An opinion piece and conversation with Ezra Klein, Columnist at NY Times and Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of NY Times Best Seller, 'The Anxious Generation' | April 1, 2025
From Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm: We couldn't agree more on why the power of "play" in early childhood is not only important, but absolutely critical for children in order to fuel their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, fostering crucial skills like problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction. We encourage you get comfy with a cup of tea and watch the entire video (it's long, but worth the watch!) to understand how and why Jonathan Haidt's research and writing echoes Summerfield's long-held beliefs in the power of play within Waldorf Education.
Ezra Klein: Jon Haidt, welcome to the show.
Jonathan Haidt: Ezra, it’s great to be back with you.
Ezra Klein: I want to begin with the big question: What is childhood for?
Jonathan Haidt:Childhood is evolution’s answer to: How do you have a big-brained cultural creature?
You have to play a lot. You have to practice all sorts of things — all sorts of maneuvers and social skills — in order to tell your brain how to wire up to have the adult form.
If you focus on brain development, especially for a big-brained cultural species like ours, there’s a plastic period where stuff comes in and shapes who you are. And once you’ve got that, you’re ready to convert to the adult form — be reproductive, have a baby.
But if you don’t have play in childhood, you’re not going to reach adulthood properly.
A conversation with Ezra Klein and Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of a NY Times Best Seller, 'The Anxious Generation'. Credits: Image and conversation snippet: The NY Times.
