Sharper Point: Parents, it’s time to accept your kids need recess
Apr 22, 2016, 6:25 PM
Some parents are very concerned about the Madison School District in Phoenix having mandated recess time.
You read that right: An Arizona school district has a minimum amount of time that kids need to spend outside being, well, kids.
Some are very concerned that more time on the playground will equal less time hitting the books and, if you measure it in literal minutes, they’re probably right.
But those people are ignoring the fact that kids need to run around. They need to stretch their legs.
Think about it this way: How many times do you get up from your desk every day to get something to drink, simply because it gives you a short break?
Do you remember what it’s like to be a kid? All that energy bottled up, just waiting to pop like a big ol’ champagne cork? It was AGONY waiting for the recess bell.
Plus, recess gives your kids a chance to simply be themselves. They can play with friends, get some much-needed exercise or just enjoy some free time away from a packed after-school schedule.
Recess can even be good for the kids who were bullied, like me. After all, the first place you often encounter a bully is the school playground and you need to learn to stand up to them at some point. You might as well start young.
The bottom line is recess is good for kids, for a lot of reasons. Just let them have their time to play, then you can get back to the books and soccer practice.
