Time for Play

The Power of Play by David Elkind

A recent New York Times article discussed the effort by parents and professionals to "restore play" to childhood. It's an interesting read: "Effort to Restore Children's Play Gains Momentum" by Hilary Stout (NY Times: 1.05.2011).

What do you think? In your experience, is play taking a back seat to academics or screen-time in lives of children today? Do your children spend a lot of time playing and using their imaginations? What ways have you encouraged play in your family?