Children play less than ever before, yet more is expected of them at earlier and earlier ages. With a growing societal distrust of play, some caregivers have deemed play as less important than rote learning, structured activities and worksheets. What about creativity, curiosity, problem solving, flexible thinking, initiative, grit, adaptability, empathy, being able to negotiate and collaborate with others, leadership... are these skills also less important? Play is essential for development, foundational to learning and vital to a child's wellbeing. There is a need to support caregivers and children towards more playful engagement in today's ever changing fast paced world.

This book is for the caregiver who seeks a deeper understanding of how to nurture play and how to create an environment that supports playful engagement. This book aims to empower you, as a caregiver, to understand the difference between play and non-play and to reflect on factors impacting your child's play. It also includes how-to strategies to set you on a more playful path.