Importance of play

Today, there is so much pressure for children to "do it all." We live in a world where children are over scheduled, academics are overemphasized and play has been diminished from our children's world. Parents are stressed and overwhelmed trying to keep up with these high expectations. How can we slow down our world? How can we take the time to sit on the floor and play with our children? We need to make our time with our children sacred and enjoy ever minute with them. As a child therapist, I see many children who are not connected to their parents. The parents do not enjoy playing with them and are unable to understand their world. Through helping parents learn the tools of play, relationships are strengthened, behaviors can dramatically improve and their nervous system can quiet down. Parents need to learn the techinques of child centered play to empower the child to play out what is troubling them. I will be posting different techiniques and suggestions for parents to help you build a greater connection to your children and most importantly have fun with them! Laugh, play and love!