The Power of Play for Families

Play as a Pathway Back to Connection

Play is not just entertainment for children. It is how they make sense of their world, show us what they are feeling, and build emotional safety. When families share moments of play, it becomes less about the activity and more about the connection underneath it. Children do not always have the words to describe what is happening inside, but they do have play. Through building, pretending, moving, and creating, they express worries, hopes, and experiences in a way that feels natural and safe. When parents join them with curiosity instead of correction, something important happens. Play becomes a shared language where safety, attunement, and care are felt rather than spoken. Small moments matter. A funny face at breakfast, a quiet inside joke, or five minutes on the floor together tells your child, “I see you. I enjoy being with you.”

Why Play Regulates the Nervous System

From a nervous system perspective, play is regulating in a deep and meaningful way.

Laughter releases tension. Movement helps reset energy. Warm eye contact and shared smiles activate the part of the nervous system that supports safety and connection.

When families play together, everyone gets a chance to shift out of stress and into something steadier. After a hard day or a difficult moment, play communicates, “We are okay. We can come back to each other.” For parents, play can soften reactivity and reopen the door to attunement. Often, it is a more effective path back to connection than lecturing or problem solving.

For Parents, Play Can Be Healing Too

If you did not grow up with emotional warmth, safety, or playfulness, joining your child in play may feel unfamiliar. Many parents share this experience. This is where Dr. Theresa Kellam’s book The Way of Play offers something meaningful. Kellam describes play as a state of openness rather than performance. She reminds parents that play does not need to be loud or silly. It simply needs presence. Her writing encourages parents to meet their child in the moment, see the world through their eyes, and rediscover their own sense of playfulness. It also normalizes how hard this can feel for adults. One small moment at a time is enough.