Knowing Imagination

Imaginative and rambunctious “free play,” in childhood is crucial for social, emotional and cognitive development to help avoiding growing into anxious, socially maladjusted adults. Psychiatrist Stuart Brown's research has shown that unstructured, imaginative play can keep children from growing into happy, well-adjusted adults. “Free play,” as scientists call it, is critical for becoming socially adept, coping with stress and building cognitive skills such as problem solving. This article in Scientific American Mind magazine tells all about it.