Listen to your children playing

Give them every possible opportunity to play. Younger children often express their feelings through play rather than with words or conversation; it helps them work out the pain they have experienced.

Children don’t need fancy toys to play with. They need time, space and freedom to explore the ideas that interest them. Play builds imagination and creativity which are essential to problem-solving in life. During play, children learn how to navigate life and act out different solutions.  This boosts their confidence.

Parents and adults can enter into their play when appropriate and ask them what they are playing and how they feel about it.  This may help children talk about their fears and help adults identify concerns and suggest a solution. Adults observing play can help children better understand emotions by naming them. For example,

• It sounds like you are nervous or fearful about ________________”. 
  
• “It sounds like you are fearful about Daddy leaving tomorrow”.
• “You sounded so happy when you ___________________” 
  
• “When you play with those toys it sounds like ___________________”.

Listening and asking questions shows children that adults care. It tells them that their feelings and experiences are valid. This opens the door to talking about traumatic events and fears.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.  1 John 4:18