The Play Paradox: Why We're Still Failing Our Children's Basic Needs Peter Gray, an 82 year old psychologist, has spent decades studying the effects of modern parenting on children's mental health and independence.
His research, which critiques society's over reliance on structured activities, has been widely acclaimed by experts in the field.
Gray's theory, outlined in his 2013 book "Free to Learn," emphasizes the importance of self directed activities for kids' cognitive development and emotional well being.