Children often struggle with communicating their thoughts and feelings, especially when they are young. They find it difficult to cope with stress and thus exhibit anxiety, anger and challenging behaviour. So if you are wondering what options you have to help them, or what might be the best way to help, play therapy may be your answer! Play may not seem like a definitive way to communicate, but it's very effective in boosting the confidence amongst children, thus providing an outlet to express emotions. Lets understand more about play therapy, how it can be encouraged and the benefits available.
Play Therapy
Play therapy can be so beneficial for children by supporting them to learn to communicate and manage their emotions through play. It promotes a therapeutic relationship providing support through positive and healthy attachments. Overall, it helps children process and express their emotions and thoughts and offers an enjoyable, children friendly approach to solve challenging events.
Who Benefits from Play Therapy?
Play therapy is commonly used for children between the ages 3-12. It is recommended for children in several circumstances including-
- Children facing medical issues such as chronic illness or palliative care.
- Children with development delay or learning disabilities.
- Kids who are displaying behavioural issues.
- For children with ASD and ADHD.
- For children displaying aggressive behaviour.
- For eating disorders, anxiety or depression.
Play Therapy Techniques
Play therapy techniques includes the following-
- Creative visualisation
- Role play
- Storytelling
- Puppet and stuffed animals
- Dolls and action figures
- Arts and crafts
- Blocks and construction toys
- Dancing
- Musical play
Benefits of Play Therapy
Provides safe way to communicate, connect and share
Many toddlers have difficulty communicating their emotions especially after experiencing neglect, trauma and abuse. It's the therapy that helps children engage comfortably so they can open up about their feelings. Toys serve as metaphors to help children express emotions in a nonverbal way.
Presents opportunities
Play therapy presents opportunities to relieve stress and anxiety amongst children. It can be soothing for children while the tools utilised can help serve as temporary distractions from the troubling thoughts they may experience.
Helps develop self-awareness and coping skills
Playing provides an opportunity for children to learn about themselves as well as the environment. It provides opportunities for them to develop their skills through interactions with others while expressing complex emotions.
Helps express creatively
Young children are naturally creative, especially when it comes to playing. They get absorbed in another world which can provide a safe way to express themselves. You can take advantage of these moments to help little ones explore and make connections between their thoughts and feelings.
As parents, you can help your children to understand and manage their emotions through play therapy. By incorporating play activities using natural kids toys you can truly benefit your children. Other alternatives such as cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy and talk therapy are also great techniques and tools to help your children connect with their emotions.
At KIDDYKIND we want to make the world a better place for your children. We have a range of organic kids products and sustainable toys that are chemical-free, eco-friendly, non-toxic and make the perfect tools for play therapy.
Explore our sustainable toys for kids. Get in touch with us at hello@kiddykind.com and share your experience of play therapy.