Ask yourself, when was the last time you really put down the phone, ignored the dirty dishes and got down with some playtime?
We are BIG on play here at The Wise Family! So much that we’ve dedicated another blog around that theme. If you haven’t seen our #PlayDayEveryday posts on Fridays, check them out!
Play is a child’s natural language through which thoughts and feelings are expressed. Unstructured play can also give insight into a child’s strengths, coping strategies and preparedness for future challenges. It also enhances important social skills in children such as empathy through the use of role playing. Social conscience also develops through play and can strengthen a child’s moral development. Furthermore, play is an important coping skill that can counter fears allowing children to relax, replay and de-sensitize.
We could go on and on! Check out part one of two in this series from our fabulously WISE team of clinicians that reinforces the power of play for children… and also for adults!
Unleash the child within! Go make those mud pies, dance to Encanto, and make a killer fort!
We have all benefited from the power of play. We have all been children. And somewhere along our way to adulthood, toparenthood, we lose touch with this inner part of ourselves; our inner child. As a human, I believe that one of the most beautiful gifts parenthood offers is being able to live through another childhood; the one you get to create for someone else. As a child therapist, I believe that one of the greatest gifts you can offer your young child is unconditional connection. And I believe in the power of doing this through play. While getting down on the ground to play with your child is powerful for many reasons, I want to emphasize the opportunity it has to communicate, “I am ready, able and willing to meet you where you are at.”
I acknowledge that child play time can also seem daunting, especially if you’ve been out of touch with your own inner child play. This is okay! I have worked with many parents who begin to think they are ‘bad’ or something is wrong for not wanting to learn how to build a spaceship out of Legos or bake magic mud pies in an imaginary outdoor kitchen. This is not true!
Working in the school system as a school counselor, I have a front row seat to how important play is to a child’s development. Playing is usually their first social interaction with peers. Play teaches little humans the tools to be successful adults in the future. They learn valuable skills such as communication with others taking turns, compromising, and the list can go on.
Play is a great way to enter into your child’s world. I encourage parents to take some time and play with your child. Those are the memories your child will cherish forever. A parent taking the time to understand a game their child is playing or using their imagination to “cook” in their kitchen are the small gestures that brighten a child’s day and open the lines of communication with their parents.
The Power of Play can open so many doors and melt away a child’s worry, anger, and stress.
Until Next Time, Be Wise!
“Thank you so much for all you do and care for me. And all the work you do for my family. I {heart} you.”
— 10-year-old coaching client“Amy brings together the best emotion-focused strategies with cutting-edge brain science to change the lives of children and families”
— Parent of adopted twin girls“Amy talks about moving children from being externally-driven to internally-driven…and she helps you get there!”
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— Parent of 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter
