Family Focus articles are exclusive to NCFR members.

Play and leisure are important for families. At the same time, families often need to work hard at play. They need to find spaces and times, make decisions about what to do, where to do it, whom to include, and what equipment should be allowed.

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• Overview and Introduction — by Judith A. Myers-Walls, Ph.D., CFLE Emeritus
• Fathers’ Play: Benefits for Children and Fathers — Diana Coyl-Shepherd, Ph.D.
• “Doing Family” at the Soccer Field: Creating Time and Space for Outdoor Play and Organized Leisure — Danielle Ekman Ladru, Ph.D., and Katarina Gustafson, Ph.D.
• When Time for Leisure Seems Limited, Focus on Quality — Camilla J. Hodge, Ph.D.
• Importance of Play for a Lifetime — Anita Glee Bertram, Ph.D., CFLE, Brandon K. Burr, Ph.D., CFLE, LaDonna Atkins, Ed.D., Kaye Sears, Ed.D., CFLE, and Andreae N. McGinnis, graduate student
• Family Well-Being and the Importance of Engaging in Core Leisure Activities Together — James M. Duncan, Ph.D., CFLE, DAV, Kayla Reed-Fitzke, Ph.D., LMFT, Samantha Howard, M.S., and Anthony J. Ferraro, Ph.D., CFLE
• Diversify the Family Activity Profile: New Advice for Strengthening Families — Karen K. Melton, Ph.D., CTRS
• To Be or Not to Be Together: Activities and Technology During the Family Vacation — Moji M. Shahvali, M.A., and Karen K. Melton, Ph.D., CTRS
• The Importance of Leisure Activities in Supporting Military Members and Their Families — Samantha Howard, M.S., James M. Duncan, Ph.D., CFLE, DAV, Anthony J. Ferraro, Ph.D., CFLE, and Kayla Reed-Fitzke, Ph.D., LMFT
• Playing to Purpose: Optimizing Employment Benefits for Family Leisure Time — Nicole McAninch, Ph.D., MSW, CFLE, and Karen K. Melton, Ph.D., CTRS