Goofing off is good for kids—here’s the evidence
Friendships can be made stronger through play-acting and problem solving. (Robert Collins/Unsplash/)Archaeological records— and the modern-day antics of our primate relatives—make it clear that monkeying around goes way back. Less certain, however, are the developmental and evolutionary advantages that underlie our instinct to build forts, toss balls, and cuddle stuffed critters. We asked four experts why humans just wanna have fun.“Playful behavior can help a species survive. Adult bonobos, for example, seem to make silly faces as a way of reducing tension with potential mates. Similarly, male polar bears sometimes fake-fight, which may help them to gauge the limits of their own strength before risking full-on brawls.”—Gordon Burghardt, professor of psychology and ecology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville“Children have always liked animal figurines, dolls, and mini weapons and tools. But so-called object play is even older than humanity. Chimpanzee babies do it too. Like our own kids, they want...