Something magical happened in a reflective consultation group this week. We were discussing regulation strategies, and a family support specialist spontaneously started sharing how she uses playful voice changes during transitions. Soon, the whole room was experimenting with different voices, laughing together.
It reminded me that regulation doesn’t always need to be serious. Sometimes, our most effective tools are wrapped in joy.
In our professional roles, it’s easy to get caught up in the seriousness of our work. But play isn’t just for the children we serve – it’s a powerful nervous system resource for us too.
Let’s experiment with bringing more playful moments into our work:
- Try adding movement to your check-ins
- Encourage parents to join you – children love seeing their parents in joyful ways
- Share a silly moment with colleagues
- Notice how laughter shifts the energy in your space
I invite you to reflect:
- How do you feel in your body when a child’s behavior triggers you?
- What happens to your voice, your posture, your presence?
- What might the children in your care be learning about regulation from watching you?
I’d love to hear how a moment of play shifts things for you and those you serve.
