This week the world has been witness to a horrible natural disaster in the country of Haiti. An earthquake with an epicenter in the heart of the capital city devastated the tiny island country, with the death toll estimated to be as high as 200,000. Like many of you, as I have seen the graphic images and heard the heart-breaking stories, I have felt an urgent need to help in some way.*

It is especially painful for me to think of the children there. How confused they must be! How lost. How very, very frightened. Many have seen their homes, their schools, the places that are familiar destroyed. Some have witnessed family, friends, and teachers die. All have lost a sense of security, peace, and a portion of their childhood innocence.

Five years ago I was chosen to join an international delegation of play therapists to bring help and healing to the children of Sri Lanka following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami that wiped out over 35,000 in that country alone, and around 200,000 worldwide. We arrived just over one month following the tsunami; it was a delicate time of balance between grief, anguish, and shock on one side and precarious hope and rebuilding teetering on the other. Some powerful lessons were reinforced for me on that journey.

1. All children need to play. Even in, or especially in, times of crisis and uncertainty, children need the emotional and relational release of play.

2. Play is the universal communication tool of children. We could not speak the language of the children, but with bubbles, stickers, balls, and puppets, we were able to share examples of hope and “hear” from the children their stories of pain and healing.

3. Play is simple. Kids do not need fancy game systems or store bought toys to have fun. With the children, we built entire villages with sticks, rocks, bricks, and whatever else could be found in the debris.

My heart and my prayers go out for the people of Haiti. If I can get over there to play with some children, I will. Please consider how you can help.

* Text “Haiti” to 90999 to give $10 to the Red Cross for those who need help in Haiti ($10 will be added to your cell phone bill). So easy!

Posted in Mental Health, Play Therapy