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Care and Play Assignment
Erliany Ponce-Villeda
Liberty University
PSYC221: Psychology of Childhood
Professor Amy Conner
September 8th, 2025
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Care and Play Assignment
Play and care are two fundamental aspects of early childhood development that produce
the direction toddlers grow cognitively, emotionally, and socially. In the “Toddlers as the one-
caring: Co-authoring play narratives and identities of care” by Cooper and Quiñones (2022), the
researchers look into how toddlers participate in the creation of caring relationships through play.
The emphasis of this work does not lean towards toddlers as just passive caretakers but portrays
them as engaged in their play behaviors through empathy, cooperation, and moral understanding.
This encourages a wider understanding of what counts as development during the toddler years,
meaning that play becomes more than a tool of learning; it is a moral relationship.
The findings revealed that toddlers are practicing complex social skills during pretend
play such as caring for dolls, comforting peers, or pretending to be nurturing in their actions.
They considered toddlers to be “co-authoring” their own stories of care with others while play is
occurring, and serves to increase toddlers' identities and sense of belonging (Cooper & Quiñones,
2022). This action allows them to be aware of points of view other than one’s own and play with
social roles and dynamics in a safe, imaginative space. In engaging in play interactions, children
build empathy and awareness of the feelings of others, developmental cornerstones in socio-
emotional development.
I learned from this study that care is a reciprocal act between adults and children, rather
than a one-way street. Given the opportunity within play to express care for others, toddlers can
demonstrate profound awareness of others' needs and emotions. Challenging normative ideas of
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caregiving, this demonstrates the necessity of recognizing toddlers' agency or moral capacities.
In stressing the importance of children following their own interests and freely experimenting in
play without an adult prompting or perspective, it supports the value of creativity and emotional
intelligence.
This study serves as a reminder for parents that playtime is developmentally, and
relationally important, beyond just entertainment. Parents should play with their children in ways
that promote empathy, imagination, and emotional expression. As Kelley and Frank (2024),
noted, play allows children to practice internalizing social and moral values all the same time
being flexible cognitively and developing resiliency. By providing responsive care, which is
where parents are emotionally attuned to their children's emotional cues, a secure base is
provided for toddlers and young children to explore and learn.
From a perspective of faith, the Scriptural perspective endorses the importance of
nurturing relationships and the innocence of play. Jesus, in his teachings, highlights the value of
children by saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such
belongs the kingdom of heaven" (English Standard Version, 2001, Matthew 19:14). This verse
serves as a physical representation that reminds believers that children represent purity, trust, and
joy- and these characteristics are often exhibited when children play. As Christians, we are called
to care for one another, emulating Christlike care in our relationships. In this way, both care and
play illustrate God's design for connection, exploration, and compassion in the family and
community setting.
Cooper and Quiñones (2022) provide a deep exploration of how toddlers are active
agents in forming caring relationships through play. This understanding of play and care as
developmental partners can help parents and caregivers offer support for the child's holistic
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development. Through intentional care and quality play, we are growing beyond cognitive and
social skills to selfhood in which an impactful part of being human is defined by what it means to
love and be loved.
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References
Cooper, M., & Quiñones, G. (2020). Toddlers as the one-caring: co-authoring play narratives and
identities of care. Early Child Development and Care, 192(6), 964–979.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2020.1826465
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Kelley, M. B., & Frank, N. (2024). Applied cognitive psychology: A Christian and ethically
integrated approach. Kendall Hunt Publishing.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9798385129829
