Inspiring Play Blog

If you’ve had that quiet feeling that something in your child’s development isn’t quite lining up, maybe late talking, tricky play skills, or a general sense that milestones are taking longer; you’re not alone. In fact, tuning in like this is one of the most supportive things you can offer your child. Many parents feel unsure about what to do next. Let's look at some steps to make that path clearer and gentler. What is a developmental delay? A developmental delay is when a c

When You’ve Done Everything Right… and Still Feel Unheard You’ve been worried for a while now. Something about your child's development just feels… not quite right. Maybe it’s their sleep, their behaviour, their mood, or their health. You’ve noticed the patterns. You’ve tried all the things. Your child's Educators and Teachers have expressed their concerns. And finally, you make the decision, it’s time to seek help. You save up for months, then you get that referral, again

Sitting in the Hard Stuff: Helping Our Children Honour All Their Emotions As parents, we often focus on helping our children feel joy, excitement and confidence; and of course, these emotions matter deeply. But what about when our child feels sad, frustrated, worried or simply “not okay”? At  Inspiring Play: Child & Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast , I’ve supported many young children (and their families) to honour  all feelings; especially the uncomfortable ones, and to un

When Words Aren’t Enough: How Play Therapy Can Support Children Through Loss and Grief When a child experiences loss, whether it’s the death of someone they love, the separation of their parents, or another major change; the world can suddenly feel unfamiliar. As adults, we often want to protect our children from pain, to fix or soften what hurts. Yet grief isn’t something we can take away. It’s something we can help our children carry; with love, presence, and understanding.

Finding the right therapy support for your child can feel confusing and, at times, overwhelming. There’s a sea of information online, and when you’re worried about your child’s emotional wellbeing, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re exploring Play Therapy, you’re already taking an important step toward helping your child feel seen, understood and supported. Understanding Child-Centred Play Therapy Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is an evidence-based therapeuti

Early Childhood Emotional Development Early childhood is a crucial period when children undergo significant emotional development . During this stage, children start to navigate and understand their emotions, learning to regulate and express them in healthy ways. The emotional development of young children lays the foundation for their social and cognitive growth, influencing their overall well-being and future relationships. Secure Attachments One important aspect of early c

Trauma in childhood can take many forms, from medical procedures and hospital stays, to accidents, losses, or other overwhelming...

Exploring Sensory Play & Open-Ended Experiences at Home  Dive into the world of sensory play with our latest blog post, as we unveil the...

The Importance of Not Making Children Pack Up After Play Therapy Sessions.  With more than 20 years of experience as an Early Years...

International Play Therapy Week 2024: Celebrating the Healing Power of Play  This week we celebrate International Play Therapy Week,...

Understanding the Power of the Whole Brain Child: Insights from Dan Siegel As a parent or caregiver, helping children navigate their...

Navigating Through Challenges: The Path to Healing in Play Therapy Through the process of play therapy, the journey to healing is often...

Kristen Neff, a prominent researcher in the field of self-compassion , has contributed significantly to our understanding of how children...

Play Therapy: Addressing the Most Asked Questions As play therapy becomes increasingly recognised as an effective approach for addressing...

Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory and Children's Behaviour Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theor y has had a significant impact on our...

Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Children Developing a growth mindset in children is important for their overall well-being and success....

Tips for Building Resilience in Children Building resilience in children is important for helping them navigate life's challenges and...

Tips for Fostering Children's Independence Prior to Starting School Fostering independence in young children is beneficial for their...

Tips for Supporting Children with Separation Anxiety When Starting School Starting school can be an overwhelming experience for children,...

As children transition into the school environment, it's vital to prioritize their social-emotional wellbeing to foster a positive and...