it helps to become stronger decision-makers and exercise their free will. They gain immense self-confidence and this translates to their success in other fields.

Albert Einstein, one of the most renowned physicists in history, attributed his creative thinking and groundbreaking theories to his early experiences of free play. As a child, Einstein was curious and imaginative, spending hours exploring the natural world and conducting thought experiments. His parents encouraged his interests, allowing him the freedom to explore and question. Einstein’s unstructured playtime allowed his mind to wander and fostered his ability to think critically and unconventionally. This spirit of curiosity and exploration ultimately laid the foundation for his revolutionary contributions to the field of physics, including the theory of relativity.

In a world where parents bemoan the amount of screen time their children are exposed to, the free play draws them away from their screens, promotes healthy habits, and gives time for introspection and development.

Unstructured play also acts as a time when the students engage in role-play, mimic adult behavior, and freely express themselves. This enhances their emotional well-being.

Furthermore, it supports physical health and well-being. Whether running, jumping, climbing, or riding a bicycle, playtime involves physical activities that contribute to a child’s fine motor skill development. It encourages an active lifestyle, which is crucial in combating the growing concern of childhood obesity. Moreover, unstructured play in natural settings, such as parks or playgrounds, provides exposure to the outdoors and offers numerous benefits for physical and mental health.

The world-famous tennis player Serena Williams credits much of her success on the court to her upbringing, which prioritized unstructured play. Raised alongside her sister Venus in Compton, California, Serena’s father, Richard Williams, chose to homeschool his daughters and provide them with ample time for playing tennis and other activities. Richard’s approach focused on developing their love for the sport and allowing them to learn through experimentation rather than formal training. The unstructured play and creative approach to tennis training enabled Serena to develop her powerful playing style and mental resilience. Her unique skills and relentless determination have made her one of the most dominant players in tennis history.

We, as parents, need to understand that unstructured playtime is of immense importance in a child’s life, offering a multitude of benefits across physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. As guardians and caregivers, educators, and society at large, it is essential to recognize the significance of unstructured play and create an environment that allows children the freedom and opportunity to engage in this enriching and transformative experience.

By fostering unstructured playtime, we can contribute to the holistic development and well-being of our children, laying the foundation for a bright and promising future.

Roopa Rajesh is a bibliophile, a ‘çhai’ophile, and a chocoholic who is passionate about teaching, books, music, family, and friends, and definitely not in that order.