How Parents Can Support Happier, Healthier Kids

Hey there, I’m Elizabeth Sanchez, co-founder of MentalHealthAlternatives.org and a Holistic Life Coach. Throughout my work with youth, I’ve had the honor of seeing just how impactful playful learning can be in helping children grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate adults. Research, including insights from Jonathan Haidt’s Anxious Generation, consistently shows that play isn’t just a fun activity—it’s a vital part of kids’ emotional, social, and mental development.

The Importance of Play in Reducing Stress and Building Resilience

Play provides kids with a safe space to release energy, process emotions, and make sense of their world. Through unstructured, child-directed play, they learn problem-solving skills, practice empathy, and strengthen social bonds. Haidt’s research emphasizes that regular play can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in children, giving them tools to approach challenges more effectively and with confidence. For kids facing social pressures or bullying, playful interactions also help them form friendships, stand up for themselves, and develop healthy boundaries.

How Schools Can Foster Playful Learning

Schools can play a significant role in supporting the mental health of students by creating environments that prioritize play. Expanding recess times, incorporating hands-on and movement-based learning, and encouraging outdoor activities help children release stress and develop focus. Structured programs that teach interpersonal skills through games, teamwork exercises, and interactive activities can also be transformative. Schools that embrace playful learning often see improvements in student behavior, social interactions, and overall well-being.

How Parents Can Encourage Playful Learning at Home and in Schools

Supporting your child’s playful development doesn’t require complex tools or elaborate planning—simple, mindful actions at home and in school can make a big difference:

1. Create Open-Ended Learning Opportunities: Encourage activities at home that let kids explore and make decisions. Whether it’s building a LEGO creation, making art, or role-playing, open-ended play helps children tap into their imagination and build independence.

2. Incorporate Mindfulness in Play: Activities that integrate nature and mindfulness, such as outdoor exploration, hiking, or gardening, help kids feel grounded. These activities encourage them to be present in the moment, tuning into themselves and their surroundings. Practicing mindfulness through play also teaches kids to become more aware of their emotions, which is crucial in managing stress and anxiety.

3. Encourage Peer-Led Activities: Allow your child to invite friends over for games or collaborative activities where they can practice leadership, communication, and cooperation. Peer-led play is beneficial in developing social skills and building confidence, as kids learn to navigate relationships and make shared decisions.

4. Advocate for Play at School: Talk with teachers and school administrators about the benefits of play-based learning and request more recess or unstructured time for students. Schools are often open to feedback from parents, and your support can make a difference.

With playful learning, we’re not only giving our children a chance to laugh, explore, and express themselves—we’re helping them build a strong foundation for resilience, empathy, and joy that will benefit them for life.

Together, we can encourage a world where kids grow happier, healthier, and better equipped to thrive.