Do TS4 kids share secrets with each other? Do they play dress up with each other? I don't recall. Do they play hooky from school? I think there is a phone call adult Sims make to kids in TS4 about that. Do they sneak out past curfew? Or get brought home by the police? Teens and kids in the other games. No curfew in TS4, which I like that, however, it was also just weird to send my toddler all over the block and the parent not even go searching for them in City Living. Remember Bella and Mortimer would come get Casandra. So would townie adults or teens of any 'homeless' kid out too late at your Sim's house.
I know Maxis must think or believe kids don't play tag or other kid games anymore, maybe they don't but maybe the parents in TS4 should demand they get off the pc and phones and get outside and do something together. Like build forts? Play with trash can lids and sticks for swords. Build a tree house, or a club house, it doesn't have to be beautiful if it's built out of cardboard or old boards. I think it would be great if Maxis would take a look at the 1930's Little Rascals shows and get some better ideas.