Helping Your Child Heal Through Play: A Guide for Okotoks Parents
As parents, we all want to give our kids the best possible start. We do our best to create a loving home, but sometimes, our little ones face big feelings or tough situations that are hard to talk about. That's where something called play therapy can really help.
So, What Is Play Therapy, Anyway?
Think about how you or I might talk to a friend about a problem. We use words to sort things out. But for a child, words can be tricky. Their natural language is play.
Play therapy is a type of counseling that uses toys, games, art, and even sand to help a child "talk" about what’s going on inside. A trained therapist creates a safe, special space where your child can be themselves. They don't push for answers; instead, they observe and gently join in, helping your child work through feelings like sadness, anger, or fear by acting them out in a safe and supportive way. It's not just "playing"—it's a way for a child to express what's on their mind when they don't have the words to do it.
Who Is Play Therapy For?
You might be surprised! Play therapy can help a wide range of kids, usually from about age 3 to 12. It’s a great option if your child is dealing with:
Big emotions like anxiety, depression, or anger that seems out of control.
A major life change, like a divorce, a move, or the loss of a loved one.
Coping with trauma, whether it’s a car accident or a difficult family situation.
Trouble at school, such as getting into fights or struggling to make friends.
Developmental challenges like ADHD or autism, where it can help them learn to navigate social situations and regulate their emotions.
It’s important to remember that play therapy isn’t just for kids with "serious" problems. Sometimes, it's the perfect tool for a child who just seems to be having a hard time, and you can't quite figure out why.
When Is It Time to Find a Play Therapist?
As a parent, your gut feeling is one of your best tools. Here are a few signs that it might be a good time to look for a play therapist here in Okotoks:
Sudden changes in behavior that last for more than a few weeks. This could be anything from new aggression to becoming withdrawn and quiet.
They're struggling to cope after a big event. For example, if they're still having a very hard time months after a family separation or a death.
They seem sad, worried, or scared a lot of the time, or they're having frequent nightmares.
They're acting younger than their age, like wetting the bed after being dry for a long time, or needing a pacifier again.
Problems at school, such as their grades dropping or getting in trouble with their teachers.
Unexplained physical complaints like frequent headaches or stomach aches that doctors can't find a reason for. These are often signs of stress.
If you're noticing any of these things, please trust your instincts. Reaching out to a qualified play therapist at Kindred Roots Therapy in Okotoks is a caring and proactive step. It gives your child the tools they need to feel better and thrive.
Play therapy offers a gentle and effective way for kids to heal and grow. If you're thinking this might be right for your child, know that Kindred Roots Therapy has three therapists in Okotoks who are ready to help. Katie, Jessica, and Mariah are all trained in play therapy and are accepting new clients. Each of them supports a different age range and has other areas of specialty. Please review their profiles and book a consult. Or, if you need help deciding who might be the best fit for your child, reach out to our client care coordinator, Jess to help with therapist matching.