In today’s fast-paced world, unstructured or “free play” is emerging as a powerful tool for children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Experts now warn that constant adult supervision, excessive screen time, and over-scheduled routines are depriving children of a critical developmental need-unstructured playtime.

According to child wellbeing expert Akkshitta, activities like building sandcastles, roleplaying with toys, or racing cars in the backyard stimulate creativity, problem-solving, and emotional expression. Such play enhances children’s ability to regulate emotions, handle frustration, and develop empathy-skills that are crucial in adulthood.

It also builds leadership and confidence, allowing kids to make decisions and set their own rules. With reduced adult interference, children learn responsibility and independence while improving their social intelligence.

The message is clear-free play isn’t optional, it’s essential. Giving kids space to explore freely helps shape emotionally balanced, creative, and confident individuals. Let children be children-let them play, imagine, fall, rise, and grow on their own terms.