How to support your child's play

Playing is the best way for children and teenagers to stay well and happy. It’s fun, it doesn’t have to cost money, and anyone can join in.

Playing as a family is a great way of spending time together, too. It helps develop children’s confidence and communication skills, and is a great way for the whole family to have fun.

A few ideas of how to use ‘stuff’: An old sheet can help make a space indoors where your child can play. Draped across chairs, a sheet makes a great place to hide, too. A cardboard box can be a castle, a car or a place to hide. Cardboard can be torn up to make shields or things to sit on. Whenever possible, take stuff outside to a garden, the pavement or a local playground.

How you can support your child’s play

You can help make sure that play is part of your child’s everyday life. To get the most out of playing, children need parents to provide:

• Time - ideas on making sure your child has enough time to play everyday

• Space - ideas on giving your child places to play indoors and outdoors

• Permission - ideas and advice on supporting your child to have varied play experiences

• Stuff - ideas about everyday items to support your child to play