‘Do’s and ‘Don’ts’ In Play

there is always do and dont in play.
include Small World Play.

Do

Tell your child that she will come for a Play Time (or to see someone if your child is older) to help her:

• • feel better (about school, about…)
  • feel less sad
  • feel less angry, etc
• Tell your child she will come to a room with toys and sometimes they may play or they may talk.
• Tell your child that this Play Time is not “a test” or “an exam”, etc. She is not expected to do anything but to play or talk as she wishes.
• Explain that sometimes this person may talk to daddy or mommy before or after your play time. This person will meet parents to find out how you are and plan how to help you.
• Tell your child that this Play time will usually last about 45 minutes and may happen every week or every other week

DON’TS

• Tell your child that she is bad
• Tell your child that she is the problem
• Tell your child that she is sick
• Tell your child that someone will observe her in play and give advices
• Tell her to listen to the “play therapist” whatever she’s asked to do
• Tell her to behave in sessions
• Give your child any pressure about being good in session
• Put pressure on your child to talk about her problems, etc
• Tell your child how much the session costs or that it is expensive, etc. This may increase children’s worries or anxieties about their “performance” in sessions. This may also make children feel guilty or blamed.

resources
http://www.wishingwellscounselling.com/play-therapy/explaining-therapy-to-children/