Passive vs. Active Play: Understanding the Difference

Let's talk about a little thing called "passive play." Passive play is when children observe or participate with screens WITHOUT physical or creative engagement, limiting real-world skills and imagination. Susan Linn's book, Consuming Kids, dives into this strange, screen-dominated world where kids "play" by clicking buttons and building things on Minecraft instead of in real life.

Passive play refers to screen time where kids engage with media or games instead of participating in active, hands-on activities that foster creativity and physical skills.

But wait - who is this author, Susan Linn, and why should we listen to her? Susan Linn is a renowned psychologist, writer, and advocate for children’s well-being. With a background from Harvard, she’s spent decades exploring the effects of media and marketing on children’s development. Linn has also collaborated with Fred Rogers, yes, the actual beloved "Mister Rogers," to bring thoughtful, child-centered perspectives to the public. Her work shines a light on the importance of nurturing real, active play over passive screen time, urging families and educators to protect the innocence and imagination of childhood.

So, back to the matter at hand - take this wild example Linn mentions: at a conference with Linn, a dad from NYC was beaming with pride because his daughter "built a treehouse." Now, in a city that barely has space for a decent-sized closet, this sounds like a serious win, right? Well, kind of. Turns out she built it on Minecraft. Not exactly what you'd call a hands-on experience with hammer and nails. But hey, who needs splinters and sunlight when you have screen time?

Passive play in front of a screen isn’t the same as experiencing the tangible world. When kids play actively, they get to test limits, use their hands, and even take healthy risks—whether it’s balancing on a tree branch or building a fort. Screens simply can’t offer the depth of real play’s benefits.

Here are some ideas to get your child away from Passive Play.

1. Foster Curiosity Outdoors
   Create simple outdoor challenges or explorations, like nature scavenger hunts or setting up a sandbox with building tools, to boost hands-on engagement.

2. Promote Physical Activity
   Incorporate physical games like tag, hide-and-seek, or obstacle courses that challenge balance, strength, and coordination. You could also learn some dance moves with YouDance.com. 😉

3. Introduce Hands-On Crafts and Building
   Engage kids with real building blocks, clay modeling, or arts-and-crafts kits to encourage hands-on creation.

4. Encourage Active Play During Screen Time
   Set up screen time with activities that encourage active play: try dance-along videos, follow-along exercises, or interactive tutorials that get kids moving. Look for apps or content that promotes real-time participation, like music-making, drawing, or educational games that require active engagement. (Ah hem, again, YouDance.com is a great choice here.)

5. Celebrate Creativity through Play Projects
   Support your child in making things by hand, such as building a fort or designing a mini garden, to see the results of their efforts directly.

Oh, guess what? I had the insane opportunity to interview Susan Linn on my podcast (what!?). Listen to the latest podcast episode where I dive deeper into the impact of passive play.