Active Play Starts With You and Why Parent Engagement Matters Most

Research shows the biggest factor in child development during play isn’t toys or square footage — it’s parent engagement.

In Episode 4 of Active Play, Every Day, Dr. Emily is joined by pediatric occupational therapist Brittni Winslow to talk about why playing with your kids matters so much for development, regulation, and connection.

They discuss how play helps children build real skills, why movement can help kids regulate after a long day, and what parents can do if playing doesn’t come naturally. You’ll also hear practical ideas for making active play easier at home, using simple prompts like “I wonder…,” and helping play stay fun without turning into chaos.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why play is the foundation of child development
• How movement supports emotional regulation and attention
• What to do if playing with your kids feels awkward or hard
• Easy ways to make play more engaging without overcomplicating it

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps the show reach more families.

This podcast is sponsored by Nex Playground, an active play gaming system that helps kids move indoors through full-body games that support learning, coordination, and joy.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.