014 Play Schemas & The Love Language of Physical Touch | Understanding Your Child’s Needs
02/26/25 • 22 min
🎁 WIN A FREE BOOK!
Love The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman? I’m giving away a FREE copy to one lucky listener!
✅ How to enter: Join my mailing list before March 31, 2025, at 👉 playschemas.com
Did you know that something as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a game of tag could be the key to your child feeling deeply loved and secure? In this episode, we’re exploring Physical Touch as a love language—how it shapes your child’s emotional development, why some kids crave it more than others, and how you can easily incorporate it into everyday moments of play.
For many parents, physical touch comes naturally in the early years—rocking, holding, carrying—but as children grow, affectionate touch often fades into the background. And if your love language isn’t physical touch, you might find yourself wondering: “Am I giving my child what they need to feel truly loved?”
💡 Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a “cuddly” parent to make this love language work. Physical touch isn’t just about hugs—it can be playful, fun, and part of your daily routines!
Let’s start by addresing something important: body safety and consent. In a world where we’re constantly teaching our kids about personal space and “safe touch,” how do we also make sure they’re getting enough loving, appropriate, and secure physical connection? That’s why I’ve partnered with Victoria Barendsen from The Safe Kids Project, a registered psychologist specialising in childhood trauma and body safety. If you want to feel empowered in teaching your child about safe boundaries, check out her ‘Foundations of Body Safety’ course—and get a special discount just for listeners at https://thesafekidsproject.com/ and use the code playschemas10 at checkout for a 10% discount.
🎧 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why Physical Touch Matters – The emotional and developmental benefits of affectionate touch
✔️ How Play Naturally Encourages Physical Connection – Simple ways to build touch into your child’s day
✔️ Age-Appropriate Ways to Use Physical Touch – From toddlers to tweens, what works best?
✔️ Respecting Boundaries – Teaching consent without withdrawing affection
✔️ Easy, Everyday Play Ideas for Connection – No extra effort required!
🤹♀️ Using Play to Connect Through Touch
Physical touch doesn’t have to feel forced—it’s naturally woven into so many types of play! In this episode, I share:
🎯 Rough-and-Tumble Games – Chase, tag, tickling, piggyback rides
🎨 Sensory Play – Messy play with dough, mud, and textures
🎵 Rhythmic Clapping & Hand Games – Fun ways to include gentle touch
🎠 Swinging & Spinning – Playful movement that strengthens connection
💡 Building Together – Snuggle in a fort, sit closely while crafting, or create hand-linked towers
👉 Want a FREE Play Schema Guide? Grab yours at playschemas.com/free!
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @play_schemas for daily parenting tips!
💬 Join the conversation: What’s your child’s favourite physical play activity? Comment below or DM me!
Becaus
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!
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.
Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
🎁 WIN A FREE BOOK!
Love The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman? I’m giving away a FREE copy to one lucky listener!
✅ How to enter: Join my mailing list before March 31, 2025, at 👉 playschemas.com
Did you know that something as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a game of tag could be the key to your child feeling deeply loved and secure? In this episode, we’re exploring Physical Touch as a love language—how it shapes your child’s emotional development, why some kids crave it more than others, and how you can easily incorporate it into everyday moments of play.
For many parents, physical touch comes naturally in the early years—rocking, holding, carrying—but as children grow, affectionate touch often fades into the background. And if your love language isn’t physical touch, you might find yourself wondering: “Am I giving my child what they need to feel truly loved?”
💡 Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a “cuddly” parent to make this love language work. Physical touch isn’t just about hugs—it can be playful, fun, and part of your daily routines!
Let’s start by addresing something important: body safety and consent. In a world where we’re constantly teaching our kids about personal space and “safe touch,” how do we also make sure they’re getting enough loving, appropriate, and secure physical connection? That’s why I’ve partnered with Victoria Barendsen from The Safe Kids Project, a registered psychologist specialising in childhood trauma and body safety. If you want to feel empowered in teaching your child about safe boundaries, check out her ‘Foundations of Body Safety’ course—and get a special discount just for listeners at https://thesafekidsproject.com/ and use the code playschemas10 at checkout for a 10% discount.
🎧 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why Physical Touch Matters – The emotional and developmental benefits of affectionate touch
✔️ How Play Naturally Encourages Physical Connection – Simple ways to build touch into your child’s day
✔️ Age-Appropriate Ways to Use Physical Touch – From toddlers to tweens, what works best?
