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The Healing Power of 15 Minutes of Daily Play: Building a better future for your family

Writer's picture: Jodi HeyesJodi Heyes

As a parent, you want to give your children the love, connection, and emotional support you may not have fully experienced growing up or you simply want to provide your children with the best possible start in life. It can be a heavy burden, balancing the desire to break cycles of hardship while navigating the stress of everyday life and showing up for yourself and family. The good news? Transforming your child’s emotional health and deepening your bond doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with something simple: 15 minutes of daily focused play.


Playtime is more than just an activity—it’s a way to write your family’s story, creating a foundation of joy, trust, and emotional well-being that your children will carry with them for the rest of their lives.


Why Play Matters for Families Breaking Cycles


For parents who’ve endured difficult upbringings, the act of playing with your children can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. But it’s one of the most powerful tools for healing—for both you and your kids.


For Children:

Resilience: Play teaches kids how to navigate challenges and cope with emotions in healthy ways.

Emotional Safety: Engaging in play builds a sense of trust, showing your children they are seen and valued.

Anxiety Relief: Play provides a safe outlet for expressing fears, worries, and emotions.


For Parents:

Reconnecting with Joy: Play can help you rediscover the lightheartedness you may have missed in your own childhood.

Stress Reduction: Immersing yourself in play lowers stress and encourages mindfulness.

Strengthening Bonds: Consistent, distraction-free playtime builds a deeper connection with your children.


By playing together, you’re not just giving your children what you didn’t have—you’re healing wounds from your past and creating new memories rooted in love and laughter.


How to Start Small with Play


If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s okay. Here are simple, practical ways to integrate play into your daily routine:

1. Commit to 15 Minutes a Day: Start small by dedicating just 10-15 minutes to focused play. No phones, no chores—just you and your child(ren).

2. Choose Activities You’ll Enjoy Together: Play doesn’t have to be elaborate. Build with blocks, play hide and seek, or draw together. Your presence matters more than the activity itself.

3. Begin to Use Tools to Support Emotional Growth: The emotion monster tribe from Worley’s World can help make play both fun and meaningful, teaching children about emotions, resilience, and problem-solving.

4. Create a Play Kit: Keep a small bag with toys, games, or activities for impromptu play sessions—whether at home, in the park, or on the go.

5. Play Outside: A simple walk or game in the backyard can provide a change of pace and help everyone reset.


Healing Through Play: Emotional Education for Parents and Kids


When you play, you give your child permission to explore emotions in a safe and supportive space. This is especially powerful for parents who may not have learned how to process emotions during their own upbringing.


Begin to use Worley’s World characters in every day life to start conversations about feelings. Each character represents a specific emotion, making it easier for children to relate and learn emotional regulation. By role-playing or storytelling, you can teach them how to face challenges, understand their feelings, and develop resilience.


As you guide your children, you’ll likely find that you’re also learning and growing emotionally—a gift that benefits the entire family.


The Long-Term Impact of Play on Your Family’s Story


Breaking the cycle of hardship is no easy task, but consistent play is a powerful step in the right direction. Over time, those 15-minute sessions add up to a foundation of love, trust, and emotional strength. Your children will not only feel more supported, but they’ll also carry these lessons into their own lives and relationships.


The act of playing together fosters:

Deeper Emotional Bonds: Your children will feel seen, valued, and safe.

Improved Mental Health: For both you and your kids, play relieves stress and promotes positivity.

Lasting Memories: These small moments of connection will be some of your child’s most cherished memories.


You Are Enough


As you create these new patterns of connection, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, being present, and giving your children the love and attention they deserve. Play is a small but meaningful way to show your kids—and yourself—that you’re committed to building a better future.


Start with 15 minutes. Let those moments of joy and connection transform your family—and heal your heart in the process.


Worley’s World is here every step of the way


Don’t forget, you’re not on your own. If you don’t know where to start, put some time aside to access our free E-Book. A helpful guide to choosing Worley as your families emotional companion. A ‘how too’ starter kit with lots of resources to begin your transformative journey.





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Jodi Heyes-
   
Kids Mental Health Therapist and Published Author

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