Helping children build resilience is something we can all support by creating the right environment and providing patience along the way. Play is a fundamental part of childhood that goes far beyond simple entertainment. It encourages kids to think creatively, tackle problems, and handle their emotions. Most importantly, it lays the foundation for resilience, helping kids develop the confidence and skills they need to adapt and thrive.
The Role of Play in Resilience
Resilience refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties—a skill every child needs to thrive. Through play, children naturally learn to:
• Problem-solve: Whether they’re building a tower of blocks or navigating the rules of a game, children develop cognitive flexibility and perseverance.
• Manage Emotions: Play allows children to process and express their feelings in a safe and constructive way.
• Build Relationships: Cooperative play teaches essential social skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
When children engage in regular, unstructured play, they’re having fun and building the mental and emotional "muscles" they’ll need throughout their lives. Think about it: when a child’s block tower collapses, they learn persistence by rebuilding it. When they’re pretending to be superheroes, they’re exploring bravery and problem-solving. And when they’re playing with others, they’re figuring out how to navigate friendships and conflicts. Play is like training wheels for life, but in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Why Resilience Through Play Matters
Sometimes, life throws curveballs, and today’s kids face unique challenges like navigating technology to managing social pressures. Resilience helps them bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but learning to deal with them effectively.
When children have the chance to play, they’re learning how to approach challenges with a growth mindset (go back and read our "Developing Resilient Kids" blog for more info on this!). They discover that mistakes aren’t failures but opportunities to learn. This mindset is crucial because it helps kids handle stress and recover from disappointment. Essentially, play teaches them that it’s okay to fall as long as they get back up.
Art Therapy: A Creative Pathway to Resilience
One specialized form of play that has gained recognition for its therapeutic benefits is art therapy. Art therapy combines creative expression with psychological support to help children process emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health practice where trained therapists guide individuals in using art materials to explore thoughts and feelings. Unlike traditional talk therapy, art therapy focuses on creative expression as a way to:
• Process Emotions: Children may find it easier to draw or paint their feelings rather than articulate them with words.
• Reduce Stress: Art can be calming and meditative, helping regulate emotions and reduce anxiety.
• Improve Self-Esteem: Completing a creative project gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence.
Art therapy isn’t just about making pretty pictures; it’s about using the creative process to unlock feelings and experiences that might otherwise stay bottled up. For kids, this can be incredibly freeing. It’s like giving them a secret language to express what’s going on inside.
How Art Therapy Builds Resilience
Art therapy provides children with a safe space to explore and confront challenges, promoting resilience through:
• Empowerment: Creating art helps children feel in control of their narrative, transforming feelings of helplessness into empowerment.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The process of creating art encourages children to think creatively and find solutions.
• Emotional Regulation: Art therapy techniques, like drawing mandalas or creating collages, teach children to calm themselves during stressful times.
Imagine a child who’s struggling with anxiety. Through art therapy, they might create a painting that represents their worries. Then, with the therapist’s help, they can discuss those worries and even modify the painting to show how they’d like to feel instead. This process helps them externalize their emotions and see their challenges from a new perspective.
Get inspired with our Arts & Crafts Collection.
The Science Behind Play and Art
You might be wondering if there's any evidence to support this; the answer is OF COURSE! We work with evidence-based information over here, friends! Studies have shown that play stimulates the brain, enhancing neural connections critical for problem-solving and emotional regulation. Similarly, engaging in art activities has been found to lower cortisol levels (a marker of stress) and increase dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter).
Neuroscientists also highlight the importance of creative activities for brain development. When children play or create art, they’re engaging multiple parts of their brain—the logical, the emotional, and the imaginative. This holistic brain engagement is key to building resilience because it strengthens their ability to process and respond to different situations.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
How can you incorporate play and art therapy into your child’s life? Here are some simple, actionable steps:
1. Prioritize Free Play: Encourage unstructured playtime where children can explore and create without specific goals or rules. Let them be pirates, chefs, or architects—whatever their imagination comes up with. Get inspired with our open-ended toys!
2. Incorporate Art at Home: Keep a stash of art supplies like crayons, markers, paints, and clay. Let your kids experiment without worrying about the mess. The point isn’t to create something perfect but to have fun while being creative.
3. Use Art for Emotion Check-Ins: If your child seems upset but can’t say why, suggest they draw their feelings. Ask them to describe their artwork, which might give you insight into what’s on their mind.
4. Seek Professional Support: If your child is experiencing significant stress or trauma, consider working with a certified art therapist. They’re trained to guide children through creative processes that promote healing and resilience.
5. Model Resilience: Show your kids how you use creative outlets to manage stress. Whether it’s doodling in a notebook or baking cookies, let them see you finding joy and relaxation in creative activities.
Examples
Imagine a child who feels overwhelmed by anxiety after a big life change, like moving to a new school. Through art therapy, they might create drawings of a comforting space that represents safety to them. Over time, this practice could help them process their fears and build confidence, leading to noticeable changes like being more open to new experiences and less afraid of making mistakes.
Another child might struggle with expressing anger. In an art therapy session, they could paint an image symbolizing their emotions, such as a stormy sea. With the therapist’s guidance, they would explore ways to “calm the storm,” like practicing deep breathing or using words to express frustration. This process could lead to improved emotional regulation and fewer outbursts at home.
Play, in all its forms, is a cornerstone of resilience. When combined with techniques like art therapy, play becomes a meaningful way to help children handle life’s challenges. Encouraging play and creativity creates a supportive environment where kids can develop the resilience they need to face difficulties with confidence.
About the Author:
Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. With over 3 years of dedicated experience, Paige has become a trusted ally for diverse populations, including the neurodivergent community, trauma survivors, substance abuse sufferers, and those navigating general mental health challenges. Since 2010, Paige has impacted young lives through her work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, behavior technician, nanny, and counselor. When not at work, she indulges in the magic of Disney Parks, enticing culinary adventures, and family time with her husband, fur babies, and baby Whitley. Passionate and empathetic, she's a catalyst for positive change, committed to making a difference in her community's mental health landscape.
Resources for Further Reading
Bratton, S.C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., Jones, L. The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. 2005;36(4):376–90.
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
National Institute for Play. (2024). Play science: What we know so far. Science of Play, nifplay.org/play-science/summary-of-key-findings/.