Play therapists in Littleton are in high demand, and no wonder: Play is awesome! But if you’re the parent of a “big kid” or teenager, you may wonder if a play therapist is really the right choice or not. How old is “too old” for play therapy? The answer may surprise you—skilled psychologists know that anyone who still “plays” is still a perfect fit for “play” therapy! Keep reading to see how this looks different for different ages!
Play Therapy is The First Recommendation for Kids 7 and Under
If you have a “little kid” (usually, 7 and under), play therapy with a skilled child psychologist in Littleton is a first-line recommendation. Keep in mind that very young children approach the world in different ways than their older peers, relying more on learned experience, in-vivo activities, and symbolic expressions to build their understanding of the world. Play therapy can help young children express themselves even if they do not have the “words” or “understanding” that an older kid may have. Whether your child practices deep breathing by blowing bubbles or sets up a toy family to mirror their home life, play therapy can help your young child express feelings and learn new skills.
Grade School Kids Play at Their Developmental Level
If you’ve seen the latest Toy Story movie, you may have heard a familiar phrase: “I don’t play with toys anymore.” Does your 9-year-old suddenly seem more interested in Sephora than toys? Would your fifth grader trade all the sports equipment in the world for a screen? Just because your kid is acting “grown up” doesn’t mean they are fully ready for the adult world. “Middle-grade” kids (think 2nd-5th/6th grade or so, depending on your child) are at the developmental level where they have a good idea of how the world works, and they need to feel like they are a part of it. This developmental stage is called the “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage because this is the point in a child’s life where they figure out how “effective” they can be at reaching their goals. Play therapy at this age involves a lot of building routines, playing structured games with rules (and exploring those rules), role-plays, and starting to build independence. Play gives your child a chance to explore these real-world concepts in a safe place. For kids with learning disorders , working with a Littleton Play Therapist can be a powerful tool that allows them to show their best selves without feeling held back by learning challenges!
Littleton Play Therapists Welcome Teens
Are teens too old to play? Definitely not! While most teens don’t dig into the Play-Doh and stuffies, a playful attitude is the perfect way to promote change. Consider the definition of play to be “any self-driven activity that brings joy,” and you’ll realize that teens love to play. Just like little kids will bring their favorite toys into play therapy to “share” with the therapist, your teen is very likely to bring “toys” to share in the form of artwork, favorite memes, or favorite songs. Many people don’t realize that this is also “play,” just like showing off a stuffed bunny. Much like toddlers, teenagers have a lot of changes going on in their brains, and these changes can lead to big emotions and few words to describe them. The opportunity to express those feelings through art, shared experiences, or through the “symbolic” experience of fictional characters is the way teens build their own confidence. Many therapists will happily build movement into sessions, since moving bodies helps to change brains. If you have a teenager who is reluctant to start therapy because they are worried it will be “boring” or that they “won’t have anything to say,” why not consider play therapy?
Can Adults Play, Too? Family Therapy and Beyond!
Can an adult do play therapy? Ask yourself this: do adults like to play pickleball? Scrabble? Jeopardy? Adults play throughout their lives, no matter how much they try to deny it! Working with a play-informed therapist can be a great option for individual therapy: remember, your therapist adapts to meet your needs! Adults also engage in play therapy as a part of supporting their child in therapy, or as a part of family therapy. Could you reach your child better and be a stronger support if you were more playful? Try these play-based behavior tips at home!
Play, just like exercise, rest, or nutrition, is an important part of any person’s life—yes, even as we age. Engaging in positive activities “for the fun of it” is what helps balance work and rest. If your child or family would benefit from therapy with some fun and exploration built in, reach out to a skilled play therapist in Littleton.
