Talia Filippelli is the founder of Star Therapy, Genius of Play expert, and a certified holistic health coach, advocating for emotional well-being through play. Anna Yudina, a child development specialist and Senior Director of Marketing Initiatives at the Toy Association, emphasizes the cognitive benefits of unstructured play. In our digitally-driven world, parents often find themselves grappling with the challenges of managing their children's screen time while trying to nurture their emotional well-being. In this episode of The Dad Edge podcast, Larry Hagner engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Talia Filippelli, founder of Star Therapy, and Anna Yudina, a senior director at the Toy Association. The discussion centers around the transformative power of play and its profound impact on parent-child relationships and children's emotional well-being. The episode highlights the alarming trend of children becoming dependent on screens, which stifles their imagination and creativity. Excessive screen use restricts their ability to engage in unstructured play–a vital component of their development. The guests underscore the importance of allowing children ample time for imagination-fueled play, enabling them to explore their world, think creatively, and develop problem-solving skills. Research shows that fathers' involvement in physical play with their children plays a pivotal role in emotional regulation skills development and future relationship building. By engaging in activities that promote physical exertion and emotional bonding, fathers provide a safe space for children to express their emotions, develop self-control, and navigate relationships effectively. As parents, it is crucial that we harness the power of play to strengthen our connection with our children and support their emotional well-being. Through play, we create lifelong memories and lay the foundation for their future success. www.thedadedge.com/friday111 Website: www.thegeniusofplay.org Facebook: The Genius of Play Instagram: @geniusofplay YouTube: The Genius of Play Twitter: @TheToyAssoc Starr Therapy FB: @starrpsych Talia Filippelli LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/talia-filippelli-62446020 Instagram: @Taliastarr_therapy