Play, Learning, and Emotional Growth: Preparing Children for a Healthy School Year

Written by Haythem Lafhaj, PLMFT

As the school year begins, parents often focus on academics—new supplies, homework routines, and classroom expectations. Yet one of the most powerful tools for preparing children emotionally and mentally for school isn’t found in a textbook. It’s play.

From my perspective as both a therapist and a father, play is far more than leisure. It is the language of childhood, a bridge between home and school, and a foundation for resilience. In fact, play therapy research consistently shows that children process emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop self-confidence through playful interactions.

Why Play Matters in School Transitions

Returning to school after the freedom of summer can feel overwhelming. Younger children may experience separation anxiety, while older children often face social pressures and performance expectations. Play acts as a buffer, giving children a safe way to release stress, explore emotions, and practice problem-solving.

In my Tunisian upbringing, structured learning was emphasized, sometimes at the expense of play. Only later—through my training and my role as a father—did I fully appreciate how play nurtures creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. For immigrant and bicultural families, validating play as a valuable part of learning can be transformative.

Signs That Play Can Support School Readiness

Parents may notice behaviors that suggest children need extra emotional preparation for the school year:

Heightened clinginess or separation anxiety

Mood swings or irritability

Reluctance to talk about school

Trouble sleeping or nightmares

Regressive behaviors like bedwetting or tantrums

In these cases, carving out intentional playtime can help children express worries indirectly, reducing their emotional burden.

How Play Supports Learning and Growth

Drawing on child-centered play therapy (CCPT) and attachment-based play therapy (ABPT), I encourage parents to see play not only as recreation but as preparation:

Emotional Expression

Through drawing, role-playing, or storytelling, children express worries they can’t yet put into words. A child acting out a “scary teacher” with dolls, for example, may be processing classroom anxiety.

Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds

When parents engage in play without judgment, children feel seen and supported. This bond creates a sense of safety, which is essential for navigating school stressors.

Building Social Skills

Play teaches cooperation, sharing, and problem-solving—skills that directly impact classroom interactions. Games that require turn-taking or negotiation mirror the social dynamics children face at school.

Boosting Confidence

Celebrating small victories in play (“You built that tower so tall!”) reinforces a child’s belief in their abilities, which translates into academic resilience.

Integrating Play into Daily Life

For busy parents, play doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming. Simple, consistent practices can make a huge difference:

15 minutes of undistracted play daily—let your child lead.

Storytelling games where children create endings, fostering creativity and self-expression.

Family rituals like board games or outdoor sports, which combine connection with skill-building.

Even during the hectic back-to-school season, these moments create emotional grounding for children.

The Cultural Lens on Play

In many immigrant households, including my own community, play may be undervalued compared to academic achievement. Yet integrating cultural values into play can make it both meaningful and educational. For example, storytelling rooted in cultural traditions not only supports language and creativity but also reinforces identity.

By weaving heritage into play, families strengthen both resilience and belonging, helping children carry their cultural pride into the school environment.

Final Thoughts

As children return to classrooms, let’s remember that their emotional readiness is just as important as their academic preparation. Play is not wasted time—it is an investment in resilience, creativity, and healthy relationships. By engaging with our children in playful ways, we help them enter the school year with confidence, balance, and joy.