
Hannah Beach | The Importance of True Play in Children’s Development
From Self Directed by Cecilie & Jesper Conrad
January 20, 2026 · 1h 2m · Season 1 · Episode 149
About this episode
Hannah Beach discusses the significance of true play and void moments in children's development.
Hannah Beach explains why true play and “void moments” are essential for healthy child development. She describes void moments as unstructured, unstimulated time where children are not directed, entertained, or managed, and shows how these moments allow children to process experience, develop identity, regulate emotions, and build resilience. Hannah is an award-winning educator, author, and emotional health consultant with more than 25 years of experience developing play-based and relationshi...
People in this episode
Hosts: Cecilie Conrad, Jesper Conrad
Guest: Hannah Beach
Topics covered
- child development
- true play
- void moments
- emotional health
- resilience
- identity
Keywords
- true play
- child development
- void moments
- emotional regulation
- resilience
- identity
- unstructured play
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