Play Therapy Ideas Parents Can Try at Home
Moving to a new country is a profound change for every member of the family, but children and adolescents often face unique challenges in adapting to a new environment. As a child and adolescent psychologist specializing in behavioral correction, I have seen firsthand how play can become a bridge to emotional well-being and connection during these transitions. This article offers practical, supportive, and research-backed play therapy ideas that parents can try at home to help children reduce stress and feel more secure in their new surroundings.
Understanding the Role of Play in Adjustment
Why does play matter so much during periods of change? For children, play is not just entertainment—it’s their language. Through play, children process complex emotions, explore their new world, and communicate feelings they may not yet be able to put into words.
“In my practice, I’ve seen children who struggled to express homesickness or anxiety after a move, but through role-play games, they found ways to ‘show’ what they felt, opening the door for healing conversations.”
When parents take a few minutes each day to engage in simple, therapeutic play, they send a powerful message: You are safe, we’re in this together, and it’s okay to feel what you feel.
What Happens Psychologically During Play?
During stressful transitions, children’s brains are flooded with new information and feelings. Play activates the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and problem-solving, and it helps regulate stress hormones. More importantly, shared play with a trusted adult strengthens attachment, which is the foundation for resilience and future learning.
In plain language: Play gives your child a safe space to “practice” life, to process what’s happening, and to reconnect with you amidst all the changes.
Practical Play Therapy Ideas for Home
Below are some tried-and-true activities that require no special equipment, just your time and attention. These ideas can be adapted for different ages, from toddlers to teens.
1. The “Feelings Charades” Game
How to do it: Write down different feelings (happy, scared, excited, lonely, brave, etc.) on small pieces of paper. Take turns acting out each feeling while the other guesses. For older children, add more complex emotions like “homesick,” “proud,” or “curious.”
Why it helps: This game helps children recognize and name their feelings, and gives you insight into what they may be experiencing.
2. “World Building” with Everyday Materials
How to do it: Use building blocks, craft supplies, or even household objects to create models of familiar places (old home, school, favorite park) and new places (your new city, school, or apartment). Let your child lead the activity, describing what each part represents.
Parent tip: As your child builds, gently ask questions or make observations: “I notice you put your old playground next to your new bedroom—what’s that like?”
3. Story Stones or Puppet Play
How to do it: Gather a few stones, small toys, or homemade puppets. Ask your child to tell a story using these objects, or act out “a day in the life” in your new country. Join in, letting the characters face challenges and find solutions together.
Mini-case: One 8-year-old boy I worked with would use Lego figures to “move houses” in his play, expressing worries about making friends. Through play, we rehearsed different ways to say hello and join games, which made the real-life transition smoother.
4. Drawing and Art Activities
How to do it: Offer simple prompts: “Draw your favorite memory from our old home,” “Draw something new you like here,” or “Draw what makes you feel brave.” Resist the urge to interpret—focus on listening and validating what your child shares.
Art as a Bridge for Teens
For older children and teens, art journaling or digital storytelling (using apps or photos) can be powerful. Let them choose the medium and respect their privacy if they prefer not to share everything.
5. “Safe Place” Visualization
How to do it: Guide your child to close their eyes and imagine a safe, comfortable place. This could be real or imaginary. Ask gentle questions: “What can you see, hear, and smell there?” Encourage them to draw or describe it afterwards. This becomes a tool for self-soothing when feeling overwhelmed.
“One family I supported created a ‘cozy corner’ at home with blankets and pillows, where their daughter could go to relax whenever she felt sad or anxious about her new school. This small ritual made a big difference in her adjustment.”
Checklist: What to Try at Home
| Activity | Purpose | What to Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Feelings Charades | Recognizing and expressing emotions | Which feelings are easy/hard to act out? Does your child laugh, pause, or avoid certain emotions? |
| World Building | Making sense of change, creating control | What places or people are included? Any “missing” elements your child adds or leaves out? |
| Puppet/Story Play | Problem-solving, processing worries | Are similar stories repeated? Do characters have challenges or happy endings? |
| Drawing/Art | Non-verbal expression, exploring memories | What themes or colors appear? Are there patterns in what your child chooses to draw? |
| Safe Place Visualization | Building self-soothing skills | Does your child use this independently? What elements feel safe to them? |
Practical Tips for Parents
- Set aside regular play time. Even 10–15 minutes a few times a week makes a difference—consistency is more important than duration.
- Let your child lead. Follow their interests and ideas within the activity. This fosters a sense of control and trust.
- Validate, don’t fix. When big feelings or worries come up, listen and acknowledge: “It sounds like you really miss your old friends.” Avoid rushing to solutions unless your child asks for help.
- Watch for signs of overwhelm. If your child seems distressed, switch to a calming activity or simply sit together quietly.
- Model self-compassion. It’s okay to share that you, too, are learning and adjusting. Children benefit from seeing their parents handle change with openness and flexibility.
Useful Resources
- Association for Play Therapy – Resources and articles for parents
- Child Mind Institute – Guides on children’s mental health and adjustment
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): Play Resources
- Migration Policy Institute: Children, Immigrants, and Refugees
Remember: Every child and every family is unique. If you notice persistent sadness, withdrawal, or behavioral changes in your child that do not improve with time and support, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional with experience in child adjustment and multicultural issues.
Disclaimer: This article provides general psychological guidance and is not a substitute for personal consultation with a licensed professional.
Written by Alice Potter, child & adolescent psychologist, specialist in behavioral correction.
