Introducing "G"

G is for Growth: Why Play Is the Secret to Your Child’s Development

You exclaim to your child, “What? These shoes don’t fit anymore!” Yes, that’s growth—but we’re also talking about the incredible and rapid cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development that happens in early childhood. And guess what drives most of it?

Play.

Indeed, it is in the messy, giggle-filled, sometimes chaotic playtime that the magic happens. Children learn so much through play—it’s their full-time job. As parents, we get to be their cheerleaders, guides, and sometimes co-workers in that delightful “workplace.”

You do not need flashcards or fancy programs to help your child grow. You need curiosity, connection, and a willingness to let go of the idea that learning only happens at a desk.

“Play is the work of the child.” — Maria Montessori

Why Play Matters

Simple. Profound. True. Play is how children make sense of the world. It’s where they learn to think, feel, move, and connect. Each joyful moment contributes to their growth:

• Stacking and knocking down blocks? Cognitive and physical development.
• Wrapping a dish towel around their shoulders to become a superhero? Emotional growth, language, and imagination.
• Splashing in puddles, digging in dirt, examining flowers? Sensory exploration and social learning—especially when shared with you.

Support Development Through Play

You don’t need to overhaul your home. Here are a few simple ways to nurture growth through everyday moments:

• Make space for mess. Finger paints, bubble baths, and mud puddles build sensory awareness and creativity. Embrace the chaos—or at least keep some wipes nearby.
• Follow their lead. That shiny drum set is nice, but if your child wants to make music with pot lids, let them! That’s creativity in action.
• Ask curious questions. “What are you building?” sparks deeper thinking than “Is that a house?” Open-ended questions lead to richer conversations.
• Rotate, don’t accumulate. You don’t need more toys—just a fresh perspective. Swap out a few items, bring back an old favorite, and watch them re-engage.
• Celebrate effort, not outcome. “You stuck with that puzzle—nice try finding another way!” builds resilience and a love for learning more than “You’re so smart.”

The Beauty of Slow Development

Watching your child discover, problem-solve, create, and imagine through play reminds us how much wonder still exists in the world. Parenting through play is an opportunity to slow down, connect, and savor the simple moments that truly matter.

Growth and development don’t need to be rushed—or perfect. They just need space, love, and a whole lot of play.

So the next time your living room looks like a campsite and your child is deep into some strange dolly tea party situation—smile. That’s not just play.

That’s learning. That’s a connection. That’s growth.

Play is a vital part of raising whole, happy children—and it touches nearly every element of the GREATEST parenting roadmap.