Hi there! Have you ever stopped to think about just how important play is for children? I mean, we all know kids love to play — it’s their favourite thing, right? But play isn’t just about having fun (although that’s a big part of it). It’s actually a powerful way for children to heal, grow, and build resilience. And with National Play Day coming up on Wednesday 6 August 2025, it feels like the perfect time to chat about why play matters so much — especially when life gets tough.
At Instacoach UK, we see firsthand how play can unlock a child’s confidence and wellbeing. So, let’s dive in together and explore why play is more than just fun, how it helps children heal, and how we can support your child on that journey.
Why Is Play So Much More Than Just Play?
Think back to when you were a child. Play was your way of exploring the world, right? It was how you made sense of things, expressed your feelings, and connected with others. For children today, it’s no different — play is their natural language.
But here’s the thing: when children face challenges like anxiety, bullying, or feeling left out, play becomes even more important. It’s not just a distraction; it’s a way for them to process what’s going on inside, release stress, and feel safe again.
Through play, children can:
- Let go of worries and stress — think of it as their emotional release valve.
- Build confidence and problem-solving skills — every game or make-believe scenario teaches them how to face challenges.
- Learn how to get along with others — sharing, taking turns, and cooperating all happen naturally in play.
- Express feelings they might not have words for — sometimes it’s easier to show how you feel through play than to say it out loud.
- Feel in control — when life feels uncertain, play lets children create their own little worlds where they set the rules.
How Does This Connect to Instacoach UK?
You might be wondering, “Okay, that sounds great, but how does Instacoach actually help with this?” Well, that’s the exciting part. At Instacoach UK, we don’t just talk about the importance of play — we use it as a key part of our therapy and coaching.
Our founder, Stacie Lovitt, believes every child is unique, so we don’t do “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, we tailor sessions to your child’s needs, often weaving in playful and creative activities that help them open up and feel comfortable. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, low confidence, bullying, or social struggles, play becomes a bridge to healing.
What Does That Look Like in Practice?
Here’s how we bring this to life:
- 1-2-1 Sessions (30 minutes): These personalised sessions focus on your child’s specific challenges. We use play, conversation, and creative techniques to help your child build emotional strength and resilience.
- Block Booking Sessions (5 or 10 sessions): If your child needs ongoing support, these discounted packages allow us to work together over time, helping your child develop lasting skills to manage anxiety, build confidence, and improve relationships.
The goal? To create a safe, supportive space where your child feels heard, understood, and empowered — all through approaches that feel natural and fun.
If you want to explore these options, you can find more details here: Instacoach Therapy Packages
Why Is This So Important Right Now?
We all know childhood today isn’t always easy. Between school pressures, social media, and everything else, children face a lot. Mental health challenges like anxiety and low self-esteem are on the rise. That’s why protecting play and recognising its healing power is more crucial than ever.
National Play Day’s theme this year — “Spaces for Play” — reminds us how important it is to have safe, welcoming places where children can play freely. Whether it’s a playground, a park, or even your living room floor, these spaces give children the freedom to be themselves and heal.
How Can You Help Your Child Heal Through Play?
You don’t need to be a therapist to support your child’s healing through play. Here are some simple ways to make a big difference:
- Give them time and space for unstructured play: Let your child lead the way without too much adult direction.
- Create safe, inclusive play environments: Whether at home or in the community, make sure your child feels welcome and free to explore.
- Play with them: Join in! Playing alongside your child strengthens your bond and shows them it’s okay to express feelings.
- Advocate for play-friendly spaces: Support local playgrounds and parks, or get involved in community efforts to improve play areas.
- Consider professional support if needed: Sometimes, children need a little extra help to work through their feelings — and that’s where Instacoach UK comes in.
When Should You Reach Out for Extra Help?
If you notice your child:
- Feeling anxious or withdrawn for a long time
- Struggling to make or keep friends
- Losing confidence or avoiding school
- Showing changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
- Talking about feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
It’s a good idea to seek support. Early help can make a huge difference in how your child copes and grows.
Let’s Make Play Healing and Joyful
Play is a child’s right and a powerful healer. This National Play Day, and every day, let’s celebrate the spaces and moments where children can play, heal, and thrive.
At Instacoach UK, we’re here to help your child on that journey. Our personalised therapy and coaching sessions use the magic of play to build resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Why not take the first step today? Contact Instacoach UK for a FREE 10-minute consultation. Let’s chat about how we can support your child to become the best version of themselves — happy, confident, and ready to take on the world.