Psychologists say if it s not fun, it s not play. When kids play, they develop cognitive, emotional, social and language skills. In the preschool years kids learn to imagine and pretend through the power of play. They also develop emotions like empathy and compassion as well as creative and abstract thinking skills. In the elementary school years, play begins to teach kids about rules as well as social and moral issues in adult society.
Children also learn to socially interact with one another and develop a sense of self.
Psychologists say organized activities are important in the elementary years, but not at the expense of free time. In the middle school years, experts say kids begin to move away from fantasy toward group oriented and competitive play. Still, kids need to have self-motivated play time and time to develop intimate friendships. Down time with friends allows kids to learn to trust and share feelings. It s stressful to keep up.