Mindful Parenting: "Just" Play?

Do you ever think your kids are "just playing?" Think again. There's a recent post over at Smart Play (I'm a MCM ambassador) about the role play has in executive function. For those of you who didn't study psychology or anatomy in detail, "executive function" covers self-control, memory, attention, and related skills. I've read plenty of books and articles about the lack of play, and how it can also affect kids' emotions and a host of other things in a negative way. So be sure to encourage lots of play with your kids. And play with them yourself as well - show them that just because you get older doesn't mean you have to stop having fun and imagining things!