Many parents today worry about whether they are teaching their toddlers and preschoolers enough at home. They look for the "right" preschool, hoping to find one that will give their children that competitive edge in kindergarten and beyond.

Parents of gifted kids are not immune to those worries. However, most parents of gifted children may worry that they aren't don't enough for their children, but they also worry that they are pushing their children. For these parents, it's sometimes hard to understand where to draw the line between nurturing and pushing their children.

Parents who worry about whether their toddlers and preschoolers are getting enough instruction can relax now. Researchers Adele Diamond and Deborah Leong say that improvised and imaginative play helps children develop what is called "executive function," a critical cognitive skill. Alix Spiegel, in the article "Old-Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills," discusses the value of good old play.