Don’t Forget to Play: The Missing Piece in Summer Learning

Don’t Forget to Play: Why Summer Fun Is More Than Just a Break

As summer rolls in, parents everywhere scramble to schedule camps, classes, and enrichment programs to “make the most” of the long break. But in the rush to maximize every hour, something essential often gets overlooked—play.

And no, play isn’t just for little kids.

From infants grasping their toes to adults laughing through a game night, all humans are wired for play. It’s a biological need—like sleep, food, or love. Without it, our development—neurological, emotional, and social—suffers.

What Happens When We Don’t Play?

In psychology, we call it play deprivation—a state where children (or adults!) aren’t given enough time or space to play freely. Research shows that individuals deprived of healthy, age-appropriate play are more likely to struggle with problem-solving, social adaptability, and emotional regulation.

One chilling example comes from the life of a convicted mass murderer, whose developmental history showed extreme play deprivation. He lacked the basic neurological and social tools to navigate stress, relationships, and frustration. It’s a tragic, powerful reminder that play is not optional—it’s essential.

Why Play Matters—for Brains and Beyond

Neuroscience tells us that play activates and strengthens key parts of the brain:

• The cerebellum, involved in movement and coordination, lights up during physical play.

• The prefrontal cortex, which helps with decision-making and memory, is stimulated by imaginative and social play.

• Curiosity and exploration, often sparked in playful settings, are linked to better learning and emotional resilience.

Even rats—yes, rats—play. In one study, rats who were allowed to play could explore and adapt after a stressful experience. Those deprived of play? They remained frozen, fearful, and unable to cope. The more we play, the better we bounce back from adversity.

The Many Languages of Play

Play isn’t just swinging on monkey bars or building with blocks. It comes in many forms:

• Body play: movement, rough-and-tumble fun

• Object play: exploring with hands and tools

• Social play: taking turns, pretending, laughing with others

• Imaginative play: storytelling, role-play, and fantasy

From a baby giggling with a parent to teens goofing off in the pool, every playful interaction builds trust, strengthens relationships, and nurtures the brain’s capacity for connection.

A Personal Story: When Play Opened the Door

In my therapy practice, I recently worked with a teenager who came in angry, guarded, and completely unwilling to talk. Traditional talk therapy wasn’t working—he simply shut down.

But once I introduced play-based elements into our sessions—games, drawing, shared playful moments—everything changed. His walls came down. He started to open up, share his struggles with family, and slowly began to trust me. Over time, his defiance softened into curiosity, and we began building the connection he so desperately needed.

That moment reminded me again: play is more than just fun. It’s a language of healing, especially when words are too hard to find.

This Summer, Let Them Play

Of course, summer camps and classes can be great. But make sure your child also has time for unstructured, joyful, free play. Whether it’s backyard adventures, playing pretend, doodling, or simply daydreaming—these moments are not wasted time. They are the roots of creativity, confidence, and well-being.

And don’t forget yourself—adults need play too. Take time to laugh, explore, dance, or be silly. It’s not just a break; it’s healing.

About the Author

Ryan Yam, Psy.D. - Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP4497) and founder of Dual Minds Psychology. Dr. Yam specializes in ADHD treatment, executive functioning skill development, and culturally sensitive care for children and adolescents.