Authentic Play

So much in today's society gets in the way of much needed authentic play for children. Many parents even think children freely playing is a waste of time. Children are born with a desire to play and explore the new world that they are born into. Children learn self knowledge when playing and are thus will be better adjusted in life as adults. Many adult problems come from being denied authentic play growing up. Children learn best when play can be a part of the learning as well.
When children are overwhelmed with organized sports and other activities and then play on electronic devices much of the rest of the time to escape the pressures. This diminishes the child's natural instinct for authentic play.
Well meaning parents and others divide the world into work and play. I say they can and should be intermingled. Young people can learn to make their household duties and other tasks a game. Thus they would be doing the work their own way and thus continue to gain self knowledge.
Yes, children need to be taught right and wrong and that there are many responsibilities in life, but they so need time for free play. Not only is it not a waste of time, it is integral for a happy and meaningful life.