This paper discusses the meaning and formation of children's play in order to (1) deepen understanding and respect for what play is, (2) demonstrate how young children cannot thrive or survive without play, and (3) give a common framework for interpreting and deriving meaning from the play behavior that occurs in the daily lives of young children. Described first are six major functions that play serves in childhood. The role that adults need to assume in relation to children's play is next discussed: it is contended that development is possible only when significant adults in a child's life provide adequate protection and nurturing and then allow the child to have what E. Eibesbeldt has described as "experimental dialogues with the environment" (in other words, opportunities to play). (MP)