Learn to communicate better with children – simply through play

Parents and therapists should use play more often as a tool to facilitate their communication with children.

As children reach the age of six, most of them will have spent about 15,000 hours playing. We can say that playing is the job of children. It facilitates the development of various aspects of their growth, including the physical, motor, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional aspects of children.

Children who go through adversities – such as their parents’ divorce, migration, school examination, natural disaster, illness or bereavement – are often under pressure. Playing is the most natural way for them to express themselves.

It can aid children’s non-verbal expressions, and reduce frustration and anxiety, as play provides a channel for them to express different emotions.

For example, folding paper planes, painting on the fingers and conducting puppet shows can bring a lot of laughter and joy. Hitting clay with a hammer or toy models provides a safe channel for expressing negative emotions.

When used in a health-care context, play can prepare children for some unfamiliar medical procedures. In short, playing can take children’s attention away from feeling panic, worry or stress.