The power of play: why supporting children’s mental health is just as important as physical health

Psychotherapist Esther Perel previously shared her concerns about how children used to play outside and learn social skills by interacting with others ¹. She believes that this type of social learning is being lost today, as children spend more time in front of their screens.

In the past, these social interactions often took place in relatively safe environments such as the streets and schoolyards, where children learned through play. Nowadays, however, while screens make kids cognitively smarter, they also take away from those crucial moments outside when children can explore the world and develop important life skills through social contact.

I’ve noticed that when we think about a child’s health, our minds often go straight to physical well-being—making sure they eat right, exercise regularly, and stay free from illness. And even in education, kids are prepared for an academic life by teaching them cognitive skills. I’ve always found it odd, for example, how we learn things like the Pythagorean Theorem in the classroom, but aren’t taught how to effectively deal with stress or sadness in our lives-–something that almost everyone deals with at some point in their lives.

However, research shows that mental health is just as important to a child’s development and overall well-being as physical health². One of the most powerful tools for supporting children’s mental health is play. Play, in the form of fun and games, is an essential part of growing up, and it shapes children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

How Play Supports Emotional Regulation

One of the most important aspects of mental health is emotional regulation—learning how to manage and express emotions in healthy ways. Play provides a safe space for children to experience and process a range of feelings, from excitement and joy to frustration and sadness. Through play, children learn to regulate their emotions, experience failure, and bounce back with resilience.

For example, during a game or a sport, children can experience winning and losing, which teaches them how to manage their emotions in both success and failure. Whether they are building with Legos, playing soccer, or role-playing, children are rehearsing social situations and can begin to understand that it’s okay to feel emotions, but it’s important to manage them constructively. This emotional flexibility lays the groundwork for mental health that will last throughout their lives. This imaginative play is instrumental in building emotional intelligence, teaching problem-solving skills, and fostering self-expression ³.

In fact, research shows that play helps children process complex feelings, which can prevent emotional distress later in life. For children who experience trauma, play becomes even more crucial, providing an outlet to make sense of difficult emotions and situations. Circuses in war zones, for example, though unusual, have been used as a form of resilience, providing hope, joy, and a temporary escape for children and adults living amidst conflict.

Alongside talking therapy, these circuses also organize volleyball tournaments, playing traditional Palestinian games such as the spinning game ‘bee and wasp’ and Al-Hjelle (hopscotch), and football matches at shelters led by Sunbirds, a group of Palestinian amputee athletes. Here are a few examples of where the circus has played a role in war zones:

• The Circus in Gaza
  In Gaza, the Gaza Community Circus has worked to offer a safe space for children affected by the ongoing conflict. Through circus arts, they provide an outlet for self-expression, helping children cope with trauma and loss. It has become a tool for building resilience and community in a region that has experienced constant hardship.
• Cirque du Soleil’s “One Drop” in War Zones
  While not specifically a “circus in a war zone,” Cirque du Soleil’s One Drop initiative, which focuses on clean water access, has been involved in war-torn areas, using performance to raise awareness and offer aid to communities facing conflict, including in regions where infrastructure is decimated.
• The Clowns Without Borders (Clowns de la Rue)
  Founded in 1993, Clowns Without Borders brings clowns and circus performers to war zones, refugee camps, and areas of conflict. These performances are not just for entertainment but serve to uplift people, especially children, by offering them a moment of joy and normalcy amid the chaos of their surroundings. Their work includes performing in conflict zones like Syria, South Sudan, and Uganda.
• The Palestinian Circus School
  Founded in 2006 in Ramallah, the Palestinian Circus School brings circus arts to Palestinian children, teaching them discipline, teamwork, and creativity. It offers children in conflict zones a means to express their feelings and experiences while also developing skills that might provide a path forward in their lives, despite the challenges around them.
• Afghan Mobile Mini Circus for Children
  In Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul, circus arts have been used as a way to engage children and families, offering them a break from the trauma of war. Through organizations like Afghan National Circus, young people have the opportunity to perform, learn, and build relationships, providing a sense of hope and connection in a region plagued by instability.

I must say I find it quite inspiring to see how these adults make something out of a very dark and daunting situation. I love how these circus projects in war zones serve as examples of how the arts—specifically circus and performance—can be a powerful tool for healing and empowerment, helping children affected by conflict find joy, community, and a sense of agency.

How play supports social skills and connections

Play also teaches children how to interact with others. Whether playing with friends or family, children learn essential social skills like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. These experiences help them build meaningful relationships that form the foundation of mental and emotional well-being as they grow older. When children have the opportunity to engage in cooperative play, they practice communication and teamwork, which are vital for both emotional growth and future success.

In a world where many children face rising levels of anxiety, stress, and isolation, creating spaces for social play can act as a buffer against these pressures. Group activities or free play in a safe and supportive environment can help children form secure connections, giving them the confidence to navigate the challenges of their day-to-day lives.

The Role of Play in Cognitive Development

Cognitive health is another area where play plays an important role. Play allows children to engage their imagination and creativity, think critically, and explore abstract ideas. These skills are essential for academic success and can significantly impact their mental resilience. For instance, activities like building blocks or board games can promote problem-solving and attention to detail, while interactive games stimulate memory and focus.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, it’s important for children to have opportunities to engage in physical and mentally stimulating play without digital distractions. Encouraging a balance of activities that involve physical movement, creative exploration, and intellectual challenges is key to promoting both mental and physical health in children.

The Importance of Supporting Play in Everyday Life

It’s essential for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize the power of play in fostering mental health and well-being. In today’s world, where children often face academic pressure, social media influence, and the challenges of a fast-paced society, the space for unstructured play is shrinking. However, it’s crucial that children have the opportunity to engage in play regularly, without the distractions of academic or performance-based expectations.

Ensuring that children have access to play in various forms—whether it’s outdoor activities, art, music, or simply playing with peers—can go a long way in helping them develop mental resilience. Parents can set aside time each day for free play, encourage participation in creative activities, and provide safe environments where children can freely explore their interests.

Last note

In other words, play and mental health in children are connected. To illustrate this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report, The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children, explains how and why playing with both parents and peers is key to building thriving brains, bodies and social bonds―all important in today’s world. Research shows play can improve children’s abilities to plan, organize, get along with others and regulate emotions. In addition, play helps with language, math and social skills, and even helps children cope with stress.

Children are naturally curious, imaginative, and active learners. This process helps children manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Supporting children’s mental health is not just about addressing problems when they arise—it’s about creating an environment that promotes healthy emotional development from the start. Play is a vital tool in this process, helping children navigate their world, build social connections, and develop coping skills. By prioritizing play alongside physical health, we can help children grow into emotionally healthy, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

The power of play is undeniable—it is a cornerstone of mental health, and its benefits are immeasurable. Let’s make sure that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in ways that foster both their mental and physical well-being.

Footnotes:

• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/estherperel_socialnegotiation-activity-7255000161209262081-iT-z?utm_source=social_share_sheet&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
• Kenneth R. Ginsburg, and the Committee on Communications, and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health; The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Pediatrics January 2007; 119 (1): 182–191. 10.1542/peds.2006-2697
• Lillard AS, Lerner MD, Hopkins EJ, Dore RA, Smith ED, Palmquist CM. The impact of pretend play on children’s development: a review of the evidence. Psychol Bull. 2013 Jan;139(1):1-34. doi: 10.1037/a0029321. Epub 2012 Aug 20. PMID: 22905949.

opening a shop in my philanthropy to play games with children.