By Dr. Kimberly Day, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCP, PMH-C, ECHM, CIMI-2, CPRCS, PCES
Introduction: Why a Pediatric OT in Lexington, KY Is Talking About Toy Story 5
As a pediatric occupational therapist in Lexington, Kentucky, I spend every day helping children learn, grow, and connect through play. That’s why Toy Story 5 resonated with me on such a personal and professional level.
While many families may leave the theater talking about their favorite characters, I left thinking about something deeper—the movie’s reminder that relationships, imagination, and play are not just entertainment, but essential building blocks of child development in an increasingly digital world.
At Sunny Day Therapy, our philosophy is simple: “Therapy Through Connection.” Toy Story 5 beautifully reflects that same truth.
Toy Story 5 Teaches Us Play Is More Than Entertainment—It’s How Children Grow
Toy Story 5 delivered a heartfelt message for both children and adults: relationships matter most.
Buzz’s reflection about toys—that they show up for children during seasons when they are needed most—captures something deeply aligned with occupational therapy. Childhood, like life, is made of seasons. Some are joyful, some are challenging, and many involve transition, stress, and growth.
Occupational therapists often serve as guides during those seasons, helping families understand that development is not linear—and that progress often comes in small, meaningful steps.
One of the most important principles in pediatric occupational therapy is this:
Play is a child’s primary occupation.
Through imaginative play, children develop:
- Executive functioning
- Emotional regulation
- Problem-solving
- Language development
- Social participation
- Creativity
- Confidence
What looks like “just playing” is actually the brain doing its most important developmental work.
At Sunny Day Therapy in Lexington, KY, I often remind families that growth happens in seasons. Whether a child is building regulation skills, working through sensory challenges, or developing confidence, change happens through consistent, supported experiences over time.
Toy Story 5 Shows Us Technology Isn’t the Enemy—It’s a Tool
One of the most interesting parts of Toy Story 5 is its nuanced view of technology. Rather than labeling it as “good” or “bad,” the film explores technology as something that can both challenge and support connection.
This reflects what many families are navigating today.
Technology—including tablets, apps, and now artificial intelligence—can support learning, creativity, and connection when used intentionally. But children still need:
- Hands-on play
- Movement
- Face-to-face interaction
- Imaginative storytelling
- Time in nature
By the end of the film, even the tech-based characters experience imagination, connection, and joy through play. That balance is the real message.
As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, the question is not whether children should use technology—but how we teach them to use it in ways that enhance rather than replace human connection. Children need hands-on, tactile play to develop strength and processing skills. Our Central Kentucky occupational therapists help clients develop routines, structures, and systems to support balanced technology use- limiting screen time when necessary and prioritizing positive, relationship-based play that enhances executive function and strength.
The Lasting Power of Relationships: Toy Story 5 Reinforces Dr. Day’s Themes of her Story Power Program
At its core, Toy Story 5 is a story about relationships—between toys, children, and generations.
Research consistently shows that strong relationships are one of the most important predictors of healthy child development. While toys spark imagination, it is relationships that shape identity, emotional security, and resilience.
The movie beautifully shows toys navigating:
- Purpose
- Aging
- Identity
- Legacy
- Change
One of the most powerful moments is Jessie’s reflection on legacy and love being passed forward across generations. It highlights something deeply human: meaning is often found not in what we have, but in what we share.
Why Toy Story 5’s Message Resonates With Me as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
As a therapist, I often talk with families about developing a growth mindset—the ability to learn, adapt, and grow through life’s challenges.
At Sunny Day Therapy, our mission is to connect families with tools, education, and support so they can confidently navigate daily life. That includes helping children build:
- Executive functioning skills
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory processing abilities
- Confidence and identity
Watching Toy Story 5, I was reminded why I created the Story Power program.
Stories help children:
- Organize thoughts
- Understand emotions
- Solve problems
- Build identity
- Develop flexibility and resilience
Whether children are pretending to be astronauts, veterinarians, superheroes, or explorers, storytelling is building the very skills occupational therapists work on every day.
As someone trained in both occupational therapy and English, I believe deeply in the power of stories—not just as entertainment, but as tools for healing, growth, and connection.
Bringing the Magic of Playing with Toys Home: “Live out Your Story”
One of the greatest gifts of Toy Story 5 is that it doesn’t end when the credits roll. It becomes a starting point for connection at home.
After watching the movie, families can ask:
- Who was your favorite character and why?
- What makes someone a good friend?
- How did the toys solve problems together?
- What would your toy say if it could talk?
- How can we use technology in helpful ways without losing play time?
Then pause the screens. Sit on the floor. Build a story. Act out a scene. Let imagination lead.
Because research consistently shows this:
Children don’t just need toys. They need connection.
And those moments of shared play are where confidence, regulation, creativity, and lifelong memories begin. Dr. Day’s Story Power Program uses specific workbooks and activities to help clients “live out their stories” with confidence and a plan to get their valued activities done. You are the author of your story and can use tools and therapy to live out your story with intention.
My Recommendation: Yes, Go See Toy Story 5
Toy Story 5 is more than a film about toys—it is a reflection on relationships, imagination, purpose, and growth across the lifespan.
It offers families an opportunity to talk about technology, artificial intelligence, friendship, identity, and what it means to grow through changing seasons.
As both a pediatric occupational therapist and a parent, I appreciated how the film balanced nostalgia with modern relevance.
