As a parent, I’m constantly amazed watching my two-year-old play. Her imagination unfolds before my eyes, and I can see her learning and refining micro-skills with each passing moment.

Recently, Parenting Expert Gen Muir and Playgroups NSW CEO Emily Caska, in collaboration with Lego Duplo, hosted a workshop for National Playgroup Week. The workshop, How Small Moments Build Big Futures, focused on the latest research into toddler play habits. It highlighted the importance play has on early childhood development and reminded us as parents that playtime isn’t just about fun – it’s vital for our children’s growth and skill-building.

The Power of Play in Early Development

Did you know it typically takes toddlers 300 repetitions to learn a new skill? However, when that learning is done through play, the number drops dramatically to just 10-12 repetitions. This highlights the effectiveness of play as a learning tool.

Also, it’s interesting to note that parents today are spending more time engaging in play with their toddlers than the stay-at-home parents of previous generations. Sadly though the study shows many of us still feel like we’re not doing enough. The truth is we don’t need to do more—it’s all about quality moments over the quantity. Forget cramming in extra activities, but rather use play as a vehicle for connection, learning, and emotional growth.

Emotional Intelligence: The Foundation for Success

When our children develop strong emotional and social skills through play, everything else falls into place. Play provides kids a safe space to explore their emotions, understand boundaries, and build resilience—all of which are crucial for their development.

The 2025 Big Start Report: What Parents Are Saying

The 2025 Big Start Report revealed that, despite 96% of parents agreeing that play is vital for their child’s development, four out of five still struggle to engage in meaningful play due to stress or lack of time in their already busy lives.

Some other insights included:

• One in three parents feel uninspired or unsure of how to play with their toddlers.
• Six in ten parents feel conflicted about the role of social media in their child’s life.
• Three in ten parents doubt whether their presence truly adds value to their kid’s playtime.

Despite these challenges, toddlers still spend an average of 52 hours per week playing—making it one of the most important activities in their week to week.

The Core Needs of Toddlers: Play Is Key

Play supports the three core needs of toddlers:

1. Connection: Play builds strong emotional bonds between parent and child.
2. Boundaries and Limits: Play helps toddlers understand rules and structure in a fun, engaging way.
3. Feelings and Emotions Coaching: Through play, toddlers learn to navigate their emotions and practice self-regulation.

Practical Tips: Making Play Work for You

It’s ok! You don’t need to re-arrange your schedule to fit in hours of playtime with your child. And you certainly don’t need to become a full-time entertainer to help foster your child’s development. Here are some simple ways to incorporate meaningful play into your daily routine:

• Playful Connection: Use small moments throughout the day to connect—whether it’s a game of peekaboo or building a tower together.
• Mini Moments: Fill your child’s ‘emotional tank’ with small bursts of play. A few minutes of laughter or bonding can go a long way.
• Playful Prep: Prepare your child for upcoming events, such as a doctor’s visit, by acting it out through pretend play.
• Playful Transitions: Make transitions smoother by using playful cues, like a fun countdown before dinner or bath time. Or even a 5-minute play time routine beforehand.
• Emotion Coaching: Help your child understand and manage emotions through play. For example, if they drop a toy, acknowledge their feelings. Let them know it’s ok to feel that way: “Oh no, it fell over! You’re sad. I’d be upset too!”

By embracing the power of play, we can lay a strong foundation for emotional growth, learning, and connection with our children. So, the next time you’re building blocks with your toddler, remember that these small moments are not only strengthening your bond—they’re shaping their future as well! It’s truly a win-win!

Bianca is a content writer and all round multi tasker, often trying to fit a million things into a day. When she is not chasing after her highly energetic toddler, she is planning her next travel adventure! A lover of coffee, pilates and wine, she enjoys a laugh and making the most of life.