Learning Through Play – A monthly parenting & early childhood development column
By Kelly McDonald & Paula Kelly
May 2026
Big Feelings Belong in Play, Too
Play doesn’t always go smoothly.
Games end unexpectedly.
Towers fall.
Turns feel unfair.
From our work with children, we know that moments of frustration during play are not setbacks — they’re opportunities for growth.
Play provides a natural space for children to practice managing emotions, navigating challenges, and recovering when things feel hard. These skills develop through experience, not instruction.
When children experience big feelings during play with a supportive adult nearby, they’re learning that emotions are manageable. They’re building the ability to pause, reset, and try again.
Your role doesn’t have to be fixing or solving. Calm presence goes a long way.
Why This Matters
Emotional regulation is a skill that develops over time. When children practice managing feelings in everyday play, they build resilience, coping strategies, and confidence — skills that support learning, relationships, and overall well-being.
Play Tip: Try This
When emotions rise during play, try narrating instead of fixing. Simple phrases like, “That was really frustrating,” help children feel understood and supported as they work through the moment.
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About the Authors
Kelly McDonald and Paula Kelly are the founders and owners of FUNdamentals, an educational play center located in East Providence, RI. Kelly is an occupational therapist, and Paula is a special educator, each with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. As professionals and mothers, they are passionate about creating engaging, relationship-driven experiences that help children build confidence, skills, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Do you have a topic you would like to see Kelly & Paula cover? If so, let us know by emailing Info@EastProvHospitality.com with “Learning Through Play” in the subject line.
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