The importance of play in childrens’ lives

Guests: Marjorie Bosk, Naomi Roberson and Susan Linn

Years of research points to the importance of play in children’s lives. Playing helps develop critical cognitive, physical and social skills and is essential for a child’s emotional well-being. Yet, as life becomes more complicated for families, schools are pressured to measure academic achievement even for their youngest students, and technology is more readily available, free time for play is on the decline. In this hour of Radio Times, guest host Maiken Scott explores the value of play with three participants in this weekend’s conference on play in Philadelphia. It’s all part of the City’s “Declaration of Play.” Joining us to talk all about it are clinical child psychologist MARJORIE BOSK, Smith Memorial Playground program director NAOMI ROBERSON, and SUSAN LINN, director and co-founder of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.