Rooted in Play

A nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to self-directed play.

[Lenore Skenazy @FreeRangeKids]

2/2 "I simply don't believe that any substantial portion of children should require frequent psychological treatment to cope with being alive except in a deeply malformed society. Why is the alternative--increasing the trust we put in our country’s youth--so unthinkable?"
TRUST!

[Alfie Kohn @alfiekohn]

Axiom: The lower the status of the student population, the more traditional and teacher-centered the education they're likely to receive
Corollary: When this proves counterproductive, it will be assumed the problem is with the kids...prompting adults to double down on the control

[Lenore Skenazy @FreeRangeKids]

And one thing schools can do IMMEDIATELY to counter the wave of youth depression and anxiety is to give kids more time to play.
PLAY: The original anti-depressant.
Cost? Free.
Rx? Not needed.
Side effects? Opposite of nausea, irritation. (Tho some may experience bleeding.)

[Ann @ChenBarnea]

@FreeRangeKids @nycexpatmom +1 for free play for kids. This generation is really deprived of unsupervised time with their peers. Unfortunately, it shows. We used to spend 3 hours every day playing with a bunch of neighborhood kids. Now? you’re lucky if you can get a playdate with a single kid a week…

[Lenore Skenazy @FreeRangeKids]

If we agree there's a youth mental health crisis, can we also agree that "More therapists!" is not the only solution?

I worry our leaders automatically gravitate to middle-age solutions -- yoga, therapy, mindfulness -- even when they're trying to help KIDS.

🧵1/4

[Rooted in Play @RootedinPlay]

@FreeRangeKids This whole thread! Yes to free play!

[Rooted in Play @RootedinPlay]

"Play is a set of behaviors that are freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivating." --Penny Wilson