Why children need joy

Podcast
Ben Kingston-Hughes Why children need joy
Ben Kingston-Hughes Why children need joy

Publication date

29 January 2024
Listen to the full podcast episode

Author

Ben Kingston-Hughes talks about giving children the chance to be children through experiencing more moments of joy in their lives. Ben gives us insight into the work he does with vulnerable children and the knowledge he has from neuroscience as he explains the power of play, humour, laughter and imagination.

Take me straight to the podcast

Watch Now

Introduction

Ben Kingston-Hughes talks about giving children the chance to be children through experiencing more moments of joy in their lives. Ben gives us insight into the work he does with vulnerable children and the knowledge he has from neuroscience as he explains the power of play, humour, laughter and imagination.

Episode break down:

00:00 – Why children need joy

01:40 – The English curriculum – EYFS – doesn’t mention the word ‘joy’

03:12 – A real example of joy changing lives

05:30 – The catastrophic effects on children who don’t experience joy

06:20 – Humour and laughter helps to embed learning

09:20 – Immersive narratives: What does this mean?

12:50 – Supporting children’s confidence through imagination

14:38 – What’s the difference between creativity and imagination

21:24 – The pleasure of writing books

22:30 – The healing power of imagination

25:44 – Why adult’s should initiate play, particularly for vulnerable children

27:54 – Creating an environment which makes children feel secure and comfortable

30:52 – Have you forgotten to tell your face to smile? – Consciously checking your body language

About the author

  • Ben Kingston-Hughes Why children need joy
    Author & Managing Director Inspired Children

    Ben Kingston-Hughes is an international keynote speaker, author and multi award-winning trainer. He works with vulnerable children across the UK and has appeared on television working on a variety of children’s projects. His distinctive blend of humour, neuroscience and real-life experiences have made his training invaluable for anyone working with children.

    View all posts

Watch the full podcast episode

Subscribe to our podcast

Spotify Podcast Audible Youtube

You might also be interested in...

Samantha Dholakia The Behaviour Balance System™ Should we punish and reward children’s behaviour?
There is no ‘bad’ behaviour. Behaviour is only useful or not useful…Setting children up for success starts with understanding behaviour as communication. A balanced, trauma-informed approach prioritises emotional literacy, connection, and self-regulation through teaching and modelling, not rewards or punishments.
Read More
Building persistence in early years: Why children should learn through hands-on methods Tessa Dodson
Hands-on learning gives children opportunities to explore, experiment and work through challenges using real materials and practical activities. From tinkering and block play to open-ended exploration, these experiences encourage children to test ideas, learn from mistakes and try again. With supportive guidance, repeated opportunities to work through difficulties can help children develop persistence.
Read More
Understanding Gen Alpha learners in your early years classroom Tessa Dodson
Generation Alpha children in today's classrooms differ fundamentally from previous generations. Born entirely in the 21st century, this cohort has experienced unprecedented technological immersion from infancy. Understanding how their developmental environment influences preferences can help educators create more effective classroom experiences. These experiences balance digital fluency with essential human connection.
Read More
The Brain that Loves to Laugh Dr Jacqueline Harding Dr Jawad Shah
Laughter is often treated as a pleasant extra, or even a distraction from learning. Drawing on their work across psychology, education, health and community contexts, Dr Jacqueline Harding and Dr Jawad Shah explore how shared laughter can support connection, curiosity, hope and resilience, while making space for children’s full emotional lives. What becomes possible when joy is taken seriously?
Read More
Supporting children struggling with peer interaction in community spaces: From parks to libraries Tessa Dodson
Social skills for children, such as sharing, active listening and resolving conflicts, flourish in diverse social settings. When children engage with peers beyond their daily routine in community spaces or public settings, they develop emotional intelligence and independence. Parents can further support these skills by offering gentle guidance and creating low-pressure opportunities for interaction.
Read More
Will you notice me? What children learn from how we respond to their distress Dr. Or Dagan
What if children’s distress is not just a problem to solve, but a signal of their need to be seen? This article and podcast episode explore how children’s expectations about availability and effectiveness of support from close others develop through repeated interactions with multiple caregivers. Using a psychological lens - in particular looking at attachment theory - we explore how educators and parents/carers can shape these expectations of care through their everyday responses to children’s distress.
Read More

Follow us and share your voice

Instagram X-twitter Linkedin Facebook
The Voice of Early Childhood Conference 2027 Early Years Conference
Popular
East Midlands Conference Centre, Beeston Ln, Nottingham, NG7 2RJ