As the summer holidays begin or continue throughout the UK, almost half (46%) of parents with primary school-age children are worried about finding time to play with their child over the long break. This is mainly because parents are working (52%) and it costs too much (42%), according to our new survey. We've published new, free occupational therapy-led advice with easy, no-cost ideas for parents to play with their children over the summer break – and beyond – that will support their development.
The survey covered 2,000 UK parents of children aged 12 and under. It found that almost three-quarters (72%) of those with a child aged 4–12 spend more money on playing with their child during the summer holidays than at other times of the year. This is putting a lot of pressure on parents and, combined with time pressures, is causing parents to worry.
Play helps children enjoy life more and can also be used as a way to teach them other skills. Occupational therapists work with children and families, either individually or in groups, to support them to do the things they want and need to do, and offer practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Barriers to play
According to the poll, more than half (51%) of parents with a child aged 12 or under aren’t able to find the time to play with their child every day, and 1 in 100 (1%) admit they never play with their child. On average, parents are only playing with their child on five out of seven days. And three in five (60%) parents who play with their child on a weekly basis would like to spend more time playing with their child.
The top three things preventing parents from playing with their child are:
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housework/chores (53%)
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not having spare time to play (29%)
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worries about finances and the cost-of-living crisis (19%).
However, 1 in 25 parents (4%) say they’re prevented from playing because of their child’s physical or mental health or disability. Research shows that play is essential for all children's health, wellbeing and development, and that children who are usually considered less able to play, and their parents or carers, can hugely benefit from occupational therapy.
Cost-of-living
The cost-of-living crisis is a big factor, with almost half (48%) of those who play with their child saying it has affected their ability to play with their child. This is because parents:
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can't afford trips/excursions (48%)
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feel stressed because of the cost-of-living crisis (45%)
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are unable to afford new toys or things to play with (33%).
Dr Sally Payne, our Professional Adviser for children, young people, and families, says:
‘We all want to spend more time playing with our children, but it can be challenging – especially finding enough time or money to play. When there isn’t time, focus on quality instead of quantity. Even a few minutes a day can help your child’s development, and there are plenty of things you can do that don’t cost a thing: jumping in puddles, building a den, or playing with a ball together outside.
‘Play is a fundamental right for children and young people. It helps children feel not only happy and fulfilled, but also part of a community. It helps them grow and develop whilst learning about themselves and the world around them. It develops a huge range of skills that they'll continue using throughout their lives, including taking turns, working together, creativity, problem-solving, and using imagination.
‘Playing is also important for its own sake – every child should be able to play in a way that is fun for them. Play looks different for every child, but is of equal importance to every child, no matter their situation or abilities. As occupational therapists, we help children with developmental difficulties and disabilities to be able to play, so that all children can achieve their right to play.’
Occupational therapy-led play advice
We have new, free occupational therapy-led advice to help parents make the most of their time playing with their children over the summer break – and beyond – that will support their development. It includes:
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Being playful, laughing and getting lost in the moment are important for children’s health and wellbeing, helping them manage the stress and pressures of everyday life. Try dressing up, playing hide-and-seek, or splashing in puddles.
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Giving children a sense of control over their play will help build their confidence and self-esteem. Allow children to take the lead when playing and avoid imposing structure.
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Being outdoors helps boost children’s mood and can have a calming effect. Try drawing with chalks on the pavement or having a pretend picnic.
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Encourage children’s imagination and creativity by using household items and other objects for play – like pots, pans and blankets.
The full list of RCOT’s expert tips for play to support development are available at: rcot.co.uk/play.
Occupational therapy for children
Children’s occupational therapists work in health, social care and education settings, for example hospitals, young offenders’ institutions, and schools. The children they work with often have greater needs, such as neurodivergence, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health problems. They work with children, young people and their families to provide personalised, practical solutions for a better quality of life.
Parents who feel their child could benefit from occupational therapy should speak to their GP, childcare/education provider or have a look at our website for help finding an occupational therapist.
Vernice Dale, a mother whose eight-year-old son, Joshua, has benefitted from occupational therapy at children’s therapy charity, Growing Hope, says:
‘In my case play and occupational therapy came hand in hand. Play allowed Joshua to express himself in different ways and to learn different ways to cope with his emotions at the same time. There was one game that he played where he laid on a scooter board and picked up different emotion pictures, putting them in categories of fast, just right and slow. This helped me learn a different technique to help Joshua. This engine game was fantastic, and it helped him to respond well. Overall, the play side of therapy helps me understand Joshua and his emotions.’
Dr Naomi Graham, a children’s occupational therapist and Founder and CEO of Growing Hope, says:
‘Play is an essential part of everyday life for all children – play in and of itself has significant positive impacts on children’s wellbeing and development. At Growing Hope, we see children with a range of additional needs. Children in our clinics, and in my doctorate research, have told us how important play is to them. Play for children with cerebral palsy who use a wheelchair full-time is often overlooked, and yet, in my research children told me in detail about their play experiences which to an outsider might not look like play. I videoed one child sitting in her wheelchair with a toy pushchair in front of her, occasionally talking. In her interview she gave me a detailed account of how she took her baby out and about and what that looked like. Without her perspective we may not have recognised this as a play experience. I want to ensure that every child’s right to play from their own perspective is realised.’
Twelve-year-old Indy has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and has a residential placement at The Children's Trust School. Her mum, Sasha, says:
'Thanks to the play-focussed therapy at The Children's Trust, Indy can be more independent. She can do things we'd never have imagined - moving around by herself, engaging in creative play and loving social activities.'
Ella MacDonald, Occupational Therapist at The Children's Trust, adds:
'Indy has weekly sessions using the drive deck - a powered mobility platform controlled by Indy using two switches, one for moving and one for direction, which she presses with her head. Indy uses this to participate in play activities, including races with her peers, hide-and-seek games, or choosing musical instruments.
'Indy is currently learning to scan and select using two switches in error-free play-based activities. Indy recently participated in a dance competition, where she had 'next person' and 'dance' voices on her two switches to scan and select people to dance.'