[Importance of play : little health promoting review for children and their families].

Children love to play; play is their favorite occupation. They flourish through this millennial occupation. Play promotes harmonious development while integrating principles of social life. It is a solid barrier against the growing harms of sedentary lifestyle. The evolution of our societies is marked from the earliest age by a breathtaking decrease in the amount of movement and playtime of children. The consequences are known: delayed psychomotor development, psychological disorders, progression of obesity. Children of pre-carious and vulnerable families are the first victims. This review high-lights some of the essential knowledge related to the importance of play in children aged 0 to 5 years and attempts to suggest issues for recovering from a compromised situation. Solutions are individual, family and societal. The essential role of the family physician is specified.