Wellbeing Moments: Play
Wellbeing Moments: The Importance of Play in Development
When we think about play, we often associate it with childhood. We picture children running around a playground, building with blocks, drawing pictures, or creating imaginary worlds.
However, play is much more than a way to pass the time. It is one of the most important ways that children learn, develop confidence, and build the skills they will use throughout their lives. Psychologist Jean Piaget believed that children learn by exploring and interacting with the world around them. As they encounter new experiences, they continually adapt their understanding of how things work. For example, a child who has learned to recognise a horse may initially mistake a camel for a horse because it looks similar. Through experience and guidance, they refine their understanding and expand their knowledge of the world.
This process of learning through exploration is at the heart of play.
When children play, they are not simply entertaining themselves. They are developing important life skills. They learn how to solve problems, communicate with others, make decisions, manage frustration, and try again when things do not go as planned. Every game, challenge, and creative activity presents opportunities to learn.
Watch a group of children at play and you will often see them negotiating rules, overcoming obstacles, and finding solutions to unexpected problems. Sometimes they succeed immediately; other times they become frustrated and need to try a different approach. In doing so, they are building resilience and confidence.
These skills do not become less important as we grow older.
As adults, we continue to face challenges that require us to think creatively, adapt to change, and solve problems. Confidence does not come from always having the right answer; it develops through experience, learning, and a willingness to try. The ability to approach difficulties with curiosity rather than fear is a skill that begins in childhood but remains valuable throughout life.
In today's fast-paced world, opportunities for free play, creativity, and exploration can sometimes be overlooked. Yet these experiences help young people develop the resilience they need to navigate life's challenges. Supporting children to explore, create, and learn through play is an investment in their future wellbeing.
Perhaps there is also something adults can learn from play.
Giving ourselves permission to be creative, try new activities, learn new skills, and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process can help us maintain a sense of curiosity and growth. Play is not simply a childhood activity; it is a way of learning that can benefit us throughout our lives.
The next time you see children climbing, swinging, building, drawing, or inventing games, remember that they are doing much more than playing. They are developing confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills that may support them for years to come.
What Does This Mean for Adult Wellbeing?
Although play is often associated with childhood, many of the skills developed through play continue to support us throughout adulthood. Problem-solving, adaptability, creativity, confidence, and resilience are all qualities that help us respond to life's challenges.
When stress becomes overwhelming, people can sometimes lose confidence in their ability to cope. Problems may feel larger than they are, decision-making can become difficult, and anxiety may increase. Developing resilience is not about avoiding challenges; it is about learning how to respond to them effectively.
At AtBalance UK, we encourage individuals to reflect on the strategies they use to manage stress and rebuild confidence in their ability to navigate life's demands.
Through the At Balance Method, clients are supported to:
Reflect – develop awareness of stressors and patterns.
Reset – create space to pause and regain perspective.
Restore – rebuild wellbeing through practical self-care and resilience strategies.
Reconnect – strengthen connections with themselves, others, and the activities that support their wellbeing.
Many of these skills have their roots in the confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities that begin to develop through play during childhood. Play encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence, and resilience. Whether we are children or adults, making space for exploration and learning can support our overall wellbeing and help us navigate life's challenges with greater confidence
Reflection
Play is often viewed as something we leave behind as we grow older. However, the skills developed through play remain with us throughout our lives. Confidence, creativity, resilience, and problem-solving are essential tools for navigating the pressures of modern life.
By understanding how these skills develop and continuing to nurture them in adulthood, we can build a stronger foundation for long-term wellbeing.
