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Why You Need Broken Toys In Your Playroom

5/29/2024

1 Comment

 
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What happens in your playroom when toys break?
 
If you are a play therapist this happens from anywhere to on the regular to at least 1-2x per year depending on the ages and populations you see. Some toys get stepped on, some wear out, others are lost to rough and tumble play. It happens. 
 
So what next?

A lot of therapists might take these toys straight to the trash (with a quick "thank you for your service") BUT what if I told you that having some broken toys in the playroom is essential?
 
Let me clarify - not a graveyard of broken toys or a 50/50 mix.  I’m talking a couple of broken toys scattered throughout your collection. 
 
So why is this important? Well…some clients feel broken. They feel like they aren’t whole, part of them can’t be fixed, or they are damaged in some way.  
 
And for these clients? Well we talk about the importance of culture and having multiple miniatures that clients can see themselves in (more on that HERE) BUT it is also equally important for clients who see themselves as damaged or broken that there are miniatures that represent that in your playroom.  
 
At the end of the day it brings home the message that all of them are welcome in your playroom - even the parts of them that feel broken.  And this? Well… it can be deeply healing. 
 
P.S. This lovely pig is still a part of my miniature collection even though he accidentally got stepped on and now is a three legged friend instead of a four legged friend. 

Do you have broken toys in your playroom?  Drop a comment below! 

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1 Comment
Amber
6/5/2024 07:16:43 am

Thank you for pointing out the importance of broken toys. I know other therapists that are quick to throw them out but I have a few action figures missing arms or legs and kids will inevitably ask what happened. Then, I ask them to tell me what they think happened. If they truly cannot, I give them a couple of things other kids have proposed have happened but remind them that even broken, that toy plays just as well as the others.

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    Hi, there!

    I'm Ann Meehan, an LPCC,
    ​RPT-S
    ™, and EMDR Consultant. I help therapists that work with kids and teens go from a place of stress and survival to inspired and thriving.  I give child therapists the resources, tools, and skills they need to be effective and confident in their practice!

    I am organization obsessed, coffee loving, playful therapist who is showing up for life in the north woods of Minnesota. 

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  • Home
  • Blog
    • The Playful Therapist Blog
  • Courses
    • Online Courses and Training
    • Speaking
    • Local Trainings
  • Supervision
    • Supervision | Consultation
  • Resources
    • Downloads
    • About Play Therapy
    • Continued Growth and Learning
    • Recommended Readings
    • Online Sources for CE
    • Professional Groups