Dr. Maggie Parker, department chair and associate professor of counseling and human development, was highlighted by her alma mater in the University of Richmond Magazine's article, "How to help children heal and grow through playtime." Dr. Parker earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond.
In the article, Dr. Parker shared a few tips for designing and participating in good play with children, including:
- Remember that play is a child’s mode of communication.
- Make play spaces predictable, organized, and simple.
- Use reflective responses.
- Don’t set a limit until a limit is needed.
In her closing advice for fellow counselors and parents/adults alike, she said,“It’s important to give our skills away. The more we can shift our perspectives as adults to recognize the beauty of children and their innate capacities, the better.”
Learn what she means by all of this in more detail by reading the full article.