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Play/Leisure

A child’s attitudes and ability to engage in play/leisure activities can be negatively affected following exposure to a traumatic event. Play/leisure activities include pretend play, games with rules, solo play, play with others, obtaining/using/maintaining toys, etc. (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). This can also include discovering new interests in skills and activities as well as maintaining interests in new ones.

Children who have experienced trauma may be challenged in the following ways:

  • Not starting or showing interest in activities

  • Playing too rough or bullying others

  • Fear of failing and not wanting to try

  • Unsafe or inappropriate play

  • Hurting animals, starting fires, or self-harm

Some strategies you can implement to address the above effects include:

  • Know triggers

    • Avoid situations that remind your child of bad events.

  • Model play

    • Show your child how to play nicely with others.

  • Social stories

    • Teach good play behaviors with stories and pictures. You can also make your own stories. Here is a link to various social stories and the ability to make one personalized to your child as well!

  • Encourage new activities

    • Introduce safe and fun things to try.

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