The Role of Play in Emotional Development: What Every Parent Should Know

By Dr. Arati Bhatt| SereinMind

In today’s fast-paced world of academics, screen time, and extracurriculars, play often gets pushed to the sidelines. But for a child, play is not just fun — it’s foundational.

Play is how children express, explore, and expand their emotional world. It allows them to make sense of their experiences, process feelings, and build resilience.

“Play is not a distraction from development. It is development — especially emotional development.”— Dr. Arati Bhatt, Counselling Psychologist, SereinMind

What Is Emotional Development in Children?

Emotional development includes:

• Identifying and expressing feelings appropriately

• Developing empathy and social awareness

• Building self-regulation and resilience

• Navigating relationships with others

• Coping with stress and big emotions

These abilities don’t come from lectures or punishments — they emerge through daily interactions, especially play.

How Play Builds Emotional Intelligence

1. Play Provides a Safe Space to Express Feelings

Children often lack the words for their complex emotions. Through play, they act out their internal experiences — fears, fantasies, conflicts, and joys.

Example: A child pretending their stuffed animal is sick may be working through worries about a recent doctor visit.

“Play is a child’s natural language. It gives insight into their inner world.”— Dr. Arati Bhatt, SereinMind

2. Play Teaches Emotional Regulation

Through role-play and pretend scenarios, children learn how to pause, wait, take turns, negotiate, and tolerate frustration — all crucial emotional skills.

Example: Playing a game with rules teaches patience and managing disappointment when they lose.

3. Play Builds Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Playing with peers teaches kids to consider others' feelings, resolve conflicts, and experience different viewpoints.

Example: When a child plays “teacher” or “doctor,” they’re learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

4. Play Helps Process Stress and Trauma

Dramatic play allows children to recreate challenging life situations in a controlled and symbolic way, helping them regain emotional mastery.

Example: After witnessing parental conflict, a child may recreate a “fight” between dolls and find a peaceful resolution — something they wish for in real life.

5. Play Strengthens Parent-Child Bonds

Shared play fosters connection, trust, and emotional security, which are the backbone of healthy development.

Example: Even 15 minutes of undistracted, silly play daily can regulate your child’s nervous system and reduce behavioural issues.

Types of Play That Support Emotional Growth

Type of Play	Emotional Benefit
Pretend/Dramatic Play	Builds empathy, creativity, expression
Free Play (Unstructured)	Enhances autonomy, problem-solving
Rough-and-Tumble Play	Teaches boundaries, impulse control
Art-Based Play	Offers emotional release and expression
Cooperative Games	Develops social skills and team thinking

What Happens When Play Is Restricted?

Without regular play:

• Children may struggle with emotional regulation

• Anxiety, aggression, or withdrawal may increase

• Self-esteem and creativity can decline

• Parent-child connection weakens

  
  

How Parents Can Encourage Emotionally Nourishing Play

Be Present, Not Perfect

It’s not about elaborate toys — your attention is the most powerful tool.

Follow Their Lead

Let your child guide the play. This increases their autonomy and emotional safety.

Create a “Play-Safe” Space

Ensure there’s a screen-free zone for open-ended play (blocks, puppets, drawing materials).

Name Emotions During Play

Use opportunities to say: “That bear looks really sad. What happened?” — helping children build emotional vocabulary.

Avoid Over-Scheduling

Too many structured activities leave little room for emotional processing through spontaneous play.

When to Seek Support

If your child:

• Avoids play altogether

• Shows distress or trauma during play themes

• Displays consistent aggression or isolation

• Struggles with emotional expression and connection

…it may be helpful to consult a child psychologist.

Dr. Arati Bhatt at SereinMind specializes in:

• Play-based therapy

• Emotional coaching for parents

• Developmental guidance for children

• Strengthening parent-child bonds through therapeutic play

  
  

Let Them Play — Emotionally, Freely, Fully

Play isn’t a break from learning. It’s the emotional curriculum of childhood.

When you honour play, you’re not just giving your child joy — you’re giving them the skills to love, cope, connect, and thrive for life.

Need Guidance on Your Child’s Emotional Growth?

Connect with Dr. Arati Bhatt at SereinMind to explore how therapeutic play and mindful parenting can transform your child’s emotional landscape.