Child & Family Development Child & Family Development

September 8, 2015

Occupational therapist, Melissa Petcu reviews importance of play for preschoolers

org_timbernook

Melissa Petcu MS OTR/L, occupational therapist at the Midtown office of Child and Family Development, reviewed an important article about a decline in playtime for preschoolers and an emergence of sensory processing difficulties.     

The Washington post piece promotes the Timbernook founder’s assertion that preschoolers need real play experiences in order to develop both physical strength, as well as social skills.  

Despite supporting research of this, many parents and schools place an overemphasis on pre-academics, often resulting in difficulties during elementary school years and beyond.  

In particular, children may develop sensory processing difficulties, such as under- or over-reactions to change and inability to share and play with others, all resulting in excessive pressure in 7-year-olds and younger.  

Hanscom insists that these skills shouldn‚Äôt have to be taught, but can be developed at a young age in the most natural sense through meaningful play experiences. Melissa agrees! 

Read full article here

Check out the Timbernook sensory camp near Charlotte!