Movement and Play in the Early Years of Life

Why should we encourage children to run, jump, roll on the grass, play fight, explore unknown paths and places and, imagine, dirty their clothes and skin their knees? Between parental aversion to risk and attraction to screens, will children still know how to play?

This book highlights the importance of active and challenging play for the health, well-being, learning and development of children. It is aimed at parents and educators, but also at people in charge of cities and public spaces, alerting them to the drastic reduction in outdoor activities among recent generations, as well as the time, space and autonomy of play. Finally, science-based causes are indicated and possible interventions are suggested. Because playing is exploring, wandering and learning; in short, growing up.

May 2024