Hidden Brain Parents: Keep Out!
Nov 24, 2025
Psychologist Peter Gray, an expert on child development and play, highlights the importance of independent play for children. He discusses how modern parenting often stifles children's initiative and problem-solving skills due to over-involvement. Peter shares insights on the benefits of mixed-age play and how societal fears have increased restrictions on children's freedom. He advocates for simple questions from parents to foster autonomy and describes successful models, like play clubs, that promote unstructured play. A thought-provoking conversation on nurturing independence in kids!
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Play Interrupted By Adult Instruction
- At a pop-up event two six-year-olds used boards as a pretend narrow bridge and played imaginatively until an adult insisted they should build with the boards.
- The children lost interest when the adult turned play into a lesson about hammers and nails.
Kids Invent Pandemic Play
- Sixth graders invented a pandemic-themed game during COVID featuring 'infection' and 'vaccine' roles and played it eagerly before school.
- An administrator banned the imaginative game because it simulated dying, curtailing their play opportunity.
Pinewood Derby Shame And Perfection
- At a Pinewood Derby Peter and his son carved a simple car together but felt embarrassed when other entries were finely crafted by adults.
- The contrast showed how adult-driven perfection can dampen children's pride in their own work.
