Prioritize Play
Prioritise Play: Why It Matters More Than Ever
By Anisa Lewis
When you're planning a weekend, after-school downtime, or the long stretch of summer holidays, what springs to mind first? Theme parks? Clubs? Days out packed with entertainment?
All lovely, of course. But let me ask you this: When was the last time your child just played?
Play is often the first thing to go when we’re stretched for time or when screens, schedules, and structure take over. But play isn’t just fluff or a “nice to have.” It’s vital.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a natural player. With a background in education (over two decades of it!), my default is to look for teachable moments, lessons to be learned, outcomes to be achieved. But over the years, I’ve discovered that the magic happens when I let go of that mindset and simply play with my daughter. Even now she’s older, those moments of shared, unstructured play connect us more than any structured plan ever could.
What is Play?
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises play as a fundamental right. And according to play expert Dr. Stuart Brown, play is “a state of being that is purposeless, fun and pleasurable.” It can be imaginative, physical, creative, social, or all of the above. The key? It's self-directed, voluntary, and joyful.
Play looks like throwing a Frisbee in the park. It’s side-by-side colouring, storytelling, role-playing, LEGO building, den making, climbing trees, making potions in the garden, or having a giggle-filled dance party in the lounge.
Why Play Matters
Research shows that play is essential to a child’s development, supporting:
Emotional regulation and resilience
Problem-solving and creativity
Language development and communication skills
Social skills like sharing, negotiating, and empathy
Physical development and coordination
Mental health and well-being
A 2023 report from the LEGO Foundation found that playful experiences not only improve brain development but also build essential life skills like collaboration and adaptability, things our children need more than ever in our fast-paced, screen-saturated world.
Play is how children make sense of their experiences. It’s how they process the world around them. And it’s how they connect, with themselves, with others, and with you.
Are We Losing Play?
Modern life isn’t set up to support play. Between after-school clubs, homework, sports, and screen time, many children are living overscheduled, overstimulated lives. Research by Play England shows that children's free time for play has dropped significantly over the past 25 years.
And when we’re juggling work, home life, and all the plates, it can feel like play is a luxury we don’t have time for.
But here’s the truth: Play isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or Insta-worthy. The best kind of play is often unstructured, spontaneous, and delightfully simple.
So, What Can You Do?
Start small. Sit down and build something with LEGO. Kick a ball around the garden. Join your child on the floor for some imaginative play, even if it feels awkward at first (especially if they’re older). Let them take the lead. Laugh with them. Be silly.
It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about being present.
And if you’re not sure where to start, ask your child:
👉 “What would you like to do together that’s just for fun?”
You might be surprised by what they say.
Reflection Time:
🌀 Where does play currently fit into your family’s day, week, or month?
🌀 How can you create more room for playful moments, big or small?
🌀 What kind of play did you love as a child? Could you rediscover that joy now?
As a parenting coach who works with families daily, I’ve seen the difference that carving out time for play can make, not just for children, but for the entire family dynamic. Play brings joy, ease, and connection. And couldn’t we all use a little more of that?
Let’s put play back on the agenda in our families lives.
I’d love to know: What does play look like in your home? Drop me a message or tag me @anisalewis.positiveparenting and share your playful moments.
