SF Gate – Jerry R. Salerno
“With the holiday shopping season in full swing, many of us with children in our lives will wonder what gift we can give that is meaningful yet fun. Ironically, the most valuable gift is already at your fingertips. It’s the gift of play — old-fashioned, free playtime. Free or unstructured play is dynamic, organic and child-directed. She or he plans the play, mixes the imaginary with the real world and creates a unique experience. Children who play freely develop intellectually, emotionally and socially. They learn to solve problems, negotiate with others and practice self-control.”(more)