Supporting play with your child

Playing helps your child to make sense of the world around them. Even babies enjoy play. Play is essential for a child's overall development, as it:

  • helps develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
  • promotes language development and communication skills
  • enhances social skills such as sharing, cooperation, empathy, and understanding different perspectives
  • encourages the development of fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness
  • provides opportunities for children to learn and practice skills to help manage their feelings and those of others 
  • supports the formation of positive parent-child relationships, as parents can engage in play with their children and strengthen their bond
  • helps reduce stress and anxiety in children, promoting their mental well-being

Resources to support play with your child