We’ll cover the basics: what quality free play looks like, how to foster it and why it’s important for every child. And then give you some best practices to take home and to the playground.

Free play is where kids practice essential skills like negotiation, narrating their ideas, thinking creatively to solve problems, building resilience and learning from failures. As the founder of Brooklyn Wild, a nature and adventure play program in Sunset Park, I’ve heard many parents express concerns around play: how to encourage free play on the playground without seeming too hands-off, when to intervene in children’s conflicts and when to let them work it out, how to enjoy being a part of the play even when you have a long to-do list, and how to build your child’s independent play skills so they can play without you (and without so many screens). As we look ahead to summer, now is a great time to learn how to play like a pro!