In today’s society, with several and a countless number of possible activities, the way in which children spend their free
time
is becoming a hotly debated topic. While some state that parents should encourage their children to use their free
time
as they may prefer, others argue that
this
valuable
time
should be used in their development by taking part in organized group activities. Considering these as two multi-exclusive possibilities, I strongly support the idea of freedom, in which the children will be able to decide, by themselves, how to enjoy their free
time
.
Although
both views are valid, I strongly believe that the possibility of choice will help in the discovering of personal choices, as well as manage their own
time
.
On one hand, there are several benefits that line in favour of children using their free
time
in organized groups.
Although
many might argue that it can be considerably difficult to be part of groups with unknown children,
this
action might help in their development by leaning other things, as well as encourage social interaction with the other children of the group.
In addition
, for those that are the only child,
for example
, there is the possibility of spending some
time
with others of the same age. In fact, a recent study has shown that 95% of children with social disturbing occurs in families with an only child.
Therefore
,
such
activity during free
time
might help in the acquisition of many aspects that will be useful during other phases of life.
On the other hand
, children spend a considerable amount of their
time
being told what to do, and when to do. Due to
this
fact, giving them the freedom to use their free
time
as they would like, it is, of a certain perspective, a way to promote conscious about their own choices and preferences in life. If we always say what they should do while young, when teenagers or adults, they might not be able to consider their preferences and decide when
such
an opportunity is given. Many phycologists point out the tendency in us to reflect our childhood choices when adults.
To summarise, as childhood is a part of life when we discover likes and dislikes, choices and preferences, I am extremely in favour of allowing the free option for children on how to use the free
time
.