Increased Time in a Virtual World. When busy kids have time to decompress, they may choose to sit behind a screen for a bit and just scroll. It requires little effort, thought, planning, or energy, but it still gives that little dopamine boost. Instead of riding a bike over to see a friend to hang out, it is much easier for friends to check in virtually. It must be said: The cause of the play gap is not bad parenting. In a society that equates busy and active with successful (and safe), parents are simply trying to meet the status quo and set their kids up for adulthood. Luck- ily, as a parent, knowing the causes of the play gap is one of the first steps of fighting its effects. EFFECTS OF THE PLAY GAP Boredom breeds creativity. While being “bored” has a negative connotation, the out- come of boredom is all positive. It takes both motivation and innovation to fill the void of activity when boredom strikes. Candy Jones reiterates this idea, “Open-ended play en- courages children to make their own choices, explore ideas, and express their feelings.” Play gives children the chance to invent, imagine, solve their own problems, and en-
tertain themselves. Always being told where to go and what to do, kids lose the ability to make their own decisions and become more independent. Experiencing boredom and discovering play isn’t taking a break from learning—it is learning. Through play, children get to practice social-emotional skills like negotiating, han- dling conflict, and so much more. Of course when the fun kicks in, they also experience decreased anxiety and emotional regulation. Where routines help children feel safe, play pushes them to grow! FIGHT BACK; PLAY! Check the busy family schedule and make time for some deconstructing. Whether reducing the amount of activities each week, adding a “do nothing” day or reclaiming downtime that turned into screen time, fami- lies can make play a priority. “By setting aside time and space for free play and providing an array of open-ended materials, parents can promote the growth of confident, curious children who can think creatively and inde- pendently,” notes Jones. Play doesn’t have to be an adult-led adven- ture, and parents don’t have to step in to cure the boredom. Kids may experience confusion
at first with a “now what?” look of fear in their eyes. Providing those open-ended toys for younger children can help lead the way to play. Jones expertly continues, “As children build with blocks, invent stories, or turn everyday items like boxes or sofa cushions into forts and castles, they actively engage their imagination, reasoning, and creativity.” Instead of giving direct instructions, parents can spark creativity with leading questions to help get the creative juices flowing. Tweens and teens need to play, too! Based on a child's interests, play could look like: pick-up, no-pressure sports with friends, game nights with friends including escape rooms, drawing, photography, fashion design, cooking or baking, making music, hiking, and more. Any activity that gives joy and sparks creativity can fit the bill for play. Encourage new hobbies for enjoyment, not assessment, grades, ranks, or trophies! And adults! Avoid burn-out and spark your own joy, too. Play is NOT just for kids. The play gap didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight. But every unscheduled afternoon and scheduled boredom session is an invitation to imagine and create. When it comes to play, practice makes perfect, so get out there with the family and have some fun!
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