GymbaROO-KindyROO, one of Australia’s leading early childhood development programs, is encouraging a shift in how families are supported to engage in play, as new research highlights a growing gap between understanding its importance and being able to do it consistently.
New research from the UK, conducted by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with KPMG UK (2025), surveyed 3,000 parents of children aged 0–5 and found a sustained decline in everyday activities that support early literacy development. Just 51.6% of parents play with their child daily (down 32.8% since 2019), while only 45.9% read daily (down 30.6%).
In Australia, similar challenges are emerging. The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll (2023) found that while 94% of parents recognise the importance of play, 86% struggle to find time and 1 in 3 don’t always know how to engage their child.
“These findings don’t reflect a lack of care. They highlight a need for greater support,” said Stephanie Lord-Darby, GymbaROO-KindyROO’s Education Operations Coordinator.
With rising cost-of-living pressures, longer working hours, and busy schedules, many young children are already spending full days in care or early learning settings. By the time families reconnect, energy and time are often in short supply.
While early learning environments offer valuable opportunities for play, what happens at home is equally important. Small moments – a shared story, a song, or a few minutes of connection – help children feel safe, seen and secure, while supporting emotional wellbeing and early language development.
GymbaROO-KindyROO says the focus now needs to shift from awareness to enablement.
“Parents shouldn’t feel like they have to navigate this alone,” Lord-Darby said. “Play was never meant to be a solo responsibility. It’s something that can be supported, learned, and shared.”
Established in 1982, GymbaROO-KindyROO has supported families for more than 40 years, helping babies and children up to age eight build strong connections between body and brain through purposeful, engaging movement and play.
Through its parent-child classes, GymbaROO-KindyROO provides structured, supportive environments where families can experience play together. Guided by GymbaROO-KindyROO trained early childhood teachers, parents learn practical, age-appropriate ways to engage their children through movement, music and sensory activities that can build confidence they can carry into the home.
The organisation also supports families beyond the classroom, providing access to music, resources and guidance that make it easier to continue play-based learning at home.
“As a community – educators, health professionals, workplaces and families – we all have a role in making play easier, more accessible and more joyful,” Lord-Darby said.