Children at Play

May 21, 2007
Throughout American history, argues Brown University historian Chudacoff (The Age of the Bachelor
), parents have sought to control their children's games and toys, but kids have been determined to set the terms of their play. In the colonial era, children typically played with improvised toys, and parents tried to prevent play from degenerating into “idleness,” insisting that games must serve God or family. In the 19th century, consumer culture intersected with a new conception of childhood as a distinct, adorable life stage to be cherished, while children increasingly played with toys that brought them into contact with the market. By the 20th century, adults, influenced in part by the new field of child psychology, focused on educational toys and directed kids off the streets and into playgrounds, where they could be carefully supervised. The tension between parental prerogatives and children's autonomy manifests itself still, says Chudacoff: parents try to keep children indoors for fear of dangers lurking outside, but children take new kinds of risks playing in cyberspace. While a bit dry and broad, Chudacoff's work gives historical depth to debates that continue to rage over what constitutes appropriate child's play. 22 illus.

Starred review from September 1, 2007
In this wonderfully polished, scholarly treatment of children and play from Colonial times to the present, Chudacoff (American history, Brown Univ.; "The Evolution of American Urban Society") uses excellent historical methodology and perceptive psychological insights, putting primary sources to good use, as he presents an illustrated, chronological history of children at play from ages six through 12. Throughout, he notes the variations among different socioeconomic groups and notes that, whatever the context, children seem to have a "remarkable capacity to create their own pleasure." He decries the current multibillion-dollar children's entertainment industry. How lovely (and sad) to think that wrapping a package in brown paper and string or creating one's own play money was once considered as engaging (perhaps more so?) than having a new mass-produced "educational" toy. The authors of another kind of book relating to childhood play, "The Dangerous Book for Boys", an enchanting new volume for children of all ages that consciously hearkens to an earlier era, observe that "You want to be self-sufficient and find your way by the stars." Chudacoff, in this fine volume, draws much the same conclusion. Highly recommended for all libraries.Ellen D. Gilbert, Princeton, NJ

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