More of the "War on Childhood"

The raging "War on Childhood" continues. Now we need Occupational Therapists to teach children how to use their hands. Yes, how to use their hands.

Twenty-five years ago, pediatric occupational therapists primarily served children with severe disabilities like spina bifida, autism or cerebral palsy. Nowadays, these therapists are just as focused on helping children without obvious disabilities to hold a pencil. In affluent neighborhoods in and around New York, occupational therapists have taken their place next to the army of academic tutors, psychologists, private coaches and personal trainers...

Many kindergartners in his community have taken music appreciation classes or participated in adult-led sports teams or yoga. And most have also logged serious time in front of a television or a computer screen. But very few have had unlimited opportunities to run, jump and skip, or make mud pies and break twigs.

I know it might sound crazy, but I spent my childhood playing wallball, "chicken" on the monkey bars, and making my own obstacle courses. If only I had spent that time in Pilates class or doing worksheets on the environment while hopped up on Adderall. Darn.