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Empower Kids Through Play: Independence is Key
Play is essential for children's development, yet starting in the 1990s, children were increasingly deprived of it, particularly in elementary school. This lack of play leads to a sense of fearfulness and low competence as they transition to middle school. Children should be encouraged to gain independence and engage in unsupervised play by the third or fourth grade. The decline in play can be tied to smaller family sizes, changing maternal work patterns, and a loss of adult community trust, stemming from past scandals. This shift promotes the misconception that good parenting involves constant supervision, resulting in mothers feeling pressured to always be present. In reality, allowing children to play and explore independently is a vital aspect of cultivating their resilience and confidence.