Big Feelings Belong in Play, Too Play doesn’t always go smoothly. Games end unexpectedly. Towers fall. Turns feel unfair. From our work with children, we know that moments of frustration during play are not setbacks — they’re opportunities for growth. Play provides a natural space for children to practice managing emotions, navigating challenges, and recovering when things feel hard. These skills develop through experience, not instruction. When children experience big feelin

Messy Play Is Doing Important Work Messy play can feel like a lot. Paint on hands. Sand in shoes. Water on the floor. From an adult perspective, it’s easy to focus on the cleanup. From a child’s perspective, messy play is rich with information. Hands-on play allows children to explore textures, pressure, movement, and cause-and-effect. These experiences help children learn how to use their bodies with purpose and confidence. Over the years, we’ve seen how sensory-rich play he