AAP Report Highlights Importance of Children's Play for Development

Since the last American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report on play in 2007, additional research has shown the importance of parent-child, child-child, and solo unstructured play for child development. In addition, societal changes such as increased emphasis on test scores, digital distractions, and higher family stress have created possible barriers to such activity.

As summarized in this updated report, research suggests that the greatest benefits come from play in which the child's mind takes the lead, a caring adult helps “scaffold” the child (i.e., give support for the child's autonomy without micromanaging), the child imagines and explores, and parent-child bonding occurs. The authors recommend that pediatric providers help par…