Bild: Getty Images
In today’s society, children are given less time to play independently and assess risks on their own. This is according to a new study from the University of Essex. This is mainly due to the pressure that today’s parents put on themselves to constantly entertain and monitor children.
“Until the 1990s, parents weren’t expected to endlessly entertain and supervise their children in the same way they do now, so children had more freedom to play independently,” says Dr. John Day, author of the study. “But since these children became parents, society has changed and there is a greater sense of responsibility for the development of their children.”
Also Read – This is how I raise: “My 3-year-old still sometimes gets the jars”
Everything is under control
Of course, parents always feel responsible for their children’s development, but the study notes that this feeling is more intense. Parents are expected to spend more and more time observing and responding to their children’s desires and behaviors. Because of this “helicopter upbringing,” children feel less space to play on their own.
Another aspect of the problem is the growing fear of strangers abroad and the increase in road traffic. As a result, children are less likely to automatically go outside to play (without the parents).
Because of this “helicopter upbringing,” children feel less space to play on their own
Spontaneous game
The study claims that without “spontaneous play” children would not be as developed and versatile as they could be. d said. day. “But most of the learning about independence happens when children put themselves at risk, and those opportunities are lost in childhood.”
