In the busy rhythm of family life, play can sometimes feel like an “extra” something to fit in after the school runs, the packed lunch prep, and the endless list of things that need doing. But what makes play SO important during childhood and what do we actually need to engage in play with our children?
Through our brand new kids REMIX range, we wanted to capture the joy and freedom of play - creating something that supports kids as they play, explore, and grow through everyday adventures, but we also knew there was more to play than just fun and keeping little ones entertained.
To explore this more deeply, we spoke with occupational therapist Lisa from Splash Pediatric Therapy to learn why play matters so much, and how families can make space for it in a way that feels realistic.
Play isn’t just something children do to pass the time, it’s one of the most powerful tools for learning and development. Through play, children naturally build the foundations for key life skills. It supports their growing brain, helps them process emotions, and teaches them how to interact with the world around them. Through play, children develop language skills as they tell stories and express ideas. They refine their fine motor abilities as they stack, draw, pour, and explore with their hands. They also practise social connection, learning how to share, negotiate, empathise, and relate to others. Play is where so many of childhood’s most important lessons begin, often without children even realising they are learning
Risky Play: Why It’s Healthy (and Why It Makes Parents Nervous)
Risky play is active, challenging play that includes manageable risk, like climbing a tree, balancing on a rock, or testing limits eg how high is “too high”
When we hear the term “risky play,” it can trigger anxiety, but experts actually see this kind of play as so important because it helps kids build real-life skills through movement. When supported correctly, risky play supports balance, coordination, body awareness, confidence, problem-solving, and even emotional resilience - kids learn what their bodies can do, how to make decisions, and how to handle a little fear in a safe way.
So why do parents worry? As parents we’re hard wired to protect our kids, and modern parenting culture often treats any risk as danger. But experts encourage a better mindset: remove the serious hazards, and let kids have the healthy challenges, because when children get the chance to test themselves (with support nearby), they don’t just become braver - they become more capable.
Do You Need Toys to Play With Your Kids?
The beautiful truth is that meaningful play doesn’t require expensive instagram worthy toys or perfectly curated activities. Some of the most imaginative play comes from everyday life.
Lisa explains often when they are supporting children in play, some of the most creative and imaginative play comes through everyday objects. As children develop, they begin using a skill called object substitution where an ordinary item becomes something entirely new. For example, pieces of fruit, like a banana can turn into a phone, a saucepan can become a drum, sticks and flowers become the start of a fairy garden. “We also see children use the natural environment outside for playing things like, hide and seek, climbing trees, and using the natural environment around them to play”
Play lives in the simple moments: in the backyard, in the kitchen, on the walk to school. It is less about what you buy, and more about what you allow space for.
How busy parents can fit play into everyday life.
Parents also often talk about how they feel there is no time to incorporate play with their children into their work schedules but Lisa gently reminds us that play really can come about in everyday activities in a family. It can be as simple as turning the drive to daycare or walks into a game - “So whether it be when you're driving in the car or walking somewhere together could incorporate a game of I spy” These moments don’t require toys, extra planning or extra time and are natural play opportunities that can come up through everyday activities. The key is simply to notice them: “So, just remember to keep an eye out for them. Watch what your children are already doing”
A Gentle Reminder for Parents
Play does not need to be another thing to feel guilty about. It doesn’t have to be big or structured to matter. When we make room for imagination in the everyday, we give children something lasting - not just joy, but courage, creativity, and connection. Play isn’t something children do, it’s something that just happens.