01/16/2025
Play Therapy at Home: A Guide for Parents 🌟
For children under 6, we often recommend parent-led therapeutic play at home instead of traditional therapy sessions. Why? The strong bond between parent and child allows for immediate connection and progress. Using simple techniques, many parents see improvements in their child’s emotional regulation almost immediately.
Here are three effective strategies to try at home:
1️⃣ Storytelling to Process and Heal 📖🎨
> Encourage children to retell their experiences — the good, the bad, and even the scary.
> Writing the story, drawing it out, or narrating it through imaginative play can help organize and “process” memories.
> Once a story has been expressed and shared, it becomes easier for the child to move forward.
❗ Important note: For children with significant trauma, professional guidance is recommended before using this technique.
2️⃣ Role-Playing to Have a Corrective Emotional Experience 🧸
> Use costumes, puppets, or stuffed animals to re-enact events, creating a positive alternative ending.
> Role-playing provides a safe way to reframe past experiences and develop resilience.
For example, reenacting a bike ride or a doctor’s visit can help children feel safer and more confident about similar situations in the future.
3️⃣ Sensory Play to Reduce Anxiety 🌿
> Activities involving water, sand, slime, bubbles, or other textures naturally calm a child’s nervous system.
> Simple sensory play without instructions allows children to relax and find equilibrium.
> Think of sensory play as a form of “little kid meditation” that promotes emotional regulation.
Pro Tip for Parents: Before diving into therapeutic play, take a moment to ground yourself. Be present, set aside expectations, and let go of worries about mess or results. Your calm presence will enhance the activity's therapeutic benefits for your child.
At Kairos Wellness Collective, we believe in empowering parents to create healing moments at home. If you’d like to learn more or discuss your child’s specific needs, we’re here to help.
💌 Contact us or visit our website to explore child therapy options and parent training.
📞 720-310-0570
📧 help@kairoswellnesscollective.com
https://www.kairoswellnesscollective.com/