This story is part of “Parenting: What Google Won’t Tell You” — The Better India’s people-led parenting series that goes beyond conventional advice to document how real families are actually raising their children. Through real parents, parenting coaches, influencers and experts, the series brings honest, diverse and relatable perspectives on the questions, choices, challenges and solutions that shape everyday parenting — the things Google can’t always answer. 

For parents of teenagers, starting a conversation about feelings, school or friendships can sometimes feel like an interrogation. The more questions they ask, the less their child may want to share. But what if connecting with a teenager did not always require a serious conversation?

Komal Baxi, an RCI-certified psychologist from Gujarat with over 15 years of experience, believes that one of the simplest ways to build an emotional connection with children is through play.

In a video shared on Instagram (@psychologist_komalbaxi), Baxi, who focuses on mental health prevention, parenting, emotional wellbeing and relationships through The Prevention Project, explains why making time to play with children can help parents understand them better, even as they grow older.

Why play can open up........

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