The Science of Play
Why Play Therapy Helps Kids Learn and Grow
Play is often seen as just fun and games, but it is much more than that. For children, play is a powerful engine for learning, emotional growth, and brain development. In San Luis Obispo, when parents bring their kids to therapy, I often see how integrating play into healing makes a real difference. Whether it is rough and tumble play, make believe, or exploration, the science backs up what many of us see: play supports healthy, resilient children.
What Research Tells Us About Play
Play activates many parts of the brain. Evidence shows that babies benefit from attunement play (where caregiver and child engage in responsive interaction) which supports emotional regulation and neural connection. Play helps build complex brain structures, fosters a strong foundation for learning, and aids social and emotional development. Free, self directed play and guided playful learning both support language, creativity, attention, problem solving, and relationships.
Early childhood programs that emphasize learning through play are linked with better outcomes in cognitive skills and social emotional health. Children explore fears and develop adult roles through imaginative or symbolic play. Play gives kids the chance to experiment, test ideas, work with others, build motor skills, express emotions, and explore the environment safely.
How Play Therapy Brings It All Together
In child therapy and when I work as a play therapist in San Luis Obispo, I draw on the science of play to help children heal and grow. Play therapy uses many play types including pretend play, movement play, attunement play, and exploratory play to help children build emotional intelligence, self regulation, and resilience. It lets kids express feelings in ways that words alone do not always capture. It helps when children have experienced stress, anxiety, or difficulty relating socially.
When a child is struggling with behavior problems, attention issues, or low self esteem, incorporating more play both in and out of therapy can enhance treatment. Play therapy helps bridge gaps between feeling overwhelmed and being able to manage emotions, connect with others, and feel safe again.
Supporting Play at Home and School
You do not have to wait for a therapy session to support play. You can encourage learning through play with simple steps:
Allow unstructured free play where children choose what and how to play
Join their play when invited, follow their lead, validate their ideas and creations
Include physical activity and rough and tumble play when safe and appropriate
Provide materials that spark imagination (blocks, dress up, art supplies)
Integrate playful learning in everyday routines
In schools and early education programs, play based learning improves academic outcomes and helps with social and emotional learning. These practices are especially crucial if children are under pressure or struggling with school stress.
When to Seek Play Therapy
It is common for parents to wonder when normal struggles become signs that therapy might help. Consider consulting a child therapist or play therapist if:
Your child shows persistent anxiety, sadness, or behavioral challenges despite supportive routines
School stress, attention issues, or conflicts with peers are interfering with their day to day functioning
Your child seems avoidant of play, disengaged, or shows signs of emotional numbness
You feel stuck trying to support your child’s growth on your own
References
National Institute for Play. (n.d.). Play science: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://nifplay.org/play-science/summary-of-key-findings/
ChildCare.gov. (n.d.). Supporting children’s learning through play. Retrieved from https://www.childcare.gov/consumer-education/support-my-childs-health-development/supporting-childrens-learning-through-play
Head Start. (2024, April 1). Importance of play in early childhood. Retrieved from https://headstart.gov/curriculum/article/importance-play-early-childhood
UNICEF. (2018). Learning through play: Strengthening learning through play in early childhood education programmes. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/UNICEF-Lego-Foundation-Learning-through-Play.pdf
The Hechinger Report. (2022, November 14). Want resilient and well adjusted kids? Let them play. Retrieved from https://hechingerreport.org/want-resilient-and-well-adjusted-kids-let-them-play/
