"Most parents know that play is important. But what if it's not the game that matters most—it's how you show up while you're playing?
In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson pull back the curtain on what therapists know about play that every parent can use at home. Drawing from the principles of child-centred play therapy, they explore how simple shifts in the way you play can strengthen attachment, build emotional safety, and help your child feel deeply seen and understood.
You'll learn why following your child's lead is more powerful than directing the activity, how presence and attunement create the foundation for emotional regulation, and why children often communicate their inner world through play long before they have the words to explain it. Whether you have five minutes before bedtime or an afternoon at the park, these practical techniques will help you create moments of connection that support your child's emotional development for years to come.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why your presence matters more than the activity itself.
The power of child-directed play and why following your child's lead builds confidence and connection.
How attunement helps children feel safe, understood, and emotionally secure.
Simple play therapy techniques every parent can use at home.
What reflective responding is and how it deepens connection without needing to solve or fix.
How play supports emotional regulation, communication, and resilience.
Easy ways to create meaningful moments of connection, even in the middle of a busy day.
You don't need expensive toys, elaborate activities, or hours of free time to build a strong relationship with your child. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down, enter their world, and simply be present."
","author_name":"Institute of Child Psychology"}