Caregiver–Child Play and Children’s Relationship Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Our systematic review is guided by the following research questions: How is caregiver-child play associated with children’s relationship skills and relational outcomes, and which types and characteristics of play are most supportive of positive relationship development among children (4-12)? This review synthesizes empirical, peer-reviewed studies to examine how caregiver-child interactions during play relate to outcomes such as attachment, social skills, peer relationships, and behavioral adjustment, with attention to variations in play type, caregiver behaviors, and developmental stages.