Hot off the press: The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to give kids more free time to play.

Thanks for the back-up, docs. That's what I've always believed.

Here's what my kids have in their schedules: school, 5 days/week. Soccer, 1 day/week. I'm thinking about adding in an art class for my older son, but only after soccer is over since it meets at the same time.

We've done more in the past. Both Big J ad Little J have done the 3 day/week soccer that's done through one of the local leagues. Little J has done gymnastics, too, although that was just one day/week. I think physical activity, especially for kids who have sensory-seeking needs like Little J's, is important.

But guess what? He can do it at home! At home he sometimes chooses to ride his bike for an hour after school. Or some days he plays legos. It's his choice. He needs to decompress and he needs to do it his own way.

Here's what the article says about the benefits of unstructured play:

It can help children become creative, discover their own passions, develop problem-solving skills, relate to others and adjust to school settings, the academy report says.

Thanks, guys!

I also like how our afternoons are free for kids to come over and play. Sometimes it's hard to find a friend...as they are all leading fairly structures lives...but when we can find someone who's not bogged down by piano lessons or cub scouts or whatever (NOT that there's anything wrong with that) then my kids have a great time with them. Being a friend is an important skill - and how are you going to learn that if you don't practice it?