Introduction: Play Isn’t Just for Kids
We all know that kids love to play. Whether it’s make-believe tea parties or backyard soccer, play seems like a natural part of growing up. But what if I told you that play is not just a childhood pastime—it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for rewiring the brain, reducing stress, and enhancing focus?
In a recent episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman—a Stanford neurobiologist—dives deep into “The Power of Play,” explaining how both children and adults can use play as a biological mechanism to develop focus, creativity, and even leadership skills. For parents, this is more than a curiosity—it's a roadmap.
Why Play Matters More Than You Think
Dr. Huberman emphasizes that play isn’t a luxury—it’s a biological necessity.
- Play is homeostatically regulated. Just like hunger or sleep, the urge to play builds up and demands expression.
- Play rewires the brain. It activates brain regions associated with planning, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
- Play isn't optional. Children deprived of play are at higher risk for attention disorders like ADHD.
Real-world Impact for Parents
As parents, this means that encouraging playtime isn't just about giving our children a break—it's supporting their neurological development. And when we join in, we benefit too.
The Science Behind Play: What Happens in the Brain?
| Brain Region | Role in Play | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Prefrontal Cortex | Engages in prediction, planning | Enhances creativity and flexibility |
| Periaqueductal Gray (PAG) | Releases natural opioids | Makes play enjoyable and reduces stress |
| Parafacial Nucleus | Controls physiological sighs | Aids relaxation, improves focus |
| Visual + Respiratory Systems | Interlinked through attention | Explains why reading on smartphones reduces learning retention |
Takeaway: Play reduces stress hormones, increases neuroplasticity, and creates a safe, low-stakes environment to test new identities and strategies—both socially and cognitively.
Childhood Play vs. Adult Play: It’s Not the Same
Children play to learn social rules, test boundaries, and expand emotional intelligence. Adults benefit from play differently—primarily through its ability to reopen plasticity , or the brain’s capacity to change.
“Play is the most powerful portal to plasticity.” — Andrew Huberman
This means that when adults engage in low-stakes, exploratory activities (like learning an instrument, dance, or even chess), they not only relax, but also keep their minds younger and more adaptable.
The Toddler’s Creed: Understanding Your Child’s Play Identity
Huberman shares “The Toddler’s Creed,” a poem by developmental psychologist Burton White that hilariously but accurately captures a toddler’s self-centered worldview:
"If I want it, it’s mine. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. If we’re building something together, all the pieces are mine..."
This isn’t selfishness—it’s development. Children learn empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation not through lectures, but through play-based trial and error .
Reflective Exercise for Parents:
Ask yourself: What was your own play identity as a child? Competitive? Cooperative? Leader? Follower? Now observe your child—what’s their dominant style? How can you support them in expanding their play personality?
The Digital Age Dilemma: Why Screen Time Isn’t the Same as Play
Huberman discusses a recent study showing that reading on smartphones suppresses physiological sighs (deep breath patterns critical for oxygenation and focus). This leads to increased stress and impaired learning.
Tip for Parents:
- Encourage print books over screens when it comes to learning.
- When screen time is unavoidable, teach kids to pause for deep breaths every 5–10 minutes.
Actionable Advice for Parents
✅ Do This:
- Schedule unstructured playtime for your kids every day.
- Model playfulness —be silly, dance in the kitchen, or learn something new alongside them.
- Switch roles during play (let them be the parent, teacher, or boss).
- Use play to teach emotional regulation , not just rules.
❌ Avoid This:
- Over-scheduling activities without downtime.
- Using screens as the primary form of entertainment.
- Pushing competitive play before children are ready.
One Hour a Week That Can Change Everything
Dr. Huberman recommends just one hour of pure, open-ended play per week—for adults. Imagine what it could do for your kids if it became a daily ritual.
“Play is not about winning. It’s about testing, learning, and growing—with joy.” — Andrew Huberman
Whether it's hide-and-seek, a silly dance party, or creating a cardboard city together, give your family permission to play. Not for productivity, not for outcomes—but for becoming fully human.