September 2021

Five reasons playful parenting lasts a lifetime

Playing peekaboo and make-believe are even more valuable than you might think

Parents and guardians are a child’s first playmate

That makes you extra special. Whether you’re hiding in a game of peekaboo or turning the living room into an imaginary pirate bay, you’re building trust and closeness. And you’re helping your child develop all kinds of skills that’ll set them up to be healthy, happy grown-ups.

Here are five reasons the fun and games you have together lay the foundations for better wellbeing and lifelong learning

1. Play is essential for bonding
2. Bonding through play gets the brain ready to learn
3. Play helps children pick up essential skills
4. Play boosts resilience and relationships
5. Playing is good for the whole family

Playful parenting needn’t be hard work

Don’t let worrying about how to play with your children get in the way of, well, playing! You’re probably doing lots of playful things already. But everyone runs out of inspiration sometimes. That's why we've gathered some of our favourite games. You can play them anywhere – using things you find at home.

Home made robots on a table

Art Bots

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 2+

Duration: 60+ minutes

pictures of cow and bowl with toy animals

Act Like an Animal

Ages: 0-3 years

People: 2+

Duration: 15-30 minutes

child dropping colour drops on cotton

Cotton Colours

Ages: 0-3 years

People: 2+

Duration: 15-30 minutes

Parachutes

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 1+

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Child holding LEGO DUPLO brick

Colour Hunt

Ages: 3-6 years

People: 2+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Child drawing a chart on a piece of paper

Funny Statistics

Ages: 3-6 years

People: 2+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories.

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September 2021 Opinion
Five ways to boost your child’s wellbeing through play
Play is a way for children to show the world who they are and how they feel. And you can help them.
September 2021 Evidence
Play to cope with change
September 2021 Projects
Learning through play on Takalani Sesame
March 2024 News
Celebrating UN adoption of an International Day of Play
June 2023 Opinion
5 signs you’re (already) a playful parent
October 2022 Evidence
World Mental Health Day: How play can support children’s mental health
July 2022 Evidence
Good Life at home and at play
June 2022 Opinion
For families to play more, we need better policies
Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.

Explore the research

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Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
Why school time is playtime
It’s official: play belongs in school. We’ve investigated eight different teaching methods to uncover the playfulness that’s already there. Dive in to learn more
In the classroom, Future skills
How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform
Rebuilding systems around social and emotional learning
Social and emotional learning is every bit as vital as reading and writing - especially now. We spoke to policymakers around the world about how they’re reshaping education around these essential skills.
Future skills, Wellbeing

Explore more

Play unlocks essential skills

Our world never stops changing, so how do we prepare children to navigate it? We let them play. Children thrive on play. It’s also perfect practice for tomorrow. Given the chance to think, negotiate, adapt to new rules and try again when things don’t go to plan, children develop essential skills that’ll last a lifetime.

Play boosts wellbeing for life

Better mental health. More resilience. A love of learning that lasts a lifetime. All ways that play boosts wellbeing from childhood.

Play is for everyone, everywhere

Play is how children learn naturally. That’s what makes it so powerful, and why it’s so important to make room for play.