Finding Play in the Everyday: Simple Ways to Connect with Your Child

I’m sure if you are reading along you understand the importance of play for children, and that playing with your little one is wonderful for their imagination, growth, and development, and also a great way for you to get some insight into how your kids experience the world and how they may be feeling. 

So, it’s great to play with your kids, but what about the times when YOU don’t feel like playing their favourite game or when there is something that is more pressing—the dishes, laundry, dinner, bedtime…the list is endless.
How can you fit some playtime into your busy day and find the playful motivation to dive in?

Little one joining in folding the laundry

Take the Pressure Off

First up, take the pressure off! Even a short one on one time can set your child up for some independent play. Set a time limit, and let them know you will be folding the laundry when the timer goes off… so when the timer goes, get excited about the laundry and fold next to your child to help the transition, they might choose to keep playing or join you in folding.

Keep It Simple

Play doesn’t need to be complicated or messy. No need to get out the arts and crafts supplies unless you feel like it. Play can be whatever your child enjoys: a cardboard box, pots and pans, or digging in the sandpit. It can also be weaved into everyday tasks by being a bit silly! If you’re cooking dinner, let your child ‘help’ by pretending to run a restaurant. Their job? Taking your order, setting the table, and sampling the restaurant food and giving a review, babies are very good at this with their facial expressions when trying new foods… 

Write a Go-To Playlist

Write a list of the play activities you enjoy. This way, when you’re not feeling motivated—perhaps after a sleepless night or a long day—you can go to your list and pick something easy. Here are some ideas:

• A game of memory or snap

• Sitting outside and watching the clouds, in fact going outside might be just what you need

• Play “Doctors” and let your child diagnose you

• If you’d like to have a cup of tea, perhaps put the kettle on and invite your little one to gather some toys for a tea party

• Blocks or magnetic tiles are a nice way to connect while sitting together

Play as Self-Care

Sometimes, play benefits parents too. Impromptu dance parties at my house, for example, do more for my mood than any cup of coffee. There’s something about twirling to music that makes all the worries fade away—at least for a little while.

Empower Independent Play

Shared play can also pave the way for independent play. Sometimes, all it takes is starting a game with them and then stepping back. Before you know it, they’re fully immersed and don’t even notice you’ve moved on to another task.

Portable Play Zone

Do you have a little one who likes to be close by, all the time! Try bringing the toys with you. Magnets on the front of the fridge, put a basket of toys in the laundry and see if they capture interest while you fold the laundry or prepare dinner.

Magnetic tiles on the fridge

Have a go at making your own ‘playlist’ and put it on the fridge. A visual reminder will help you incorporate playful moments throughout your day. One day, our kids will sadly stop asking us to play. Until then, I remind myself to say yes when I can—and to let go of the guilt when I can’t. Remember, it’s the little moments of connection that matter most.