some degree of independence
A new report finds that "most children benefit from some degree of independence by the time they are 5–6 years old." Read more
Meal debt
Most schools have ended the universal free lunch that was offered during the pandemic era. The result? Meal debt is reaching levels that have never been seen. Read more
The Play Movement and Its Significance
Dr. Henry S. Curtis, a leader in the American play movement, wrote The Play Movement and Its Significance (1917) to provide "a concrete picture of the extent of the development of play in this country, the sources from which the movement has sprung, and the direction in which it is going."
end of the COVID-19 Emergency
Both the national COVID emergency and the public health emergency are now officially over. Here's what the end of the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration means for your family. Read more
thrilling and unstructured play
Kids today are less likely to engage in thrilling and unstructured play and more likely to have anxiety. To learn how to overcome fear and anxiety, children have to experience it. And the best way to experience it is to play with it. Read more
toys that lure kids outside
In recent years, some parents have felt that their kids are interacting less with nature and more with screens, prompting them to seek toys that cater to their kids’ instinctual need to get outside and explore. Read more
big outdoor movement play
“Without free, big outdoor movement play, children “…are more likely to be clumsy, have difficulty paying attention, trouble controlling their emotions, utilize poor problem-solving methods, and demonstrate difficulties with social interactions.” Read more
Five Layers of Protection
Parents and caregivers need to practice the Five Layers of Protection whenever a child is near open water to prevent a drowning incident. Read more
no equipment games
There are so many fun and classic outdoor games kids can play that require no equipment. Check out this extensive list of no equipment games. Read more
Water Play
Water is one of the earliest play materials, readily accessible in most areas of the world in the ocean, lakes, rivers, creeks and ponds. Water holds an endless fascination to children who seldom miss opportunities to play in it. Because most people did not have easy access to the natural sources of water, swimming pools were built.
