Play with Purpose: Nurturing Children’s Emotions and Faith

Eight-year-old Emma had been having frequent meltdowns after school. Once cheerful and talkative, she now seemed withdrawn and quick to anger. Her parents couldn’t figure out what was wrong. When asked, Emma often shrugged or said “I don’t know.” Like many children, she didn’t have the words to describe the worries weighing on her heart.

This is where play therapy can make a difference. For children like Emma, toys, games, and art supplies become a language for expression. In the hands of a trained therapist, play transforms into a powerful tool for emotional healing and even spiritual growth. More than just “playing,” it is a structured, evidence-based approach that gives children a safe and supportive environment to express themselves, heal, and grow.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a counseling approach that helps children process feelings and experiences through play. In a safe, structured environment, children use dolls, art, games, or building materials to express what words cannot. For instance, a child who has experienced loss may act out a goodbye scene with toy figures, creating space to release grief and find comfort.

Play therapy lets kids express what words can’t yet say. The child-led nature helps them feel safe and capable, supporting emotional regulation and spiritual growth as they experience trust, connection, and playfulness. - Shannon Jones

Through this process, children are able to:

• Express difficult emotions without pressure

• Build resilience and coping strategies

• Learn problem-solving and relational skills

• Heal from stressful or traumatic experiences

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Emotional Benefits of Play Therapy

Because play feels natural, children are more willing to open up in this environment. Play therapy often leads to:

• Better emotional regulation: Children learn to name and manage big feelings.

• Resilience: They develop healthy ways to handle disappointment and stress.

• Improved relationships: By practicing empathy and communication, they grow in connection with others.

• Healing: Children can safely process fear, anger, or grief in symbolic ways.

When children gain these tools, they’re not just getting “through” their challenges—they’re learning skills for a lifetime.

Nurturing Spiritual Growth Through Play

For families of faith, play therapy can also incorporate spiritual themes that remind children they are not alone in their struggles. Storytelling, prayer, and symbols from faith traditions can be gently woven into the therapeutic process.

Some ways this can look in practice:

• Reenacting a Bible story with figurines, giving children a chance to see God’s presence in everyday struggles.

• Drawing or creating art that reflects themes of hope, peace, or forgiveness.

• Introducing prayer in playful ways, helping children bring their feelings before God.

This integration strengthens not only emotional resilience but also spiritual understanding. Children learn that their emotions are valid, and that God’s love and presence meet them right where they are.

Recognizing When Your Child Might Need Play Therapy

If your child, like Emma, seems stuck in patterns of withdrawal, frequent anger, anxiety, or sadness, it might be a sign they need more support. Struggles at school, sleep disturbances, or difficulty talking about feelings can also signal that your child could benefit from play therapy.

Parents often feel helpless when their child is hurting, but play therapy provides hope. It gives children a safe place to explore their inner world, discover healthy ways to cope, and experience God’s presence in the midst of it all.

By integrating emotional and spiritual growth, play therapy plants seeds of resilience and faith that can carry children through challenges now—and throughout their lives.

Encouragement for Parents

Parenting can feel overwhelming when your child is struggling, and it’s natural to wonder if you’re doing enough. Remember, seeking help through play therapy is not a sign of weakness but of love—it shows your commitment to your child’s whole-person growth. You don’t have to have all the answers; what matters most is your willingness to walk alongside your child, offering steady love and faith-filled support. Even small steps—listening, praying, creating space for play—can make a big difference in helping your child feel seen, safe, and deeply loved.