A Doctor's Orders For A Healthy Child? Letting Them Play

The highlight of many parents' day is getting to play with their children — whether it be running around playing tag or dressing up and role playing. As it turns out, these moments are more than just fun — they are crucial for child development.

A recent report has found that loose, unstructured play, in a variety of forms, can help build stress management skills and improve relationships. But as standardized learning and digital media has infiltrated the lives of children, play has taken a back seat.

Dr. Michael Yogman, chief of the Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics at Mount Auburn Hospital and lead author of the report "The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children." He tweets @Miyogman.