The Power of Play

Ahhh parenting… so many jobs, so little time. Parents are caregivers, teachers, cooks, waiters, housekeepers, personal shoppers, healers, all in one day. With all of these jobs it’s often hard to find the time to really play with our kids. Play is how children learn and it’s an essential part of their development. Taking the time out of our million and one jobs as parents to play with our kids can have some really big returns!



Research has shown that as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day of one-on-one child-led play can have a huge positive impact on many areas of a young child’s development. It has been found to improve language skills, decrease behaviour problems, lengthen attention span, increase self-esteem and confidence, reduce sibling rivalry, and nurture close parent-child relationships. Stronger parent-child relationships often mean more compliance and respect. Playing with your child can ease the stress of parenting – we are actually making the time to have fun!



Playing with our kids seems so easy, and yet when many parents sit down to do it, they realize that they aren’t quite sure what to do. The following tips may be helpful in creating a positive experience:

• Schedule specific time every day to play with child (5-10 minutes is usually plenty!)
• Choose toys that encourage creativity (e.g., blocks, pretend food, etc.) Skip the toys that have preset rules (e.g.,board games) or may require limits (e.g., swords).
• Be fully present – give your child your undivided attention. Put aside the day’s problems for these few minutes and allow yourself to connect, engage, and interact with your child.
• Follow your child’s lead. Allow your child to direct the play activity. Avoid telling your child what to do and how to do it. There are many opportunities during the day to teach your child. Try to avoid explicit teaching during these play periods. Describe what you see your child doing to let them know you are really present (e.g., “You are putting the red block on the green block. It looks like you are building a tower.”).
• Find many opportunities to praise appropriate behaviours that you see during the play. By telling kids exactly what you like, you increase the likelihood of your children doing these behaviours again (e.g., “I like the way you are playing so gently with the toys.”).
• Have fun!

Dr. Annie Simpson, R. Psych
Registered Psychologist
nssac.ca



Dr. Annie Simpson is a registered psychologist at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic and specializes in assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioural problems in childhood.