Why Play Matters: Supporting Your Child’s Development Through Fun and Connection
Hi there, amazing parents!
Let’s talk about something kids do best—play! Play isn’t just about having fun (though that’s a big part); it’s how children naturally explore the world, build language, and develop essential skills like problem-solving and social interaction. But for kids with developmental differences, play may feel less instinctive and more challenging. That’s where you come in, and I’m here to help!
The Magic of Play
Think of play as your child’s classroom, where they learn by pretending, imagining, and exploring. Whether it’s hosting a pretend picnic, building an epic block tower, or zooming toy cars across the floor, these activities spark creativity, patience, and problem-solving.
Take that block tower, for example. Your child might first decide which blocks to use, then discover through trial and error that the tower needs a sturdier base to stay upright. That’s perseverance in action—and learning disguised as fun!
Play and Language: A Perfect Pair
Playtime is packed with opportunities to grow your child’s vocabulary. Pretending to go shopping? They’ll encounter food names like “apple” and “cheese.” Playing house? They’ll explore words for furniture, rooms, and clothing.
And it doesn’t stop at nouns. Play helps kids learn verbs too. They make dolls “dance,” cars “zoom,” and animals “fly.” They’re soaking up language in every interaction!
Play Builds Social Superpowers
When kids play together, they’re not just sharing toys—they’re practicing turn-taking, resolving disagreements, and even learning the basics of conversation. A back-and-forth game of “your turn, my turn” lays the groundwork for back-and-forth dialogue.
For children with language or developmental delays, play may feel like unfamiliar territory. Some kids might not instinctively know that a toy apple can be pretend food or that a toy plane can fly through an imaginary sky. Others might focus on a toy’s tiny details rather than its possibilities for creative play. And physical challenges can sometimes limit their ability to explore.
How You Can Help
Supporting your child’s play and language development doesn’t mean you need fancy toys or hours of free time. The magic lies in how you play together.
Here are a few tips to get started:
- Be their play partner: Sit on the floor and show them how to play. Pretend to eat the toy apple or fly the airplane, narrating as you go. (“I’m flying the plane over the table!”)
- Take turns: Simple back-and-forth actions or games teach turn-taking, an essential skill for both social interaction and communication.
- Talk about everything: Describe what you’re doing and what they’re doing. (“Oh, look! You built a tall tower!”) It builds their vocabulary and shows them how words connect to actions.
Let’s Play Together!
Every child learns differently, and that’s okay. If you’re feeling unsure or frustrated about your child’s progress, remember—you’re not alone! As a speech therapist, I’m here to guide and cheer you on. I’d love to help you find play strategies and activities that match your child’s unique strengths and needs.
Still wondering if therapy might be right for your child? Let’s chat! Schedule a free consultation with one of our amazing Kid’s Creek therapists today, and let’s get the ball rolling (literally—let’s play!).
You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back. 💛
Melanie McGriff, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Owner/Speech Therapist
Photo Courtesy Pixabay
Play, social interaction, play development, language development, speech development, developmental delays, vocabulary
