Carers and kaimahi across the motu have been taking part in a workshop exploring the value of play in addressing resistance. We were privileged to host Adrienne from Heartsync at our Tāmaki office last week for her workshop, Using Play to Address Resistance.

This is the second of three workshops developed in collaboration with Key Assets. The first focused on Using Play to Address Anxiety, while the third will explore Using Play to Address Aggression.

Throughout the day, we learned that play is essential for healthy development and emotional wellbeing, and that it can help us better understand and respond to resistance.

It was an engaging and interactive workshop. We explored the roots of attachment, what healthy attachment looks like, and attachment in te ao Māori.

We also looked at counterwill, which can arise when people feel pushed around and can be a healthy part of development. Discussions examined how counterwill challenges relate to connection and separation.

Other topics included resistance and the triggers of emotional defence, as well as different parenting approaches. There was also time to reflect on the kind of mātua whāngai we are.

And of course, there was play. Activities included Duck Duck Goose, Simon Says, the Opposites Game, Scum, and colouring both inside and outside the lines, giving us the chance to experience first-hand the power of play in building connection and learning.

Ngā mihi to Adrienne and to everyone who joined us. It was a great day of learning together.