More Than Just a Spud: Why Mr. Potato Head Is a Therapy Favorite
- cynthiahugh7
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
If you’ve been around little ones for even a minute, you’ve probably come across Mr. Potato Head — the silly spud with removable eyes, ears, hats, and feet. He may look like just a goofy toy, but in the world of child development, Mr. Potato Head is a superstar.
At Vida Kids Therapy, we love using toys that are fun, familiar, and full of opportunities to support development. And Mr. Potato Head checks all the boxes — from language building to motor planning to sensory play.
Here’s why this classic toy is still one of our favorites, and how it supports development from speech, occupational, and physical therapy perspectives.
Building Language, One Potato Part at a Time 🗣️
For our speech-language pathologists, Mr. Potato Head is basically a full therapy session in a box. It offers endless ways to support early language development:
Labeling body parts ("Where’s the nose? Let’s put it on!")
Expanding vocabulary with colors, sizes, and silly accessories
Following directions ("Put the shoes under the body!")
Requesting and turn-taking to build social communication
Supporting Gestalt Language Processors through natural, repetitive scripts
These kinds of play-based language opportunities are a huge part of what we do in our Pediatric Speech Therapy sessions, especially with toddlers and early communicators.
Want to go even deeper? This article from Speech Blubs offers some great ways to support speech during Potato Head play.
OT Approved: Hands-On Learning for Little Bodies ✋🎨
From an occupational therapy perspective, Mr. Potato Head offers the kind of hands-on, sensory-rich play that kids need to build independence and coordination:
Fine motor practice through pushing in and pulling out the parts
Hand strength & grip development — try those tiny glasses and you’ll see!
Bilateral coordination (using both hands together)
Sensory input from different textures, shapes, and even a little resistance when inserting parts
Pretend play, which builds cognitive and emotional flexibility
Toys like this are the perfect complement to our Pediatric Occupational Therapy approach, where play is the pathway to self-help skills, sensory regulation, and confidence.
Small Movements, Big Benefits for PT 💪🧸
Believe it or not, Mr. Potato Head can even be a useful tool in physical therapy — especially for little ones working on core strength, posture, and gross motor coordination:
Playing on the floor supports core activation and balance
Reaching for pieces encourages weight shifting, trunk rotation, and crossing midline
Placing parts while kneeling, standing, or squatting promotes strength and stability
Integrating fine and gross motor skills builds the foundation for everyday movement tasks
Our Pediatric PT team often uses floor-based activities like this to support motor development in a playful, low-pressure way.
Why It Matters ❤️
Mr. Potato Head may look like just another toy on the shelf, but it’s full of real developmental value — especially when used with intention. It’s a reminder that learning doesn’t need to look like work, and that some of the best skill-building happens when your child is just… playing.
At Vida Kids Therapy, we believe in play with purpose. That’s why we’re always finding ways to turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth.
Ready to Play?
Looking for more ideas on how to use Mr. Potato Head to support your child’s development at home? Check out our Toy of the Month blog series for therapist-approved ways to make play meaningful — including specific prompts, age tips, and variations for every skill level.
Final Thoughts 🥔➡️💪
Next time you see Mr. Potato Head in your toy bin (or at the bottom of a drawer), pull him out and give him a second look. With a little creativity — and maybe a few silly hats — you’ll be amazed at how much your little one is learning through play.
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