Play therapy can be a powerful experience for children, providing them with a space to process emotions, try out new ways of interacting, and work through challenges. As a parent, it’s natural to want to check in after a session and see how it went. However, knowing how to greet your child can make a big difference in supporting their process and helping them feel safe. Here are some strategies to guide you in connecting with your child after play therapy:

 1. Start with a Warm, Neutral Greeting

Rather than diving into questions about the session, begin with a simple, warm greeting like, “I’m so glad to see you!” or “I’ve been thinking about you while you were in there.” This lets your child know you’re happy to see them without putting pressure on them to share details about what happened in therapy.

 2. Avoid Asking Too Many Questions

It can be tempting to ask, “What did you do today?” or “Did you have fun?” But play therapy isn’t always fun—it’s work for your child, even if it looks like play. Asking direct questions can put them on the spot and make them feel like they have to perform or explain their experience. Instead, allow them to decide if they want to share anything with you.

 3. Reflect Their Emotions Instead of Probing

If your child seems excited, sad, or withdrawn, you might acknowledge what you notice in a gentle way: “You look like you have a lot on your mind,” or “I can tell you’re feeling a bit tired after your session.” Reflecting their emotions without judgment shows empathy and helps your child feel seen and understood.

 4. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Play therapy can bring up big feelings, even if your child doesn’t talk about it directly. Offering a comforting gesture, like holding their hand or giving a hug (if they’re open to it), can help them feel safe. You might say, “It’s okay if you have some big feelings after therapy. I’m here if you need me.”

 5. Emphasize That It’s Their Time

Children need to know that play therapy is their special space. You can gently remind them, “Your time in therapy is just for you. It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it right now.” This reinforces their autonomy and helps them feel in control of their experience.

 6. Create Space for Silence

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is say nothing at all. Give your child some time and space after their session to decompress. You might notice that they start sharing details with you on their own, once they’ve had time to process. Silence can be a powerful way to show that you respect their process.

 7. Shift the Focus to Reconnecting

Instead of making the therapy session the main topic, focus on reconnecting in a low-pressure way. You could say, “What do you want to do together now?” or “Let’s grab a snack and hang out for a bit.” Doing an activity together—whether it’s a walk, a favorite game, or a quiet car ride—helps your child transition from the intensity of the session and feel safe and grounded.

 8. Use Playful Communication

For younger children, meeting them at their level and using playful, non-verbal communication can be effective. If they don’t seem ready to talk, you could engage them with a silly face, a gentle tickle, or a favorite game. Play is a language for children, and using it can help them feel connected and understood without needing words.

 9. Notice and Celebrate Small Changes

You may not see immediate, drastic changes after a play therapy session, but you might notice small shifts in your child’s behavior or mood. Acknowledge these in a positive way: “I noticed you seemed really calm when we got home today,” or “You handled that big feeling so well!” This helps reinforce their progress and boosts their confidence.

 10. Trust the Process

It’s important to remember that play therapy is a gradual journey. While it’s natural to want to know what’s happening in the sessions, trust that your child is working on what they need to at their own pace. Your role is to provide a safe, supportive environment outside of therapy, where they know they can share if they want to, but they won’t be pressured to do so.

 11. Check In with the Therapist (When Needed)

If you have concerns about your child’s response after a session or notice something out of the ordinary, it’s okay to check in with the therapist. They may be able to provide some context or offer guidance on how best to support your child. However, keep in mind that the specifics of what your child is working on in therapy are confidential, and part of the healing process is allowing your child to decide what they want to share.

 12. Practice Patience and Self-Compassion

It can be hard not to know exactly what’s happening in your child’s therapy, and it’s normal to feel unsure about how to respond. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn as you go. Your child doesn’t need you to be perfect—they just need your love, presence, and willingness to support them on their journey.

In summary, how you greet your child after a play therapy session can help set the tone for their emotional regulation and healing. By focusing on connection rather than details, giving them space to process, and providing a safe, non-judgmental environment, you’re supporting their therapeutic work in powerful ways. Trust your instincts and remember: your presence and care are the greatest gifts you can offer.