International Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Play Therapy: An Approach to Manage Childhood Problems
Abstract
“Birds Fly, fishes swim and children play” Landreth (1991:25) Childhood is the most pleasurable period of one’s lifetime. During this period children undergo various changes in areas such as physical, psychosocial, cognitive and moral development. Child learns to adapt to these changes in various ways. Adaptation from fantasy to real world imposes a lot of emotional ups and downs, which if left unattended, may turn in to emotional/ behavioural problems. Play is a medium by which child expresses his/her worries and tries to address their problems. Art, puppets and dolls, drama, songs, music are all common element of the wonderful world of play and imagination for a child. It’s appropriate and therapeutic use can help all professionals dealing with children, to understand children well and help them to cope with and heal their internal trauma, manage their externalizing problems. Current concept article on play therapy throws a flash light on play therapy as a therapeutic approach to manage childhood problems. Keywords: Play therapy, psychosocial difficulties, optimal growth and developmentReferences (12)
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