029 Why Play Builds Connection With Your Child

Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You Think

Is your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours are actually your child’s way of connecting with you?

In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into a powerful parenting truth: connection doesn’t just happen through doing dishes and conversations — it happens through play. 

As parents of young children, we all want to feel close to our kids. We want to support their development, encourage independence, and nurture emotional intelligence, but sometimes, that connection can feel out of reach, especially when your child seems more interested in throwing blocks than talking to you.

That’s where understanding play schemas changes everything.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why play is not a distraction from connection — it is connection.
• What play schemas are and how they show up in your child’s everyday behaviour.
• How these natural play urges support cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Why recognising your child’s schema can stop you from misreading their behaviour as “naughty” or “out of control”.
• Simple, effective ways to join your child’s play — even if you’re not a “playful” parent.
• How schema-informed play builds trust, reduces power struggles, and helps your child thrive.

We know life with toddlers can be messy, loud, and full of surprises. It’s easy to feel like you’re just surviving the day, especially when your child insists on playing the same game over and over again. But what if that repetition is actually a window into their world?

It’s not about doing more. It’s about noticing more and meeting your child where they are.

Whether you’re new to the idea of play schemas or have heard the term before but aren’t quite sure how it applies, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to support your child in a deeper, more connected way.

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The Play Schemas Collective is now in BETA — and I'm inviting you to join for free.

This is your chance to test-drive a brand new membership designed to help you confidently support your toddler’s development through schema-based play.

Applications close June 26th, so don’t wait! Head to playschemas.com/beta to apply.

Want to hear all the juicy details first? Just listen to Episode 28, where I give you the full overview.