As adults we all yearn for a little break each day, maybe it's while we're at home with the kids, or for lunch or a workout during a busy day on-the-job. So why should it be any different for kids? New research shows it's not...Recess is crucial for young children and they perform better in school because of it.

The research published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that "...play and down time may be as important to a child's academic experience as reading, science and math and that regular recess, fitness or nature time can influence behavior, concentration and even grades." In the study, 11,000 children ages 8 and 9, showed better behavior when they had 15 minutes or more of recess each day, than when they had no recess.


Researchers told the New York Times the "findings were important because many schools did not view recess as essential to education...kids need a break because the brain needs that break". This study found 30 percent of our children have little or no daily recess.

Do what you can to ensure recess stays in your child's school. It would benefit the kids and the sanity of the teachers! And at home, if your kid is squirmy during major homework - send them outside for 10 minutes (not to the Xbox or Nintendo DS), it may just help a little bit - and give you a break too.

You can find more details on this study at the New York Times.

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