The overschedulization of children has been a concern of mine for quite a long time. I have always believed that giving children free time, allows them to develop their imagination, creativity, intelligence and quest for knowledge. Not to mention gives them time to discover who they are and what they can do. Having time to investigate a blade of grass while playing outside can instill curiosity about the world in a child.

It's interesting that ADHD rates rise as time for imaginative play decrease. (I do not consider time spent in front of a tv, gaming system of computer terminal free time. It consumes your attention without allowing you time to imagine.) It was mentioned in the presentation that pretend play helps develop impulse control. If that is true, than maybe the risk of developing ADHD increases when children have not had plenty of opportunity to entertain themselves.