In this enlightening episode of the Child Psych Podcast, co-host Tammy Schamuhn sits down with the pioneering voice in play science—Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of the groundbreaking book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.

Together, they explore why play is not a luxury but a biological necessity for children and adults alike. Dr. Brown shares compelling research and surprising insights on how play is essential for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, creativity, empathy, and resilience. He also discusses the dangers of a play-deprived childhood and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to foster playful experiences in a structured, screen-saturated world.

Whether you’re a parent, mental health professional, or educator, this episode will leave you rethinking the true value of play—and how we can reclaim it in our homes, schools, and communities.

To purchase Dr. Brown's book please visit https://a.co/d/dAI9xij

To learn more about his work go to:

Website: https://nifplay.org/

Instagram: @playinstitute

LinkedIn: @thenationalinstituteforplay

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