I have a concern that we structure our kids' days so completely from the time they're toddlers that they don't get a chance to really learn from each other. They lack problem-solving skills. Children need some down time, he says. We all do. Some unstructured, unplanned time is very valuable.
Kids ought to have the opportunity to explore a variety of activities.
They shouldn't feel pressured to choose a certain path. By the time some children are 8 or 9, they feel like they're under so much pressure, and they lose their motivation. During the early, formative years, parents have to step back. Parents also need to strike a balance between providing too much structure and not enough, he suggests. Parents should encourage their children to sit down and talk about this stuff, too, so that it may be a springboard to explore new areas for learning.