National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
As we honor National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 7), we are reminded of something profoundly important: the mental health of children always matters, regardless of age. Emotional and mental well-being are the foundation for how children learn, adapt, and grow into themselves.
In the field of mental health, play therapists have the privilege of seeing firsthand how impactful it can be when children are given a space to express themselves through their most natural way of communicating: play.
PLAY IS A CHILD’S LANGUAGE
Children do not typically have all the words to explain what they are feeling, so play is often a means of expression. Through toys of their choosing, along with their imagination and creativity, children can use play to communicate their wants, wishes, thoughts, and feelings that otherwise might go unseen. In the playroom, children use play to amplify their voices and understand their stories.
In a world where children are often first met with correction and direction, Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) approach children in a different way. This type of support is child-led, which helps to convey a sense of trust in the child that they will lead their session’s time in a way that is most impactful to them. In this space, children can safely and freely express their emotions, work through challenges, and better understand their world.
“I AM HERE. I HEAR YOU. I UNDERSTAND YOU. I CARE.”
“I am here. I hear you. I understand you. I care.” These are the four basic “be with” attitudes that are the foundation of play therapy. Children begin to thrive when they are truly seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. When our initial response is empathy, instead of judgment or immediate correction, children can begin to develop a stronger sense of self-worth, confidence, and emotional regulation.
Behavior is often a form of communication, so instead of quickly labeling something as “misbehavior,” it can be more helpful to pause and ask, “What is my child trying to communicate?” This shift can then allow an open window to connection and understanding.
PARENTS AS THE CHANGE AGENTS
One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is supporting parents through Child-Parent Relationship Therapy. In CPRT, parents learn how to use therapeutic play skills to strengthen their relationship with their child in transformative ways.
This parenting approach taught in CPRT is not about quick fixes or surface-level behavior change; it is about developing significant and sustainable connections. When parents feel equipped to respond to unwanted behaviors with empathy, structure, and attunement, children feel safer; that safety naturally leads to desirable behavior and healthier, emotionally-secure children.
CONNECTION BEFORE CORRECTION
Children are far more likely to cooperate and demonstrate emotional regulation when they feel connected rather than controlled. Moments of connection involving eye contact, reflective listening, esteem-building, and encouragement help build trust and security with children. Intentional child-led time, in as little as 15-30 minutes a week, can help to foster a meaningful connection and begin to make a lasting difference in your child’s emotional and mental well-being.
BREAKING THE STIGMA
Reaching out for support for your child’s emotional and mental well-being is not a sign of failure but rather a sign of care, love, and commitment. As a society, the more we participate in and normalize conversations around children’s mental health, the more we can empower one another to reach out for our children’s support needs early on in the process.
A FINAL WORD
Children do not need to be “fixed.” They need to be heard, accepted, and understood. When we offer children an open space where they can be accepted for who they are, where their emotions are respected and their voices are heard, we are not just helping children in the moment; we are helping transform the way children see and understand themselves, as well as the world around them. This impact goes far beyond childhood and can positively affect generations to come.
The information above is adapted from:
Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, 3rd Edition. New York, Routledge.
Landreth, G. L., & Bratton, S. C. (2019/2020). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT):
An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). New York, Routledge.
If you would like support in your parenting journey, we would love to provide you with empathy while equipping you with research-based parenting skills through our 10-week Child-Parent Relationship Therapy course and/or individual parent consultations.
If you would like your child to experience the power of child-centered play therapy, Allison Moore currently has openings at Restoring Hope Counseling & Consulting, PLLC in Southlake, Texas and would be honored to support you.
Contributed by
Allison Moore, LPC-S & RPT
To learn more about the field of play therapy, please visit
The Association for Play Therapy website.