Liezl The Play Therapist

16/01/2026

It’s back to school time and the emotions are running high for parents and childreb. Look at these tips to help your child cope emotionally during this new year and new beginnings.
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16/01/2026

16/12/2025

03/12/2025

03/12/2025

Research shows that parents can make a big difference in their child’s brain development with just a small daily effort. Spending fifteen minutes a day playing actively with children can boost brain growth by up to twenty percent. This simple habit helps strengthen neural connections that are important for learning, memory, and emotional development.

Playing with kids encourages problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills. Activities like building blocks, drawing, or imaginative games stimulate the brain while also building strong bonds between parent and child. These short daily sessions are easy to fit into a busy schedule but have a lasting impact on a child’s development.

The benefits go beyond cognitive growth. When parents engage in play, children feel valued, safe, and supported. This emotional security allows them to explore, take healthy risks, and learn from mistakes, which further supports overall development.

Experts say it is never too late to start. Even small daily efforts create meaningful change. This research shows that investing just a few minutes of focused attention can help children grow smarter, more confident, and emotionally resilient. Everyday play can shape the future of a child’s mind.

01/12/2025

Free WHY A CHILD CAN'T CALM DOWN ON COMMAND INFORMATION SHEET
https://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/why-a-child-cant-calm-down-on-command-information-sheet/
Big behaviours can leave adults unsure how to respond. It helps to know what happens in a child's body and brain when the child feels overwhelmed. The heart beats faster, breathing changes, and the survival part of the brain takes over. When this happens, the child cannot think clearly or follow instructions until the body has settled again.

Children still need rules, boundaries, routines, and fair consequences. These are a normal part of growing up. The poster below explains why these work best when a child is calm enough to listen, learn, and take guidance on board.

14/11/2025

🚨AUNTIE WANTS A KISS: TEACH YOUR CHILD: NO IS OKAY! 🚨

🧸 Relatives may push for hugs or kisses. That’s NOT harmless. It teaches kids their body isn’t theirs. 💔 The Teddy Bear Foundation says: Empower them to say NO, even to family.
2. 👶HOW TO TEACH “NO” AT FAMILY GATHERINGS:
1️⃣ Practice at home You don’t have to hug Grandpa if you don’t want to. Wave instead!
2️⃣ Offer alternatives High-five, fist-bump, blow a kiss.
3️⃣ Back them up. If they say no, YOU step in: “We respect her choice.”
4️⃣ Code word “Pineapple!” means “I’m uncomfortable. Help break cycles and heal. For more: teddybearfoundation.org.za

29/10/2025

Comment 300 and I'll send you the link!

Roller coaster rides. Hawk hugs. Hot cocoa breaths. ☕🎢
These fun breathing exercises are just a glimpse of the 300+ tips, tricks, and tools inside our Behavior Survival Toolkit—perfect for creating calmer, more focused classrooms!

If you want the link just type "300" below!

20/10/2025

Lego’s MRI scanner play sets, which launched in 2023, are significantly reducing anxiety and the use of sedation in children, the company said. cnb.cx/4h9YyXW

07/09/2025

The digital age has brought serious risk of screen addiction, particularly in children. This generation of youngsters is spending a lot of time indoors, on c...

27/08/2025

24/08/2025