The Emotional Benefits of Play Dough

Play dough play seems so simple, straightforward, frankly it is child's play. It most definitely is child's play, but it is anything but simple and straightforward. There are endless benefits of play dough. Today I want to focus on the emotional benefits of play dough. We are currently in an interesting time in our history. Covid has taken over all news media and has basically shut down society as we know it around the world. Parents and little one's are navigating the new norm together. As adults this has been an emotional and trying time, the same is true for our children. As so much has changed the last few months for us and our children, it is important to give time and space for children to explore and play.

Here a few emotional benefits of playing with play dough;

· Play dough has an amazing calming benefit. When children sit down to play, they become focused on their creation. Part of the reason is because it is a physical activity. It offers children the opportunity to manipulate things. It involves using their hands to squeeze, roll and manipulate play dough.

· Play dough is a great tool to recreate stories. Stories are a healthy way to talk about and work through our emotions. It is a great way for children to make sense of their lives, and the stories they hear. Children will recreate characters and situations using play dough as their tool. It helps them understand and internalize emotions and feelings.

· Play dough is perfect for helping to develop children’s social skills. Healthy social skills are important for children's emotional well being. Play dough is helpful for developing bonds between other children and their own families. As you sit and play together, it is a great time to talk about the world and make sense of it together.

Play dough is a simple but effective way of supporting children’s emotional health.