Play with Purpose

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Alexis Ralphs

Founder of 100 Toys, now at Play with Purpose. Helping your child become an independent self-starter who makes her own fun.

Return to the breath

Return to the breath

Teaching your child lifelong self-regulation through mindful breathing My son finds it hard to switch off at night. An hour after lights have gone off, I hear a voice. "Are you there, Dad? I can't sleep." "What's wrong, son?" "I'

Blow the worries away

Blow the worries away

A calming exercise for releasing tension When your child feels overwhelmed or anxious, Blow the Worries Away offers a playful way to help her calm down and let go of those feelings. By pairing slow, intentional breathing with imagination - and even bubbles - this activity turns stress relief into

The magic breath

The magic breath

Calming and empowering through mindful breathing** When your child feels overwhelmed or restless, The Magic Breath offers a simple yet powerful way to help her find calm. This playful breathing technique combines movement, imagination, and mindfulness to reduce stress and encourage emotional regulation.

The pattern interrupt

The pattern interrupt

Some of my children still have toddler tantrums, which is not cool, because they are not toddlers. Maybe your child does this too. They get in a rut and they don’t know how to break out. They have decided they’re angry and they’re going to continue to

Regression games

Regression games

Reassuring your child by revisiting early caregiving experiences We're in the kitchen and my youngest is four years old. She's bright and funny and, perhaps, the most articulate of my four children. But on this occasion, she has other things in mind. Geh-Geh! she says, eyes

Co-operative games

Co-operative games

Building trust and togetherness through shared goals Family life can often feel like a competition - who gets the last biscuit, who gets to pick the bedtime story. But cooperative games shift the focus from winning or losing to working together. These games foster a sense of connection, trust, and

Activities with body contact

Activities with body contact

Strengthening your bond through touch and physical play Babies form their earliest attachments through touch, and physical contact remains essential for emotional connection throughout childhood. Whether it’s a cuddle, a piggyback ride, or a game of pat-a-cake, activities involving body contact foster a sense of belonging and emotional security