The Power of Play
One of the first questions I ask when working with a young child is, “How do they play?”
I often get a puzzled look from parents in response. But the way a child plays can tell us so much about their development—especially their speech and language skills.
Many speech-delayed children struggle with play. You might hand them a ball, and while they seem excited to have it, they don’t quite know what to do with it. You can see they want to engage, but they’re unsure how. This isn’t uncommon, and it’s something worth paying attention to because appropriate and imaginative play is a crucial building block for development.
Signs that a child may need help with play include:
- Holding onto a toy all day without ever actually playing with it.
- Running in circles or aimlessly moving from one room to another.
- Excessively lining up objects instead of engaging with them.
If you notice these behaviors, don’t panic! What I’m looking for isn’t just occasional unusual play, but the complete absence of appropriate and imaginative play.
The good news? Play can be taught! If your child is struggling with play, get down on the floor with them and show them how it’s done.
There’s no “wrong” way to do this—just engage with them, demonstrate what their toys can do, and, most importantly, make it fun! Play should be a shared experience between you and your child.
It may take time for them to catch on, but don’t get discouraged. Play is foundational, simple, and incredibly powerful. Sometimes, the best way to support your child’s speech and language development starts with something as natural as playing together.
