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Why is play important for building emotional closeness with my child?

Parenting Perspective

Children express their feelings, test limits, and explore relationships through play. You may enter your child’s emotional world on their terms when you genuinely engage with their play. This tells your child, ‘You are important, and I care about what you care about.’ Children might feel emotionally ‘seen’ through role-playing, creative games, or physical play like wrestling or chasing. During play, touch, laughter, and eye contact all increase oxytocin and other bonding hormones. Crucially, play is not only enjoyable but also therapeutic since it aids in the processing of feelings that kids are still unable to articulate verbally.

Spiritual Insight

Islam promotes play as well as compassion and kindness toward children. The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ engaged with children playfully and tenderly. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2319, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: ‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young.’ In another narration, he would let his grandchildren ride on his back during Sujood. This light-hearted, loving connection did not weaken his dignity but rather exemplified it. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anbiyaa (21), Verse 107: ‘And We (Allah Almighty) did not send you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), except as a mercy for the whole of the trans-universal existence.’ Playfulness is a component of mercy; it involves genuinely and joyfully meeting your child at their level.

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