Jesse Ilhardt: How play helps a kid's brain grow

How play helps a kid's brain grow

A little bit of playtime can have big benefits for a child's developing brain, like a superfood -- but adult participation is a crucial ingredient for best results. Early-education leader Jesse Ilhardt makes the case for you to put down the phone, pick up the make-believe tea cup (or that blanket-superhero cape) and take the time to experiment with imagination during kids' most formative learning years.

Meaningful play between children and adults sparks powerful brain growth, outshining rote memorization or expensive educational toys. Back-and-forth exchanges during play, like building a block tower together, strengthen the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is key for problem-solving and managing emotions. Yet despite clear evidence, cultural pressures for rapid achievement drive parents and teachers toward quick wins instead of investing in playful learning. Even small moments of shared, imaginative play—using simple objects at bath time—create lasting neural connections that shape a child’s entire future.