Play Makes Us Human

#94. Why Parents Should Do Less for Their Kids*

Children want to be self-sufficient. Parents should let them.

Oct 14 • 

Peter Gray

69

33

Online Meeting for Paid Subscribers, Oct. 25, 2025

Our topic will be “The toxicity of a competitive orientation to life, for kids and parents.”

Oct 12 • 

Peter Gray

11

1

#93. Tribute to Jane Goodall

One of my scientific and humanitarian heroes died on October 1, 2025.

Oct 4 • 

Peter Gray

58

8

September 2025

#92. The Reading Wars: Why Natural Learning Fails in Classrooms*

The best practices for teaching reading in school do not mimic natural learning.

Sep 25 • 

Peter Gray

60

41

#91. Rousseau’s Errors: They Persist in Some Educational and Child-Rearing Theories Today*

Pity poor Émile!

Sep 17 • 

Peter Gray

41

9

#90. Differences Between Self-Directed and Progressive Education*

Self-Directed and progressive education are often confused, but are very different in foundational principles and modes of operation.

Sep 7 • 

Peter Gray

56

37

August 2025

Online Meeting for Paid Subscribers, Sept. 6

The topic will be "The Needs of Teenagers"

Aug 30 • 

Peter Gray

9

Follow-Up to Letters on ADHD

Here I describe the subjectivity of ADHD diagnosis; elaborate on why I see it as a personality dimension, not a disorder; and present an evolutionary…

Aug 29 • 

Peter Gray

51

11

#89. On Being a Trustful, Autonomy-Supportive Parent

Here I describe eleven practices that characterize what I consider to be the ideal parenting style.

Aug 18 • 

Peter Gray

78

28

#88. Benefits, Null Effects, and Harmful Effects of ADHD Medications

Stimulants to treat ADHD apparently do not improve learning and can have serious harmful side effects.

Aug 9 • 

Peter Gray

38

30

#87. ADHD Is a Personality Trait, not a Disorder

ADHD, like other traits, is a problem in some contexts and not in others.

Aug 2 • 

Peter Gray

102

47

July 2025

#86. The Child’s Right to Play

What are the implications of Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

Jul 26 • 

Peter Gray

34

14