Once your child begins play therapy, you may wonder what your role should be. Should you ask
them what they talked about? Should you be doing something different at home? The good news
is that you are already doing something powerful by bringing your child to a space where they
can grow through play. Still, there are a few simple ways parents can support the process and
help it flourish.
First, know that it’s completely normal if your child doesn’t want to talk about what happened
during their session. In play therapy, children are often working through big emotions and
experiences they may not have words for yet. Instead of asking questions about what they did or
“what the therapist said,” try to stay open and curious. If your child chooses to share, listen
gently and without too much interpretation or praise. Simple responses like “That sounds like it
was important to you” can go a long way.
Keeping routines and expectations consistent at home also helps. Children feel safest when their
environment is predictable. During therapy, emotions might be more active—this can be part of
the healing process. Staying steady and connected, even when your child is dysregulated, sends a
powerful message: “You are safe, even with big feelings.”
It’s also important to stay in touch with your child’s therapist. Regular parent check-ins are a
vital part of the process. These conversations can help you better understand your child’s play
themes, identify changes, and learn strategies for supporting growth outside the therapy room.
Above all, your relationship with your child is at the heart of their healing. By showing up with
patience, presence, and trust in the process, you are offering exactly what your child needs to
thrive—both in therapy and at home.
