Family Playtime: How Parents Boost Emotional Bonds

Family Playtime: How Parents Boost Emotional Bonds

Intro:
Family playtime isn’t just about laughs — it’s a powerful way to build trust and emotional security. A systematic review in Developmental Review (Fletcher et al., 2019) found that parent-child play strengthens bonds and supports children’s emotional wellbeing.

Body:
✔️ Shared Laughter Builds Trust:
When parents play on the floor with their kids, they’re telling them, “Your world matters to me.”

✔️ Safe Space to Express Emotions:
Through play, kids act out fears, hopes, and ideas — and parents can support them in real time.

✔️ Role Modeling:
Parents show kids how to take turns, manage frustration, and resolve conflicts through playful moments.

✔️ Long-Term Connection:
These moments become memories. They form the foundation for healthy communication as kids grow.

Closing:
Next time you play blocks or dolls together, remember — you’re building more than towers. You’re building connection and trust.

Citation: Fletcher, R., St George, J., & Freeman, E. (2019). Parent–Child Play: A Systematic Review of its Frequency and Implications for Child Development. Developmental Review, 53.

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