The Language of Play: How Children Communicate Through Play
Written by Ryan Greenwood
The Language of Play: How Children Communicate Through Play
When words fall short, play speaks volumes.
For children, play is not just a fun way to pass the time—it’s their natural and primary language. Play allows children to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences that they may not yet have the words to describe. In many ways, it’s through play that children make sense of the world around them and communicate with those around them.
1. Why Children Struggle with Verbal Emotional Expression
Children’s brains are still developing, especially in areas related to language and emotional regulation. The part of the brain responsible for managing emotions and complex verbal expression—the prefrontal cortex—continues to mature well into adolescence. Because of this, young children often struggle to put their emotions into words. For example, a child may feel angry or sad but lack the ability to explain why they’re feeling that way. Instead, these emotions might show up in their behavior or play.
This developmental stage is why children often "act out" when they’re overwhelmed—they don’t have the language to articulate their feelings, so their emotions come out through actions. In play, however, they can naturally express these emotions by acting out scenarios that mirror what’s going on inside them.
2. Play as a Tool for Self-Expression and Problem-Solving
Play provides a powerful outlet for children to explore their feelings and test different responses to situations in a way that feels safe and manageable. Just as adults might replay a difficult conversation in their heads to imagine different outcomes, children use imaginative play to work through real-world issues. Whether they are role-playing as a doctor, a teacher, or even a superhero, children are often reflecting their inner emotional world through these scenarios.
For example, a child dealing with a stressful family situation might act out a scenario in which they take control, reversing the roles they feel powerless in during real life. This gives the child a sense of control over their emotions and helps them practice how they might handle similar situations in the future. Play not only serves as a means of expression but also as a tool for children to problem-solve and rehearse different ways of reacting to the challenges they face.
3. Play Therapy: A Therapeutic Approach to Emotional Expression
Recognizing the importance of play in emotional expression, therapists have developed play therapy as a structured way for children to process their feelings. Play therapy uses a variety of play activities—like drawing, role-playing, or using toys—to help children express complex emotions and experiences that they can’t yet verbalize. Through guided play, therapists observe and interact with children in ways that allow them to uncover emotional themes and concerns the child may not be able to directly express.
Play therapy has been widely studied and is recognized as an effective treatment for children dealing with trauma, anxiety, behavioral problems, and emotional distress. It allows children to work through these issues in an environment that feels safe and non-threatening. Over time, play therapy helps children better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and process difficult experiences in a way that supports emotional and cognitive development.
How Play Helps Children Learn to Process Emotions
What makes play therapy so effective is that it taps into the natural ways children learn and grow. By allowing children to take the lead in play, therapists give them the chance to explore their feelings at their own pace and in their own way. This approach is based on the idea that children are naturally driven to heal and make sense of the world, and that through play, they can process difficult emotions without needing to fully understand or articulate them.
Through activities like building with blocks, role-playing, or drawing, children often reenact situations that have caused them distress. The therapist’s role is to observe and gently guide the child, offering insight and support as needed. By doing this, the therapist helps the child slowly transform overwhelming emotions into manageable experiences.
The Long-Term Benefits of Play and Play Therapy
The benefits of play, both as a natural activity and a therapeutic tool, go far beyond temporary emotional relief. In fact, play is fundamental to a child’s long-term emotional, social, and cognitive development. Engaging in imaginative play helps children develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation, all of which are essential for healthy relationships and well-being later in life.
Play therapy, in particular, has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, improve social skills, and help children manage trauma more effectively. By providing a safe space for children to express themselves, play therapy encourages healing in a way that feels natural to the child. And since play is something all children are familiar with, it allows them to work through their emotions without the pressure of having to “talk about their feelings” in the way that adults might.
Final Thoughts
Play is not only a form of entertainment for children—it’s their way of communicating, processing emotions, and learning about the world. Whether through spontaneous play at home or structured play therapy, children use play to express feelings that may be too complex for words. If your child is struggling to communicate their emotions or process difficult experiences, play therapy might offer the support they need. At Hello Calm, our skilled therapists use play to help children express themselves, work through emotional challenges, and develop the tools they need to thrive. Contact us today to learn how we can support your child through the power of play.
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Ryan Greenwood, CPC, MA
Ryan is the founder and clinical director of Hello Calm. He graduated at the top of his class from Adams State University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is a member of the American Counseling Association, and has a great passion for working with people to grow in the middle of their hardest moments. Ryan is a Henderson local, greatly loves the Golden Knights, traveling, and being outdoors. He and his wife have been happily married for 9 years.
