Thanks to some young mothers in homeschooling conversations this longstanding controversy arose, reminding me of all the wasted time I have heard this argued. Children should play! No! I want them to learn. This is such a false choice. It is a trap. It is what is called a "false dichotomy" as if there are only two discrete choices. This is not true. In this case, the best is a "both-and."

In other situations, the best is something else entirely. It is not just home-school mothers who bless their hearts are just asking what is best, which way to go. I have seen educators engage silly disputes. Indeed, I have seen professors spur this on. And that is the problem. WHY is this such an issue.

New home-schoolers are just asking. But why would flocks of teacher argue about this for decades. Because it is what they were taught. Let's consider that.  But first, let's answer the moms.  Enable your child to learn while they are playing -- as far as they are considered. As long as you get your head out of the 2D world and don't obsess on making your two year old boy sit still, you have no problems. It all becomes easier when you see that.