The kids just wanna have their playtime
16 May 2025
You probably remember how much fun you had as a kid playing hide and seek, the floor is lava, or making up a whole new game of your own with your friends. But playing is much more than fun and games.
From childhood brain development to teenage social bonding and even adult creativity at work: play helps us grow, connect, and stay mentally sharp. Scientists say playing in old age can even slow cognitive decline more than reading or writing.
In Finland, play has been at the centre of early education for a long time – a rare sight in preschools across Europe. And six- and seven-year-olds had a clear message in Finland’s latest Children’s Barometer: they love preschool when they’re allowed to play. Assignments, guided activities, and even rest time ranked as the most boring parts of the day – especially for boys, who also said they didn’t always get help when they needed it.
We know, it might not be surprising that kids find assignments boring. However, the kids’ answers are important. Finland’s approach is that preschool isn’t supposed to feel like school. Instead, children need space to explore, move, pretend, and play – because that’s how they learn best.
The experts behind the study stress that Finland must hold on tight to this approach, as academic pressures creep into earlier stages of childhood and more children in primary school are already feeling stressed.
When play falls into the background, the consequences are clear. One example is in England, where children’s decline in playtime has an impact on kids’ health and overall happiness. It has become so urgent that a national commission has been set up to investigate the issue.
 | Mikael Kataja Adulthood is serious business. However, play is often extremely undervalued – especially for adults – and seen as unproductive or silly rather than essential. Finland’s child-led model is a reminder that valuing play isn’t about being soft, it’s about being smart. It’s a lesson that might just benefit all of us, no matter our age. We can all find our different ways of playing. Just because I don't call an evening of beer and darts with people from work playtime, it doesn't mean it is any different as a means of strengthening social bonds than playing tag in the school yard. |
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