The Power of Blocks: Why Free Play Builds More Than Just Towers

As a mom and someone who’s spent years leading teams that pushed boundaries and broke the mould, I’ve learned this: the most powerful growth often happens in the quiet, unstructured moments. And when it comes to kids, especially toddlers, free play is one of the richest places for that growth to unfold.

What is free play—and why does it matter?

Free play is child-led, open-ended play with no specific outcome in mind. No adult “how-to,” no test at the end, no set rules—just your child, their imagination, and the freedom to explore.

Why is it important? Because children process the world through play. It’s where they practice problem-solving, take emotional risks, try out different roles, and stretch their creativity—all at their own pace. In a world full of schedules and screens, free play gives kids space to be.

As per education and child development experts Syeda Sazia Zaman and Ferdousi Khanom from the BRAC Institute of Educational Development mention in their interview with UNICEF, “it’s good for children to play alone or independently because they can be more creative when they are playing by themselves”. (https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/what-is-free-play)

In fact, in Montessori method of education, free play is considered a vital part of learning where children develop independence, creativity, and social skills.

Enter the humble building block.

Wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, plastic bricks—we’ve got baskets of them at home. And I’ve seen firsthand how these simple shapes do heavy lifting when it comes to development.

Here’s why I believe building blocks are essential to child development:

• Problem-solving in real time: When a tower topples or the bridge doesn’t quite span the gap, kids instinctively reassess. What worked? What didn’t? They try again—with fresh strategy. That’s critical thinking in action.
• Imagination ignition: Today it’s a castle. Tomorrow, a spaceship. Blocks aren’t themed or finished—they invite storytelling, invention, and collaboration. I’ve watched my kids build entire worlds, complete with backstories and plot twists, all from a pile of squares.
• Emotional self-regulation: Blocks fall. Frustration rises. But over time, our children learn persistence. They breathe, rebuild, and keep going. That’s resilience growing in real time—and it’s beautiful to witness.

And here's the best part: you don’t need to hover. Just make the space, offer the materials, and let them lead. Tt supports both emotional development and gives you a breather too. A parenting win-win.

Not just blocks: Other brilliant free play ideas

Building blocks are amazing, but they’re far from the only way to foster deep play. Here are a few other favorites in our home:

• Loose parts play: Offer buttons, sticks, fabric scraps, bottle caps. Watch what happens.
• Pretend play baskets: Old scarves, hats, stuffed animals—instant storytelling fuel.
• Simple art supplies: Crayons, blank paper, play dough—nothing fancy needed.
• Nature play: Stones, leaves, dirt, water. No instructions required.

The key is to keep it open-ended, unhurried, and child-driven.

When we step back and let free play lead, we’re not doing less—we’re doing exactly what’s needed. We’re giving our children a chance to experiment, fail, rebuild, and discover who they are—on their own terms.

So next time your child disappears into a pile of blocks or turns a cardboard box into a spaceship, smile. They’re not “just playing.” They’re building the skills that matter most.

And you, mama, made that space happen.

Reference: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/what-is-free-play, by Mandy Rich, Digital Content Writer, UNICEF