046 How Play Builds Language: The Secret Link Every Parent Should Know

Join us for the 2026 Family Preset from the 12-16th January. Jump on the waitlist here!

Did you know your toddler’s everyday play is secretly building the foundations for language and communication?

If you’ve ever worried about whether your child is talking “enough,” or wondered how you can best support their speech and confidence, this episode will give you the reassurance and practical strategies you’ve been searching for.

As parents, we often look for ways to help our children learn—but the truth is, the most powerful tool is already happening right in your lounge, at the park, or even in the Tupperware drawer: play.

In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I talk with Paige from Talk First Words and we explore the fascinating connection between play and language development, and why the games and activities your child chooses aren’t random at all. They’re essential building blocks for how your child will talk, think, and connect with others.

You’ll discover:

• Why play is the foundation of language and how it shapes your child’s brain for communication.
• How everyday games like peekaboo, hiding under blankets, or pretending to feed Teddy link directly to early speech and vocabulary growth.
• The different stages of play; from simple social games to imaginative storytelling, and how each stage supports communication in a unique way.
• The role of play schemas (like enveloping, trajectory, and positioning) in giving your child the words and concepts they need to describe their world.

Play is so much more than entertainment. It’s your child’s first language. By understanding the link between play and speech, you’ll feel empowered to support your child without pressure or overwhelm.

When you join in your child’s play, even for a few minutes a day, you’re not just building their vocabulary. You’re building connection, confidence, and the emotional security that helps them thrive.

And perhaps most importantly, you’ll gain reassurance: if your child isn’t yet talking as much as you expect, the play they’re doing now is laying all the groundwork they need for future communication.

Because every giggle, every game of peekaboo, and every block tower isn’t “just play”—it’s your child’s brain and language growing in action.

Send us a text

Join us for the 2026 Family Preset from the 12-16th January 2026. Jump on the waitlist here!

If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.

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I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.

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