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Category: Understanding Through Play

Children often express their feelings through play. Discover how play can reveal your child’s emotional world, and explore simple, play-based ways to support them. Here you’ll find a mix of play-based activities inspired by play therapy – from sand play and storytelling to art and creative visualization—that can be used at home, in classrooms, or in therapeutic settings.

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Colorful xylophone used as play therapy toys for children

Play Therapy Toys Explained: What They Are and How They Support Emotional Growth

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026September 9, 2025

Play therapy toys are more than just playthings. Discover how dollhouses, sand trays, art, and more help children express feelings, heal, and grow emotionally. When children have big …

Graphic of a young child on a skate board with a cardboard rocket strapped to his back pretending he is going on a space mission. Used to illustrate an article on a parent's guide to play therapy - answering parents questions

A Parent’s Guide to Play Therapy: Answering Important Questions

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026December 3, 2024

Are you a parent with questions about play therapy? Perhaps you’re wondering is it effective? Could it help your child? And how does it really …

6 Insanely Powerful Ways Play Helps Kids Heal

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026October 26, 2024

Have you ever wondered how the play during play therapy supports children? Learn the powerful ways play helps kids heal emotionally, build resilience, and transform …

Mum and child playing with building blocks illustrating one of many play therapy techniques parents can use

21 Powerful Play Therapy Techniques Parents Can Use to Support Their Child

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026September 7, 2024

Are you looking for ways to support your child through emotional struggles? These simple play therapy techniques help children express their emotions and feel understood. …

How to handle back-to-school anxiety: 5 powerful art prompts

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026July 22, 2024

Help ease kids’ back-to-school anxiety with these powerful art prompts! Create treasure maps, find sunflower superpower, and more ways to transform anxious thoughts into positive mindsets.

Colorful, abstract “worry monster” artwork created by blowing paint with a straw—part of an activity that helps kids externalize anxiety by turning worries into characters they can name, explore, and talk to.

How to Externalize Anxiety for Kids: The Worry Monster Activity

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026June 7, 2024

This fun worry monster activity helps children shrink overwhelming feelings and manage stress. Learn how to externalize anxiety for kids with this effective and engaging …

Teenage girl with colorful paint on fingers and face used to illustrate blog post on How to reach your child's subconscious through art - 7 questions to ask

How to reach your child’s subconscious through art: 7 powerful questions

by Debbie McKelveyupdated on May 2, 2026May 21, 2024

Reach your child’s subconscious through their art! Use these 7 insightful questions to connect with their inner world and understand what makes them tick. Kids …

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