How parents are supporting children’s learning and development with play
Five-year-old Joseph sits cross-legged on a woven mat in a classroom in Uganda, carefully stacking colourful cups into a tall tower. As he experiments with different sizes and colours, a woman beside him encourages his efforts. Rather than telling him what to do, she observes his actions, praises his problem-solving, and celebrates his persistence.
When the final cup clicks into place, Joseph looks up proudly. The woman smiles and applauds his hard work.
The woman is Amari, a Parent Educator with Right To Play’s Play to Grow program. Joseph’s mother watches closely as Amari demonstrates responsive parenting techniques that help children build confidence, social-emotional skills, and early literacy and numeracy through play.
Currently being piloted in refugee and urban communities in Uganda and Tanzania, Play to Grow supports parents and caregivers of children aged three to six. The program equips families with practical strategies to support their children's development at home, particularly in communities where access to early childhood education is limited. In Uganda, where relatively few young children attend formal pre-primary education, parents play a critical role in preparing children for school and lifelong learning.
Engaged Parents Set Children Up for Success
Adults play a vital role in children's early learning and development. Research shows that close, supportive relationships with caregivers help children develop social-emotional skills, positive behaviours, and readiness for school. Through everyday interactions, parents shape how children learn, communicate, and understand the world around them.
“Through play, parents have an opportunity to learn more about their children and their hobbies. This helps parents to get closer to their children.”
— Joel Karagwe, Primary School Teacher and Parent Educator, Play to Grow
Recognizing the importance of parents, Right To Play designed Play to Grow to strengthen both children's development and parent-child relationships.
Local Leaders Helping Parents Thrive
A key strength of Play to Grow is its network of trained Parent Educators like Amari. More than 200 teachers, health workers, and other trusted community members have been trained to deliver the program in Uganda and Tanzania.
Over six months, Parent Educators lead bi-weekly sessions focused on essential parenting skills that support children’s social-emotional development and early literacy and numeracy. They also facilitate Parent Support Groups where caregivers can discuss challenges, share experiences, and learn from one another in safe, non-judgmental environments. Monthly home visits provide additional coaching and encouragement.
To reinforce these lessons, the program includes weekly radio broadcasts covering topics such as managing conflict, learning through play, and building self-esteem. Radio programming helps reach families who may not have access to television or the internet.
Drawing on research in child development, play-based learning, and parent-child attachment, Play to Grow helps families strengthen relationships through positive interactions. Parents learn to follow their child’s lead during play, recognize effort, and use encouraging language.
Amari demonstrated these techniques while interacting with Joseph. Instead of directing his play, she observed his actions, acknowledged his thinking, and celebrated his persistence. These simple approaches help children feel valued, confident, and supported.
“What we have learned will improve our community and enhance the relationship between children and their parents.”
Positive Changes for Families
Parents who adopt these strategies learn how to incorporate learning into everyday activities while improving communication and behaviour at home. By responding calmly to a child’s frustration instead of reacting with anger, parents help children develop emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
Parents’ behaviours have already begun to change as a result of learning these strategies. In Tanzania, parents who answered yes to the statement, “I have to use strong words or yell at my child to get them to behave,” has gone from 45% (Tanzania) at the start of the program, to 0%. A critical impact, as harsh discipline and corporal punishment are prevalent in Play to Grow communities.
Calmer, more playful households are also less stressful households—which can be especially important for families in humanitarian settings. In Uganda, where Play to Grow is supporting refugee population in Adjumani and Isingiro, program resources have been translated into multiple languages to reach as many families as possible, regardless of where they come from.
Parents Supporting Each Other
Play to Grow supports not only children’s wellbeing but also the wellbeing of parents and caregivers. Through Parent Support Groups, participants are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, manage stress, and practice self-care.
During one group session on family safety, Amari leads parents through a short mindfulness exercise, inviting them to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect on their emotions. She encourages them to treat themselves with the same patience and compassion they are learning to offer their children.
By strengthening parenting skills, building supportive communities, and promoting learning through play, Play to Grow is helping families create stronger relationships and brighter futures for their children. Supported by The LEGO Foundation, the program demonstrates how simple, playful interactions can positively shape a child’s development while empowering parents to become confident partners in their children’s growth.
The Play to Grow pilot is being implemented with the support of:
