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  • about-play
  1. Playful parenting
  2. About play

About play

What is play?

Play can be difficult to define because it’s a mix of many different types of behaviour and interactions. Play can involve other people and objects. It’s what children do naturally when adults aren’t organising their time.

How can you recognise play?

Play:

  • Is fun
  • Is uncertain
  • Is challenging
  • Is flexible
  • Doesn’t have to have an aim.

How do children play?

Play is what we call any behaviour or activity that children start, control and organise themselves. It happens whenever and wherever there is an opportunity.

  • Children choose when, how and what to play
  • Children decide the rules and roles they take when they play
  • Children play because they want to - not for any reward, prize or status.

Children will often play independently, whatever their age. But from time to time your child may ask you for ideas. This section of the website has lots of suggestions.

Your child’s play will change as they grow and develop new skills. So we have information here about the different ways your child might choose to play at different stages of their childhood. We also have some simple ideas for getting involved with your child’s play.

Supporting children's wellbeing through play

Supporting children's wellbeing through play

Playing and wellbeing Read more

Published: 6th July, 2020

Updated: 24th January, 2023

Author: Lowri Roberts

Gender friendly play

Gender friendly play

Read more

Published: 26th November, 2020

Updated: 23rd April, 2021

Author: Lowri Roberts

Benefits of play

Benefits of play

Playing has all sorts of benefits for children – physical, mental, emotional and social Read more

Published: 20th August, 2018

Updated: 3rd March, 2021

Author: Lowri Roberts

Getting involved in your child’s play

Getting involved in your child’s play

Read more

Published: 19th March, 2020

Updated: 1st April, 2020

Author: Lowri Roberts

Ideas for play – things to do

Ideas for play – things to do

Ideas for everyday items that can be used for play and activities to play Read more

Published: 13th February, 2018

Updated: 1st April, 2020

Author: Lowri Roberts

Children's right to play

Children's right to play

Every child has the right to play. This page contains resources that can help your child learn about their right to play Read more

Published: 16th August, 2018

Updated: 17th September, 2018

Author: Lowri Roberts

Different ways to play

Different ways to play

Playing in a range of ways supports child development and helps them explore the world around them Read more

Published: 24th July, 2018

Updated: 17th September, 2018

Author: Lowri Roberts

How children play at different ages

How children play at different ages

Information and ideas about how children play from birth to teenage years Read more

Published: 24th July, 2018

Updated: 20th August, 2018

Author: Lowri Roberts

What your child or teenager might be telling you through their play

What your child or teenager might be telling you through their play

Read more

Published: 26th November, 2020

Author: Lowri Roberts

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Showing 10 of 9

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    New Playful Childhoods project

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    How children play at different ages

    Information and ideas about how children play from birth to teenage years

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    35 indoor play ideas

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  • How to support your child’s need for risky play

    How to support your child’s need for risky play

    Why does my child like to take risks? Benefits of risky play and how to deal with your concerns as a parent

  • How to deal with construction and destruction play

    How to deal with construction and destruction play

    Why does my child like to build and destroy things? Benefits of building and destruction play and tips on how to deal with your concerns as a parent

  • About Playful Childhoods

    About Playful Childhoods

    Playful Childhoods helps parents, carers and grandparents to give children time, space, support to play at home and in their community

  • Top tips for screen time

    Top tips for screen time

  • Easy games to play with a group of children

    Easy games to play with a group of children

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Play Wales is a registered charity, no. 1068926 and a company limited by guarantee, no. 3507258. Registered in Wales.