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Why Play is Important for Self-Discipline

Play is an important skill that kids need for both happiness and, surprisingly, self-discipline.

By Christine Carter | September 21, 2010

As we discuss on my last post (Music for the People) adding more structured activities (like formal musical training) to kids’ days, I’m reminded not to squeeze out play.

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About the Author

Christine Carter

Christine Carter, Ph.D. is a Senior Fellow at the Greater Good Science Center. She is the author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (BenBella, 2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (Ballantine Books, 2015), and Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (Random House, 2010). A former director of the GGSC, she served for many years as author of its parenting blog, Raising Happiness. Find out more about Christine here.

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About the Author

Christine Carter

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