By Loren Walsh, MA, Child Therapy Services
When you think back on your kindergarten experience, you probably have fond memories of playing dress up, digging in the rice box, and building structures out of large blocks. Childhood was once a carefree time when kids came home with skinned knees and imaginary friends.
Today, we are seeing far less imaginary play and a stronger demand for academics at an early age. Children are also being pushed to advance developmentally and socially. What ever happened to the days of allowing children just to be children and kindergarten just to be kindergarten? We naturally want our children to succeed, but does that translate into putting constant pressure on them? Many parents today are not content with success, but really want their children to excel.
