The Power of Play with Your Child

The Power of Play with Your Child

From ParentEd by Focus on the Family Singapore

February 24, 2026 · 29 min · Season 2 · Episode 46

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of play in child development and how adult expectations can impact a child's growth.

Let’s dive in. Play is just as important. We explore how well‑intentioned adult expectations can unintentionally shape a child’s inner world. When children are frequently directed—told what to do, how to do it, and at whose pace—they begin meeting adult expectations rather than developing healthy self‑regulation. This can narrow their curiosity, limit creativity, and reduce their freedom to explore, leaving them believing there is only one “right” way to do things. Host June speaks with Mariko, a former early childhood educator, and Ruth, a stay‑at‑home mum and clinical psychologist. Together, they share why growth is still possible—for both children and parents. Intentional parenting can create space for autonomy, exploration, and emotional development, helping children grow confidently at their own pace. A key theme is the importance of playing. Play supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth, helping children with problem‐solve, imagine, negotiate, and understand their world. It restores creativity, confidence, and trust. -- Sign up here to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources designed to nurture…

People in this episode

Host: June

Guests: Mariko, Ruth

Topics covered

  • play
  • child development
  • parenting
  • self-regulation
  • creativity

Keywords

  • autonomy
  • exploration
  • emotional development
  • cognitive growth

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Podchaser

Places: Singapore

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