The Power of Play
Play is how children explore, connect, and grow. Whether they’re pretending to cook, caring for a baby doll, or running an imaginary grocery store, play helps children develop social-emotional skills, build confidence, and learn how to navigate the world.
At TRAIN, we use play-based therapy to support children in social skill-building, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, flexible thinking, and other key executive functions. Through play, children develop the tools they need to communicate, problem-solve, and thrive.
How Play Supports Development
Children don’t just play for fun—they play to practice real-life skills:
Social skills → Taking turns, cooperating, and communicating with others.
Emotional regulation → Managing frustration, adapting to change, and expressing feelings.
Cognitive flexibility → Learning to adjust, solve problems, and try new ideas.
Everyday Play, Lifelong Skills
Different types of play strengthen essential developmental skills:
Caring for a baby doll → Encourages empathy, nurturing, and understanding emotions.
Playing in a toy kitchen → Builds organization, sequencing, and problem-solving.
Running a pretend store → Strengthens decision-making and confidence in social interactions.
Through play, children try out real-world experiences in a safe and low-pressure way.
Play as a Tool for Coping and Self-Regulation
Play gives children a way to process emotions and experiences before they can put them into words.
A child who struggles with transitions may act out a school day to create a sense of control.
A child with big emotions may use play to rehearse self-soothing strategies.
A child who gets easily frustrated can practice problem-solving through role-play.
These moments help build resilience, emotional confidence, and independence.
How Play-Based Therapy Helps
At TRAIN, we use developmentally appropriate, play-based therapy to help children:
✔ Strengthen emotional regulation and frustration tolerance
✔ Build confidence in social interactions
✔ Develop flexibility in thinking and problem-solving
Approaches like DIR/Floortime help us follow a child’s lead in play, encouraging connection, emotional growth, and communication in ways that feel natural and engaging.
3 Key Takeaways for Parents
1️⃣ Play with your child at their level – Let them take the lead, follow their interests, and engage in back-and-forth interactions. These shared moments build confidence and connection.
2️⃣ Use play to model emotions – Show excitement, curiosity, and problem-solving through play. For example, if a tower falls, say, “Oops! Let’s try again,” to encourage frustration tolerance.
3️⃣ Create time for unstructured play – Children need free play to explore, experiment, and develop self-regulation. Avoid over-scheduling and allow space for creativity.
Through play, children learn, connect, and develop essential life skills. If you’re curious about how play-based therapy can support your child, contact TRAIN today to learn more.
