Play is a vital tool for developmental growth and learning in early childhood. However, with the current focus on academics, there is less emphasis placed on encouraging children to play. The current study investigated parental beliefs on play. The sample consisted of 34 middle-class couples (34 mothers, 34 fathers) co-parenting a preschool-aged child (3-5 years) attending the laboratory school of a large mid-Atlantic university. Participants were surveyed about their beliefs on play. Results revealed mothers\u27 value of play to be higher than fathers\u27. Although significantly different, both mothers and fathers perceived play positively. The findings suggest that early childhood professionals need to further advocate the importance of quality play and its ties with academic achievement to all parents, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.;Keywords: play, belief, parent, academics, early childhood
