Getting Serious About Play: The Science Behind Your Child Exploring Their Imagination

One would think that it is my role as a board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist that created my love for play. But it actually goes further back to my own childhood and upbringing that left an indelible mark on me about play and the power that it holds.

My father has always been a proud and somewhat stern man, not a physician himself but certainly proficient in a number of trades. Growing up, I remembered not seeing my dad as often not due to his lack of desire, but because he was working multiple jobs to support our family.

And while that in it of itself is impressive and awe worthy, it was one specific instance that changed my life forever.

When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I found some old video footage of a random evening in our family's home- probably when I was about 2 years old. My unsure steps contradicted the wild confidence I had in proceeding forward, and falling onto the floor gently with a laugh. Repeatedly.

After a few moments, the door opens and my dad, fresh off of a double shift, walks into the frame. Instead of slumping into a couch or locking himself into another activity, my father walks directly over to the toddler version of me. He was instantly drawn to my play on the floor, a few toys & action-figures from the 1980's strewn about under me.

My dad approached me as if this something instinctual called to him, and in one swift motion, immediately sat down directly next to me. And without any hesitation, he begins to interact with me, garnering my attention. I visibly smile and laugh, before excitedly shouting in glee.

This home footage impacted more than I ever expected, not only in the parenting of my own children, but in my role as a child psychiatrist. It allowed me to realize early on that play is one of the most meaningful things we can do with a child.

As a board-certified child psychiatrist, I’ve seen firsthand how play is more than just fun—it’s foundational to emotional and cognitive development. For children, play is not a break from learning. It is actually learning.

Why Play Matters for Mental Health

A bounty of research exists on why play is so important. Children crave play, and I often fight off my own two young children begging me to participate in an activity. Sometimes it makes sense to me, other times I'm in for the ride.

Research shows that play supports emotional regulation, social skills, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are key components of confidence and mental health in children. A look through the literature consistently shows that unstructured, imaginative play helps kids express feelings, process trauma, and build resilience. Allowing an open-ended creative outlet for children is one of the treatments that can be prescribed, and even can be used as a tool for assessment and evaluations.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) emphasizes that play is essential to brain development and stress reduction. In a world increasingly dominated by digital integrations, screens of all types, and rigid activity-filled schedules, prioritizing play is more important than ever. And in some ways, it's almost becoming a lost art.

What Is Play Therapy?

At Palm Tree Psychiatry, I often use play therapy with younger children (and teenagers sometimes!) to gain insight into their internal worlds and mental states. Sometimes, play allows a way to discuss emotional drives, processes, and feelings without having to say anything. Simply being in the moment does it all.

Through drawing, storytelling, pretend games, and sensory activities, children communicate their fears, hopes, and needs—sometimes more effectively than with words. Communication through speech is important, but sometimes body language and types of games themselves say a lot more than a structured interview.

Studies such as Landreth’s (2012) work on child-centered play therapy have shown improvements in anxiety, depression, and behavior issues after consistent therapeutic play sessions.

How Parents Can Encourage Healthy Play

• Create screen-free time every day for imaginative play: Try to put the phones away! Even if it is for an hour or two each day, be mindful about creating separate time to allow imagination to bloom.

• Let your child lead during playtime—it fosters autonomy and confidence: It may be tough at times, but allowing children to determine how they want to play is much more important than accomplishment or task-based activities.

• Rotate toys and materials to keep creativity flowing: Newer research shows that children flourish with LESS toys, so consider either putting away toys or even donating toys that have been around for a while.

• Join in! Co-play strengthens attachment and builds emotional safety: It may actually do more harm to be present but visibly distracted, so adults can also ditch their devices and be a kid again!

Play Is Prevention

Promoting healthy play routines can help prevent emotional difficulties before they require more intensive interventions. Whether at home, in school, or even in the office setting, play is a powerful tool for emotional growth, social connection, and mental wellness. Give it a shot! Your kids will thank you, and who knows, maybe they'll write a blog about it a few decades from now.

🌴 At Palm Tree Psychiatry, Dr. Tzvi Furer is an experienced adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist who is ready to aid you in your mental health journey. He sometimes needs to be reminded that he has do adult-like things if he's having a really good play therapy session. If you are interested in a consultation, please visit our website at www.palmtreepsychiatry.com.