Some people say free time activities for children should be organized by parents. Others say that children should be free to choose what they do in their free time.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The issue of what to do with children’s free time activities is complex, with some claiming that a child’s free time should be regulated by parents, while others advocate for a child’s freedom in these matters. I believe that defining the age groups of children can resolve this controversy.
At a younger age, parental moderation of children’s free time can better ensure the purposeful use of time. Instead of playing computer games, activities such as playdates can help very young children develop essential life skills. For instance, when on a playdate, they can learn rules of competition and collaboration as ways to outdo others while remaining friends with them. We should also consider that parental involvement can help promote children’s physical health. When left to their own devices, children may spend excessive time on screens, potentially damaging their eyesight or spinal cords due to exposure to blue light and poor body posture, which can be prevented by choices that stimulate physical activity.
However, older children might be harmed if parents choose to regulate their free time. Especially during adolescence, children begin to develop their sense of self, which is a confusing stage that requires space for teenagers to outgrow their old selves. If parents intervene, they might stifle the development of their identity. More importantly, older children need such freedom to learn the importance of responsibility. An overprotected life, where even free time is determined by parents, may prevent teenagers from learning accountability for their own decisions.
Overall, I think parental control over children’s free time should decline as children grow older; otherwise, they will have to face overdependent young adults with undeveloped identities. Parents should focus more on younger children to ensure their free time is tailored to what is best for their social skills and physical development.
