Anthony Esolen is a literature professor, faithful believer, and a conscientious parent. He has written some of the most insightful essays and books on education, family and parenting that you will find anywhere. He has a new book coming out in a few weeks, Life Under Compulsion: Ten Ways to Destroy the Humanity of Your Child, that addresses important questions for all parents: “How do you raise a child who can sit with a good book and read? Who is moved by beauty? Who doesn’t have to buy the latest this or that vanity? Who is not bound to the instant urge, wherever it may be found?” I encourage you to read Esolen. This week there was an excellent article from Esolen at ISI about the importance of “play” for children -not play with a monitoring/hovering parent controlling every move -but free play that allows for exploration and important life lessons. Can Playing Prepare You for Living? offers thoughtful discussion of the importance of play for children. Much of the article is excerpted from a previous and highly recommended Book by Esolen, Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of your Child.