Play therapy has been a part of metal health field since early
20th century. It can also allow youngsters to explore their
feelings, their environment, and their relationships with parents, siblings and
peers. When it comes to Autism, Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety play
therapy has been beneficial for the differently able children of our society. These
are serious common mental disorders that develop in children.
Anxiety
is probably the most common disease in today’s world. It often leads to serious mental depression. Autism is largely a social-communication
disorder. Children with autism find it difficult to relate to others. In case
of children with ADHD Kids are
hyperactive and have trouble focusing on one task. They are often distracted,
confused at times. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble
following instruction.
Play is a child’s instinctive
way of recovering from daily emotional turmoil. Playing is how children
think, deal with their emotions and communicate. So A play therapist uses
play as tool to interact with children and to understand them. He also used it as a guiding tool to teach a
child how to deal with difficult situations or feelings.
What a play therapist
does?
·
Self- awareness: Play therapy helps a child to be familiar about
his/her surroundings and thus help to become interactive.
· Relationship building: It helps a child to build relationship as
the child begins to recognize faces, sounds and speech.
· Two-way communication: Once a child starts building relationship,
he/she starts communicate. In fact the child starts reacting.
·
Expressing oneself: Through play, a child may be able to better
understand his/her emotions and the emotions of others.
Over time, parents can also become their child's therapist while
also building a stronger, more meaningful relationship. Parent can be taught
play therapy so that they can take active part in their children’s growth and
development.
Tips for Parents
- Be friends first!
- Let them stay at their comfort zones.
- Mirror what they are doing. Imitate the action
of the child. The child will feel easy with you.
- To teach them use what they are comfortable
with.
- For instance, if they are playing with papers,
make something from it.
- Comment on their activities even if they do
not seem interested. This, in the long run will make the child befriend
with you.
- Try to offer them things as much as you can,
so they can learn to pair you with positivity.
- Be fun, exciting, and interested in the child.