✔️ Respecting Boundaries – Teaching consent without withdrawing affection
✔️ Easy, Everyday Play Ideas for Connection – No extra effort required!
🤹♀️ Using Play to Connect Through Touch
Physical touch doesn’t have to feel forced—it’s naturally woven into so many types of play! In this episode, I share:
🎯 Rough-and-Tumble Games – Chase, tag, tickling, piggyback rides
🎨 Sensory Play – Messy play with dough, mud, and textures
🎵 Rhythmic Clapping & Hand Games – Fun ways to include gentle touch
🎠 Swinging & Spinning – Playful movement that strengthens connection
💡 Building Together – Snuggle in a fort, sit closely while crafting, or create hand-linked towers
👉 Want a FREE Play Schema Guide? Grab yours at playschemas.com/free!
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @play_schemas for daily parenting tips!
💬 Join the conversation: What’s your child’s favourite physical play activity? Comment below or DM me!
Becaus
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!
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.
Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
Previous Episode
013 Play Schemas and Love Languages - a Match Made in Heaven
LOVE to a Child is Spelt TIME: Understanding the 5 Love Languages of Children
💡 Want a chance to win ‘The 5 Love Languages of Children’ book?
Join my mailing list at playschemas.com—you’ll be in the draw to win, no matter where in the world you are!
💛 Do you ever wonder if your child truly feels loved? You tell them “I love you” a hundred times a day, but sometimes, their behaviour suggests they need more. The secret? Kids don’t just hear love—they experience it. And every child has their own way of receiving love.
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive into Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages of Children and how you can use play to meet your child’s emotional needs in a way that makes sense to them. Whether your little one thrives on cuddles, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, or small acts of kindness, understanding how they receive love can transform your relationship and strengthen their emotional security.
🎙️ Inside This Episode, You’ll Discover:
✅ The 5 Love Languages of Children—and why toddlers need all of them!
✅ Why love is the foundation of all child development (without it, nothing else sticks!)
✅ How your child’s play behaviour gives clues about their emotional needs
✅ Why kids’ love languages change—especially before age 5
✅ How big life changes (like a new sibling) can shift how they seek connection
✅ Practical ways to show love through play—based on your child’s play schema
✨ A Full Emotional Tank = A Happy, Secure Child
Children don’t always have the words to say, "I need love right now." Instead, they show us through clinging, meltdowns, defiance, or attention-seeking behaviour. In this episode, we unpack how to spot the signs of an empty emotional tank—and how to fill it up again in a way that truly resonates with your child.
🚀 What’s Coming Next?
This episode is just the beginning! Over the next few weeks, we’ll deep dive into each love language and explore how you can nurture it through play.
💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
🔗 Read the blog & show notes: playschemas.com/013
📲 Follow on Instagram: @play_schemas
💬 Join the Facebook community: facebook.com/playschemas
💖 If this episode resonated with you, please:
👍 Follow & rate the podcast to help others find it!
💬 Share your thoughts—what’s your child’s favourite way to receive love?
Because at the end of the day, love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we show. ❤️
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!
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.
Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
Next Episode
015 Why Your Words Matter: Affirmation in Play
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of child play through the lens of play schemas and the powerful impact of words of affirmation. Understanding why children engage in particular play patterns allows us to connect with them on a deeper level and support their growth more effectively. These schemas are not simply repetitive behaviors; they serve as gateways to developing essential skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness.
We discuss how to frame our communication to not only encourage our children but also help them understand the value of their efforts. Words hold tremendous power; hence, using affirmations thoughtfully can have a lasting impact on their self-esteem and overall development. Through concrete examples, we explore how to apply praise thoughtfully, nurturing your child’s sense of self regardless of the situation.
As we navigate the complexities of parenting, we recognize the importance of our energy and positivity in our interactions. Listening to your child’s play and responding with affirmation is key to fostering a supportive learning environment. This conversation focuses on practical, actionable insights for parents to implement at home, enhancing connections with your children while encouraging their unique paths to learning and exploration.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
✔️ The 10 Play Schemas – How children explore the world through play
✔️ Why Play Schemas Matter – Reduce frustration and support learning
✔️ Words That Empower – Practical scripts to affirm and encourage your child
✔️ The Hidden Power of Praise – How to uplift without over-praising
✔️ Avoiding Common Pitfalls – The impact of sarcasm, tone, and empty praise
Join us for a warm, engaging discussion that encourages deeper understanding and nurturing connections in your parenting journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us reach even more families!
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!
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.
Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
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