The Heart of PLAY Parenting

The PLAY Approach is simple — yet deeply transformative:

• Presence helps us regulate ourselves before responding.

• Listen helps us understand the message behind the behaviour.

• Acknowledge helps our children feel seen, which opens the door to cooperation.

When we parent from connection instead of control, children don’t just comply — they trust. And that trust is the foundation of emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy.

Because when children feel safe enough to say “NO,” they also learn that their voice matters — and that’s the very skill they’ll need as adults to set healthy boundaries, speak up, and stay true to themselves.

So next time your child says “NO,” pause. Take a breath and remember — they’re not rejecting you. They’re learning how to become them. 🌱