Benefits of Benign Neglect

Much is said by older generation about the inadequacies of the younger generation. So it goes.

I cautiously concede that the ratio of controlled-programed activities and free play seems to be increasing. This may be that parents, teachers, coaches and scout leaders feel guilty of neglecting their charges if they do not supply them with constantly varying bread and circuses overseen, measured and evaluated by adults as somehow beneficial to children.

I am a great champion of the benefits of benign neglect.

Hours and hours of largely unstructured, un-metered,delightfully irresponsible time-wasting are vitally important to growing up.

About five minutes into the video above a teacher is discussing the importance of unstructured play to socialization.

Scouts on their own learn more than those being overseen by adults. They learn more about leading and following, about responsibility and about themselves.

There are many times on outings that our scouts are on their own for hours at a time. We are close enough to render aid and far away enough to allow the scouts to function independently. Our job is to help them maintain focus and guide them through a process of reflection that helps them appreciate and understand what they have learned.