The Importance Of Child Led Play

By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L

Child led play is such an important thing at any age in development. Let’s learn why together!

a young girl/child looking up covered in paint

Why Is It So Important?

  1. Child led play develops a child’s own autonomy in choosing what is meaningful to them in that moment of play. As caregivers, providers, teachers, and parents we must honor their choices and show them respect!

  2. They are igniting their own sense of creativity, authenticity, and individuality that is beautiful! Children construct their own learning. They feel empowered when we notice what they noticed and I know that’s a skill I want my daughters to take with them as they grow up!

  3. Lastly, child led play develops a sense of shared joy that roots itself in connection. Dive on in! Follow them with an open heart and open mind even if it’s not an Instagram worthy shot, it holds value to them and isn’t that what matters.

two children, one in distance and the other with an open smile starting to smile not at camera

Does That Mean A Child Can Do Whatever They Want?

Child led play doesn’t mean allowing a child to be unsafe, or without boundaries but what it does mean is an opportunity for beautiful communication, connection, and cultivation between you and your child or the one you are working with.

SUNRISE Therapies#inclusion, #ot, #autism, #occupational therapy, #pedsOT, #pediatricOT, #OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #PedsOT #SensoryProcessing #Development #SanDiegoKids #SanDiegoFamilies #SDKids #SDFamily #Poway #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #InclusionMatters #NaturalisticEnvironment #PlayAndLearn #ScreenFreeKids #ChildLedPlay #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment, #play, #childledplayComment