I just heard a really good radio program on NPR this weekend. It was an
interview with Dr Stuart Brown, a Neurosurgeon, who has created
The Institute for Play based on his work and research in Psychology. One of the most interesting of his findings was a consistent theme shared by all murderers he researched, was a complete lack of play in their childhood. That play was important in coming to understand social boundaries and appropriate forms of problem solving.
My brain instantly thought of our poor children who have had their recess taken away by well(ish) meaning school administrators who want to save a buck...
er I mean focus on the students studies so that they can make more money from good test scores... oh did it again... I mean gain a good education.
The video link off the page has some great pictures of a polar bear and husky at play.
Please share this with those that need the message that children (and adults) need time to play, for healthy social development. One of the things I enjoyed about the interview was that having children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, offered an opportunity to relearn those missed play time activities.
