As society increases its expectations on young children, parents are signing their kids up for kindergarten at younger and younger ages. However, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a developmental psychologist and best-selling author, has thoughts about early childhood development that contradicts the notion of starting formal education at four years old.

Neufeld argues that if parents turn over their parental role too early, their children may seek out peers for their attachment needs. He says children should spend the first six years of their lives learning through play, not formal education. So school for these age groups should emphasize play and creativity.

The Vancouver-based Neufeld has an interesting point, but could the value of play in 4- to 6-year-olds really be that important? He compares Ontario, Canada to Finland as an example:

Neufeld explains that 4- to 6-year-old brains aren’t ready to learn by working. Successful childhood development depends on play during the years before the prefrontal cortex is done developing. In a society that focuses so heavily on grades and performance, you would be amazed by the incredible things children are capable of when you detach them from these expectations and just let them play.

Play is expressive. Play is not “for real,” so there are no consequences for “messing up.” Play is having fun with no thought of achieving a particular outcome. Some activities can be either work or play, so it’s important to approach them correctly. For instance, potty training is work if the child is expected to sit on the potty until they generate results. It’s play if you add food coloring to the water so the child is excited to watch it change colors.

Don’t misunderstand, there are benefits to seeking peer-to-peer interactions through pre-school and kindergarten, but play should be the emphasis, rather than formal, performance-based education. To learn more about the value of play, please contact ListenLoveLearntoday.

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