Play with Purpose: How Quality Time with Your Child Boosts Learning and Development

Finding time to connect with your child can feel like a luxury, but it’s one of the most impactful investments you can make. For parents and caregivers, dedicating even a few minutes each day to play, talk, and explore together can lay a strong foundation for your child’s growth and development. At Edx Education, we believe in the transformative power of play, advocating for learning experiences that bring families closer while supporting essential skills. Through our toys, downloadable resources, and the Play, Learn & Create podcast, we aim to empower caregivers to make playtime a meaningful, daily ritual.

The Power of Intentional Play

Play is so much more than just an activity—it’s a child’s natural way of exploring the world, testing boundaries, and building understanding. When you actively engage with your child during play, you amplify the educational value of the experience. Every conversation, question, or observation you share helps to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

For instance, when your child plays with Edx Education’s 3D Stacking Puzzle, they’re not just stacking blocks. They’re learning about balance, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. You can take this experience a step further by asking questions like, “What happens if we add another block?” or “How tall do you think we can make it?” Simple questions can encourage them to think critically and observe outcomes, nurturing early STEM skills that will benefit them in school and beyond.

Talk and Play: A Key to Lifelong Learning

One of the most valuable aspects of play is that it opens up natural opportunities for communication. Conversations during play are fantastic for building language skills and expanding vocabulary. Activities like the Linking Cubes set make for great interactive sessions where you can introduce colours, shapes, and counting. Try encouraging your child to build patterns with the cubes or create simple shapes. As they work, ask them to explain what they’re building and why. This not only reinforces what they’re learning but also fosters confidence in self-expression and idea-sharing.

Moreover, linking cubes provide a tactile experience that engages children on a sensory level. Talking through each step they take builds their cognitive understanding while strengthening their social skills, as they learn to communicate ideas, listen to feedback, and develop patience.

Why Time Matters: Building a Daily Routine

Finding small moments throughout the day to play together can make a world of difference. A few dedicated minutes each day can accumulate into a habit that grows with your child. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, consistency matters more than duration. By integrating play into your daily schedule—whether before dinner or as a wind-down activity in the evening—you’re creating an environment where learning feels like a natural part of life.

For children, routines create a sense of security and predictability. Knowing that you’ll have that playtime together everyday reassures them, strengthens your bond, and gives them something to look forward to. With options like the Marble Run, you can create a variety of setups together, encouraging creative thinking, coordination, and sequencing skills as they race their marbles through twists and turns. Plus, it’s an activity that will keep them engaged while allowing you to join in on the excitement!

More Than Toys: The Role of Resources and Support

Beyond toys, Edx Education also offers downloadable resources that you can use to guide your play sessions. From activity sheets to printable games, these resources provide ideas and instructions that make it easier to introduce new learning opportunities and challenges to your child. Our Play, Learn & Create podcast is another valuable tool, offering expert insights into different aspects of child development and practical tips for integrating play-based learning at home. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from the benefits of open-ended toys to encouraging resilience through play, making it a fantastic resource for caregivers eager to deepen their understanding and skills.

Making Play a Lifelong Adventure

Ultimately, the time you spend playing with your child is about so much more than just toys. It’s about creating memories, nurturing curiosity, and instilling a love of learning that will last a lifetime. The simple act of play can teach them to think critically, explore creatively, and communicate confidently. And as they grow, the skills they develop during these early years will become the foundation for their future successes.
With a range of engaging toys like the 3D Stacking Puzzle, Linking Cubes, and Marble Run, along with plenty of guidance from our resources and podcast, Edx Education is here to support you on this journey. Together, let’s create daily moments that inspire, educate, and bring you closer to your child.

In the end, the greatest gift you can give your child is your time and attention. Through play, you’re not only enriching their minds but also building a bond that will carry them confidently through every stage of life.

Heather Welch, Author Happy Children Play