Why play matters in emergencies
Helping your child to cope during times of crisis.
Play is fundamental to every child’s development and well-being. This is especially true in an emergency situation, where children and their families often face high levels of stress and disrupted routines.
Learn about why even short periods of regular play are so important for children during emergencies and the types of play that can help the most in such situations.
The importance of play in emergencies
When children experience intense or prolonged stress, and do not feel safe over a long period of time, it can cause toxic stress.
Very stressful experiences can affect how children feel and develop – but simple, playful moments with a caring adult can help reduce the effects of stress.
> Learn more: What is toxic stress?
In an emergency, it can often feel like losing a sense of control or normalcy. By letting your child take the lead during playtime, you can help them to work through these difficult feelings, teaching them to think for themselves, make decisions and trust themselves. This will help them, even during a crisis, to continue developing skills that are important for school, life and lay the foundation for their development.
The types of play that can help in emergency settings
Repetitive/rhythmic play
In crisis settings, children often benefit from predictable, repetitive activities that help regulate stress. Repetition and rhythm can help children feel safer and regain a sense of control. You could try:
- Clapping games
- Simple songs or lullabies
- Repeating movements (jumping, tapping or swaying)
These simple, repeated games and songs can help your child feel calmer and more secure.
Routine-based play
Predictable routines can help give your child a sense of normalcy during difficult times. Examples include:
- Bedtime storytelling rituals
- Morning songs or games
As much as possible, try to have a regular time for play each day. Even short periods of play can help children feel more secure.
Physical play
Active play can help children release tension and feel more relaxed. Try things like:
- Jumping or running in place
- Stretching or making “animal movements”
- Throwing soft objects back and forth, such as a bean bag or soft ball
Play with other children
If it is safe, playing with other children can help your child feel connected and less alone. If you are able, try to create moments for:
- Group games
- Activities where children take turns, like a board game or ‘I Spy’
- Simple cooperative play like running a pretend shop or building a tower together.
Activities for children in emergency settings
When children are dealing with complex emotional issues, it often shows up in their play. By giving children space to play, you can help them to work through feelings such as pain, fear or loss while being able to still act like a child.
You know your child best. These activities can be modified based on your child’s age and abilities.
Create artwork
Provide your child with any art materials you have available, such as coloured pencils, paints or modelling clay and let them create. When they’ve finished, praise them for their work and ask them to tell you about what they’ve created, why they chose certain colours etc. Creating art is a way that can help children to communicate how they are feeling and express what is on their mind. Some children enjoy talking about their drawings, while others may prefer not to. Follow your child's lead rather than asking lots of questions.
If your child draws or talks about frightening events such as conflict, injury or death, try to stay calm and let them explain their drawing in their own words. Listen without judging, acknowledge their feelings (for example, "That sounds really scary"), reassure them that they are safe and that caring adults are there to support them. Avoid pressuring your child to talk or trying to interpret the meaning of their drawing – simply being present, listening and offering comfort can help them feel safe and understood. If you are worried because your child's distress is severe, continues for many weeks, or is affecting their daily life, seek support from a trusted health, education or child protection professional.
Use their imagination
Give your child dolls, toys or child-safe household objects and allow them to play pretend. With their dolls and other toys, they can express things they aren’t able to describe yet with their words. If they recreate painful events repeatedly through imaginative play, little ones are trying to understand the impact of what has happened.
Bring the outside indoors
If it’s not safe to go outdoors, try to come up with ideas with your child about how you could bring outside games indoors. For example, could you use cushions to pretend that you are frogs that are jumping between lily pads together? Or if your child loves football, could you create a mini pitch out of materials you have in your home and play while sitting down? Or reimagine basketball and take turns to see who can throw a soft ball or even a rolled-up sock into a bucket or other container? By trying to think of new ways to play, you can help your child to enjoy activities they may be missing.
Being a parent or caregiver in an emergency situation is incredibly hard. During these difficult times, your love and presence make a world of difference for your child. Try to be kind to yourself as well – when we take care of ourselves, we can better take care of our children as well.
Get our emergency guides, including conflict, earthquakes, floods and heatwaves.
