L-Għaliex Explores Why Play Is Essential To Raising Thriving Children
What if play was the secret ingredient to raising confident, emotionally intelligent kids?
In tonight’s episode of L-Għaliex, host and therapist Matthew Bartolo sits down with two experts who have dedicated their careers to children’s wellbeing: Daniel Mercieca, a psychotherapist and play therapist with over 20 years of experience, and Lelio Spiteri, Head of The Happy School, a local institution that puts happiness and holistic development at the heart of its mission.
Together, they explore the essential role of play in helping children learn, grow, and thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. From emotional regulation to building healthy social connections, play is presented not as a luxury, but as a vital tool in raising the next generation.
“Play is how children make sense of the world,” says Mercieca, who shares insights from his therapeutic work with children and young people. “It’s a universal language that allows them to learn, process emotions, and build social skills.”
Spiteri highlights how schools can make space for play without sacrificing academic rigour.
The episode also looks at modern parenting struggles, from the impact of screen time to the pressure to over-schedule children with endless extracurriculars.
Mercieca recalls the story of a young girl whose weekly timetable left no space for free play, a reality many families will relate to.
Bartolo helps ground the conversation in science, highlighting that the brain learns most effectively in a state of joy and safety.
“Fear might help us memorise, but real learning happens when children are relaxed and engaged.”
Expect practical advice, thought-provoking moments, and plenty of inspiration as the trio discusses what it really takes to create nurturing environments for children in today’s world, whether at home, in school, or in society at large.
Tune in tonight at 8pm on Facebook for a conversation every parent, teacher, and carer needs to hear.
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