Kid's "Free" time

Are parents taking the fun out of play? To structure, or not to structure.

PLAY—IT’S ONE OF the best things about being a kid. Whether indoors or outdoors, alone or with friends, playtime is an important part of a young child’s day. And it’s not just fun and games: children develop through play, building physical and mental skills and learning to interact with others. But is it ideal for children to run free all day, so to speak, or should parents and adults aim to instill more structure into childhood activities? While both approaches have benefits, the answer ultimately lies in how well parents know their children, and what works best for them.

NOW THAT’S SOME OLD TOYSArchaeologists excavating at stone-age burial grounds near Lake Itkul in Siberia have unearthed eight figurines they believe are the oldest rattles ever found. Decorated with the carved faces of humans, birds, and other animals, the figurines were discovered with an infant’s remains.