Should you go see it?
Absolutely.
And if it sparks questions about your child’s development, play skills, emotional regulation, or sensory needs, those questions matter.
At Sunny Day Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky, we believe play is not “just play.”
It is how children grow into confident, connected, capable humans.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave the theater with a few laughs—and a lot to think about.
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Day is a Board Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist and owner of Sunny Day Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky. She specializes in pediatric occupational therapy, executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, feeding therapy, and maternal mental health.
She is the creator of the Story Power program, which uses storytelling, movement, and play-based interventions to help children build confidence, resilience, and meaningful connection in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Play, Technology, and Child Development
Why is imaginative play so important for child development?
Imaginative play is one of the most important drivers of early childhood development. During pretend play, children are actively building brain networks that support executive functioning, including planning, flexible thinking, working memory, and self-control.
Research from developmental psychology and pediatric organizations consistently shows that play also strengthens:
- Language development
- Emotional regulation
- Problem-solving
- Social understanding and empathy
- Creativity and cognitive flexibility
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes play as essential for healthy brain development, not optional or “extra.” It is how children learn to think, relate, and adapt to the world.
Can pretend play improve executive functioning?
Yes. Pretend play is one of the most natural ways children practice executive functioning skills in real time.
When a child creates a story—whether pretending to run a store, care for animals, or explore space—they are:
- Holding rules in mind (working memory)
- Switching roles and ideas (cognitive flexibility)
- Planning sequences of actions (organization)
- Regulating emotions during play conflicts (self-control)
These are the same skills used for school readiness, behavior regulation, and long-term academic success. Learn more about how our OT at Sunny Day Therapy (at our Hamburg office in Lexington, KY and other Central Kentucky sites) supports executive function here: Executive Function Therapy
Is technology bad for children?
Technology itself is not harmful. What matters most is how, when, and why it is used.
High-quality digital media can support:
- Learning and vocabulary development
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Social connection (e.g., video calls with family)
However, children also need significant time engaged in:
- Imaginative play
- Movement and physical activity
- Face-to-face social interaction
- Hands-on sensory experiences
Healthy development comes from balance, not elimination.
What does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend for screen time?
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to focus less on strict time limits for older children and more on quality, balance, and consistency through a Family Media Plan.
General guidance includes:
- Birth to 18 months: Avoid screen media (except video chatting)
- 18–24 months: If used, choose high-quality content and co-view with a caregiver
- Ages 2–5: About 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, co-viewed when possible
- Ages 6 and older: No strict time limit; instead prioritize:
- Sleep
- Physical activity
- School responsibilities
- Family interaction
- Offline play
The key message is not “less screen time at all costs,” but intentional, balanced media use that supports healthy development.
Can artificial intelligence (AI) support children’s development?
Yes—when used intentionally.
Artificial intelligence can support children by:
- Answering questions and expanding curiosity
- Helping generate stories or ideas
- Supporting individualized learning
- Increasing accessibility for children with disabilities
However, AI should always be viewed as a tool, not a replacement for human interaction.
Children develop best through:
- Real conversations
- Imaginative play
- Physical exploration
- Relationships with caregivers and peers
Like the themes in Toy Story 5, technology (including AI) is most beneficial when it enhances creativity and connection—not when it replaces them.
How does play help with emotional regulation?
Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn emotional regulation.
During play, children:
- Experience manageable levels of frustration and success
- Practice problem-solving in low-stakes environments
- Experiment with different emotional roles
- Learn to recover from setbacks
Over time, these repeated experiences build resilience, frustration tolerance, and self-regulation skills that carry into school, relationships, and daily life.
What if my child prefers screens over toys?
This is very common, especially in today’s digital world.
Instead of focusing on restriction alone, research-supported strategies include:
- Offering open-ended toys (no “right way” to play)
- Creating predictable screen boundaries
- Co-playing with your child
- Introducing boredom as a pathway to creativity
- Prioritizing shared family play experiences
Children often return to imaginative play when they feel emotionally connected and when play is modeled and supported by adults.
How can pediatric occupational therapy help?
Pediatric occupational therapy uses play as a primary tool to support development and daily functioning.
At Sunny Day Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky, OT may support:
- Executive functioning
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory processing
- Motor coordination
- Attention and focus
- Social participation
- Self-care skills
- Confidence and identity
Therapy is most effective when it is relationship-based, playful, and embedded in meaningful daily routines. Learn more at: Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Lexington, KY
What should parents do after watching Toy Story 5?
Toy Story 5 is a great opportunity to extend learning beyond the screen.
Try asking your child:
- Who was your favorite character and why?
- What makes someone a good friend?
- How did the toys solve problems together?
- What would your favorite toy say if it could talk?
- How can technology help us without replacing play?
Then take it a step further:
- Put on a 10–20 minute “no screen” family play time
- Act out scenes from the movie
- Create new characters together
- Let your child lead the story
Research consistently shows that shared, interactive play strengthens emotional bonding, language development, and executive functioning far more than passive media consumption alone. Learn examples of positive play here: Harvard Center for the Developing Child Play Suggestions
Learn more about Sunny Day Therapy’s educational and therapy services here: Sunny Day Therapy Services
📚 References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023–2026 updates). Media and children communication guidelines / Family Media Plan resources.
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child. (n.d.). Executive function and self-regulation skills.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Child development milestones.
- American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.). Occupational therapy’s role in play and child development.