How can I use play to help my child learn about feelings safely? 

Parenting Perspective 

Using Role-Play 

Play is one of the safest and most natural ways for children to explore big feelings without fear or shame. Through play, they can practise naming emotions, acting out scenarios, and trying new ways to respond when feelings get strong. Start with simple role-play using dolls, action figures, or soft toys. You might say, ‘This bear feels sad because his friend would not share. What could he say?’ Let your child lead the story and watch how they describe what each toy feels. This gives you a window into feelings they might not yet know how to express about themselves. 

Keeping it Light and Fun 

You can also use drawing or feelings cards during play. Ask your child to show you what ‘angry’ or ‘worried’ looks like, then talk about what might help that toy feel better. Keep the mood light and fun. Avoid correcting too much; play is meant to feel safe, not like a lesson. Praise your child for using words for emotions, even if they mix them up at first. Over time, playful practice helps them feel more confident naming their own feelings in real life. It shows them that emotions are not something to hide but are a normal part of every day. Your gentle support in play builds the trust that big feelings can be handled kindly. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours teaching with gentleness, especially with children. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often used stories and real-life examples to help people understand profound truths. Through simple play, you are giving your child a safe way to learn about their heart. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 125: 

‘Invite (people) to (follow) the (prescribed) pathways of your Sustainer with wisdom, and polite enlightened direction, and only argue with them in the politest manner….‘

This gentle wisdom applies to the home too; guiding your child with care helps them to learn without fear. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2594a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Gentleness is not in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it makes it defective.‘

Using play to talk about feelings adds this beauty to your relationship. You can make a short Dua with your child during play: ‘Ya Allah, help me understand my feelings and use good words.’ This helps them link their learning to their faith. Bit by bit, they will see that feelings are not heavy secrets but gentle parts of what Allah Almighty created inside them, to be spoken about, shared, and guided with mercy.