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Why Play is Good for Your Mental Health

May 15, 2025 by Eric Patterson, LPC
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Why Play is Good for Your Mental Health
For many families, life moves fast. Between work, school, sports, and other activities in and out of the home, it may seem like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. When there is a free moment, the comforting glow of your phone could be your go-to way to relax, but there is a much more beneficial experience for both your children and for you—play!
Playing with your kids can have incredible effects on the health and well-being of you and your children. You may feel like you already engage in play with your child, but increasing the time and introducing new forms of play could result in great benefits.

The Power of Play

The positive effects of play are staggering. Play allows children to explore their world and learn about the people around them. Aspects of trust, safety, independence, and identity are established and refined through play.
Physically, children who play have the opportunity to develop strength, coordination, and stamina for challenging tasks. They can have the thrill of running until they are exhausted and the comfort of jumping safely into your arms.
Mentally, the benefits are even more appealing. Different forms of play can help with:
  • Emotional development
  • Social skills
  • Expressive communication
  • Cognitive skills and problem-solving
  • Overall well-being
These effects can start immediately, and they can last throughout the child’s life. The lessons learned through early play can make them more resilient and confident as adults.
Playing with siblings, classmates, and other children are great options for your child. As a caregiver, though, you become an irreplaceable companion in play. Engaging in play with a child:
  • Reduces your stress
  • Builds a strong attachment between you and the child
  • Boosts your brain health and memory
  • Improves your physical health
Though it might seem like scrolling through your phone is a great stress-reducer, it creates more of a neutral effect that only distracts you from stress without offering any lasting benefit to you or your child. Play may take more energy and planning, but the impact is worth it.

Bringing Play into Your Home

Bringing more play into your home does not have to be a major undertaking, and it does not have to replace your current habits and routines. Play is fun, free, and available anytime and anyplace.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider sitting on the floor with your child. Remove distractions, like phones and video games, turn off the TV, and let them know “It’s playtime!” Let them take the lead from there.
Some of the most basic items can lead to a lot of creative and expressive play. Items that can encourage play are:
  • Dolls and action figures
  • Wooden or plastic building blocks
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Different types of balls
  • Paper and crayons
Remember, there isn’t a “right way” to play, but if play is something new to you, it could feel a little strange or uncomfortable. This could be the case for the child as well. If they have been used to video games, TV shows, and other screens, they could resist the introduction of play because it does not feel as fast-paced and fun. The best path is to start slow and build a foundation for play that grows over time.
Some of the best ways to introduce play include:
  • Simple games, like rock paper scissors or hide and seek
  • Rolling, throwing, or kicking a ball back and forth
  • Card games, like Go Fish, Uno, and Crazy 8s
  • Age-appropriate board games
  • Singing, dancing, and making music
  • Drawing, coloring, painting, and other art projects
With play, what matters most is that you are giving the child your undivided time and attention. In that moment, they are the center of your world, and you will be at the center of theirs.
As play becomes a regular part of your routine, you’ll notice your child beginning to seek out independent play as well. They may grow better able to interact with others and appreciate their freedom and alone time without complaining of constant boredom.

How The Children’s Institute Can Help

For some people and some families, play does not seem to come naturally. Maybe they never learned to play as kids themselves. Maybe technology and other distractions has caused you to forget what it’s like to play.
No matter the reason that stands between your family and successful play, The Children’s Institute can assist. By building aspects of play and art into therapy sessions, we help adults and the kids in their lives discover the emotional benefits of play. Our psychotherapists lead sessions that connect kids and caregivers through play and offer feedback to try in between sessions.
To learn more about behavioral health services at The Children’s Institute, visit this section of our website.
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Eric Patterson, LPC
Eric Patterson, LPC
Clinical Director of Behavioral Health

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