If you ever feel like playing with your child is one more thing to cross off your long to-do list, you’re not alone. But here’s a secret — playing with your child doesn’t demand grand gestures. Tiny, consistent shifts in your attention and energy let you bond, connect, and be silly.
Why Playtime Matters for Parents and Kids
Playtime is your child’s primary way of learning about the world. It’s essential to them because it contributes to their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being. For parents, it’s an opportunity to press pause on your responsibilities. Movement, laughter, and creativity can help you relax and strengthen family bonds. Plus, it grounds you in the present moment and helps you appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
Why It Can Be Hard for New Parents
Often, you’re running on fumes. Between work deadlines and a mountain of laundry, it’s no wonder you feel wiped out. Fatigue comes standard with a young child in the house, and playtime can start to feel less like fun and more like another energy-draining task you have to push through.
Additionally, playing with a little one can quickly become boring, and it’s OK to admit it. Children discover the world through repetition, playing the same game of peek-a-boo or talking to their stuffed animals. Meanwhile, your mind craves complexity — or, honestly, a nap.
Sometimes the real world intrudes, even if you genuinely want to spend time with your child. There’s always a chore to complete, dinner to prepare, and towels to fold. It can be challenging to immerse yourself in play when life constantly pulls you in different directions.
Despite your best intentions, feelings of guilt can creep in. You know playtime is essential, and if you’re not engaging in play as much as you think you should be, it can fuel the feeling that you’re not doing enough. Giving yourself grace and recognizing that you cannot be “on” 100% of the time can remove some of that guilt.
How to Be a Playful Parent
Making time for playtime can be challenging, but not impossible. Here’s how to weave more play into your family life.
1. Go Outside
Playing outdoors is a fun way for the whole family to immerse themselves in nature and get some exercise. More than 60% of U.S. adults don’t get enough physical activity, so playing outside with your children can do double duty. Go to a playground, join in on the swings, beat them on the slide, or have a race to a specific tree. Try new activities together — ride a bike, enjoy a nature walk, or go kayaking.
2. Try Horizontal Parenting
Sometimes, the most productive play happens when you’re relaxing. Horizontal parenting is an unconventional method in which parents play with their kids while lying down, often incorporating fun games that require minimal effort. Think about drawing a tic-tac-toe board on the back of your shirt while your kids play. It’s a life-changing strategy that lets parents with back pain or limited mobility engage with their little ones.
3. Turn Work Into Play
Do chores fill most of your “free time” when you’re not at work? Transform housework into a playtime routine with kids. Put on music and dance while cleaning. Prepare dinner as they play with their kitchen toys. Have your child pretend their stuffed animals are cleaning up, too. These activities let your kid learn new skills and make you less stressed — a win-win situation.
4. Schedule Playtime
Make playtime a priority. Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Alice Ann Holland suggests a loose schedule to manage your child’s expectations. Start with 30 minutes of play in the morning and another half-hour in the afternoon or evening. Then, tell your child you have work or need rest. When things come up, reschedule the playtime. It lets your child know you’re making time for them because they deserve your undivided attention.
Embrace the Joy of Play
Quality playtime means enjoying the moment with your child. Shared giggles and silly interactions create core memories for your kid. You’re already an amazing parent, and every step you take toward more play makes you even more incredible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mia Barnes is Editor-In-Chief at Body+Mind
RELATED ARTICLES
Cover photo by MART PRODUCTION
