“In this modern world where activity is stressed almost to the point of mania, quietness as a childhood need is too often overlooked. Yet a child’s need for quietness is the same today as it has always been–it may even be greater–for quietness is an essential part of all awareness. In quiet times and sleepy times a child can dwell in thoughts of his own, and in songs and stories of his own. Tranquility is needed for that essential creative force in children that is behind their play and hence behind the growth of their thought.”

by Margaret Wise Brown , Book of Knowledge Annual 1952, Stories to be Sung and Songs to be Told , page 166

This is one of my favorite MWB quotes. I know very little about early childhood education. I know what I see in the world of young parents running themselves ragged scheduling activities and play dates, soccer practice and the like- “to the point of mania” as MWB said 70 years ago.

Now that I am retired and I have complete control of my daily activities, I find that when I apply some structure and schedule to my days, I am happier. I don’t feel my time on this earth is slipping away. Maybe it is a good thing to keep kids busy – at least loosely busy. When we schedule things we get to have the opportunity to check that activity off a list. That feels good- As a world class procrastinator – it provides me with a sense of tranquility.