Since when did toys become yet another problem to fix?
So.. obvs the blog is back.
This is where I talk about topics that annoy the hell out of me, but the podcast isn’t really the best place for it. So here we are.
Right now? It’s this idea that play is only for the under 5s.
Honestly its driving me up the wall.
Play is the number one tool we all have, to regulate a disregulated nervous system. When your daughter is in full blown aargh, the quickest way to calm her down isn’t logic, reasoning or consequences, it’s PLAY. Pure and simple play.
But somewhere along the way, someone in their infinite wisdom coined it babyish… and we all just went with it.
And yes that’s the reason.
On that note, do you know how difficult it was finding a photo that reflected toys without a child under 5? Ridiculous. Hence the plastic ducks.. ;)
We used to play outside, get mucky, be silly, have fun and enjoyed ourselves.
Now? We don’t.
We used to sit around playing board games and having fun as a family.
Now? We don’t.
We used to give kids and teens toys that built imagination, problem solving skills, creativity, resilience and achievement.
Now? Everything has a label. A purpose. An outcome.
And the biggest example? “Fidget toys”.
They’re not therapy tools. They’re not warning signs. They’re just… toys.
But by giving them a special name, we’ve made them into something else entirely. Something that makes people raise an eyebrow. Something that quietly suggests, there must be a problem here.
But what if we dropped the label?
What if we just called it what it is - play?
Suddenly, everything changes.
They’re no longer linked to a diagnosis. They’re just tools for connection, calm, creativity and fun. Toys that help you think. Toys that help you feel safe. Toys that challenge your brain. Toys that help you feel love and connection. Toys you can play with other people without feeling guilty or feel you should be doing something else.
Because play isn’t something children, teens ar even adults grow out of.
It’s something humans need, for life.
And I’ll say it again - play is the fastest, most effective way to regulate an overwhelmed teen. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It just needs to be shared.
Yet instead, we’ve replaced play with screens.
We’ve replaced toys with labels.
And at the same time we’re seeing rising levels of anxiety, self harm, depression, OCD, etc.
That’s not a coincidence or rocket science.
If we were forced to sit still all day, every day - no movement, no play, no release - how would we feel?
Frustrated. Angry. Tense. Disconnected. Low. Anxious.
Eaxctly.
Play isn’t a luxury.
it’s a biological need.
Our bodies need it. Our brains need it. Our hearts need it.
So, let’s bring it back.
Let’s change the script.
Let’s stop overthinking it and start playing again.
Because no, this isn’t me being melodramatic.
It’s just the truth.
Next week I’ll tell you why our girls are struggling more than boys
If you like what you read then…
Share the Love:
If you found this post helpful, share it with another mum who might need a little extra encouragement this season.
Let’s keep whispering together - your teen is listening, even if she doesn’t always show it.
Click on the above links to be one of the first to receive new updates
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn
Feel free to book in a call to talk more about what’s happening in your home.
I look forward to connecting and working with you.
