08/26/2026
Play is more than just fun—it helps children learn, grow, problem-solve, and connect with others! Read more about the Importance of Play in this month’s article by our Mental Health Consultant, Lynn Lucas, LCSW, RPT-S.
Children are not mini adults or a “mini-me version” of their parents. Problem solving and learning how to be a good friend are a couple of skills best learned through the experience of play. In fact, playing is essential for healthy development and making powerful connections in one’s brain.
If you recall a time when you were fully engaged in a playful activity, you may notice that it allows you to be fully in the moment. Play is stress reducing, and provides benefits such as relaxation, reduced pain, positive feelings and connection. Stress and anger are diffused.
When children play, they are practicing regulating emotions, and learning how to think, feel and respond to the environment around them. Playing involves the whole body. Our brains gather and process information through input from all our senses, so thinking and making sense of information does not just occur in our brains, but by how we move and interact with the world around us. Experience is really the best teacher.
Children can rehearse or practice taking different roles and meet needs for belonging, power, problem solving and experimentation. Think about the difference between being told how to do something and learning through your own experiences. If it is a playful or fun experience, or (even sometimes difficult) it is more likely to take hold. Playing with a grown-up who you love, allows you to make some mistakes, and who keeps you safe, creates core memories, and lessons learned will last a lifetime and contribute to helping your child be the best version of themselves. PLaY On!
