Here are some ways to be a playful parent that will help strengthen your relationship with your child. Bonding and connection with simple activities.
Throughout most of this site you will see kids activities and hands-on learning opportunities galore. I often preach about my belief in allowing kids to play and express their creativity and imagination. But, sometimes we forget to practice what we preach.
Life is busy and parenting is tough, but there are ways to be a playful parent that encourage play in every day.
Take the Challenge
When was the last time you played?
I challenge you to think back to your own childhood and identify a favorite memory.
(don’t read the next sentence until you have identified that thought!)
More often than not, when we think back to our own memories, they include unstructured play and relationships.
If digging in the dirt to look for worms was a favorite memory, it was probably done with a sibling or friend or a parent. The power of play goes beyond experiential learning, it allows for a powerful social component as well, and really fosters deep bonds and relationships.
So, here are some ways to be a playful parent, that will help strengthen your relationship with your child, and, will allow you to also re-experience the power of play!
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25 {Mostly Free} Ways to be a Playful Parent
Have a dance party. Alexa and Prime Music has quickly become a favorite in our household. The words “Alexa, play “I Like to Move It” can be heard just before everyone breaks out into dance often. (Bonus, when kids are having a rough day, a dance party can brighten spirits fast!)
Tell a story at bath time. My kids love to listen to a story while they bathe. As they have gotten older, we have started to read a chapter of a book while they relax. It’s perfect for all of us!
Sit on the ground with your kids and play. This might sound like an obvious one, but taking the time to unplug or stop multi-tasking to get down on the floor for a few minutes while your child is playing is important.
Blow bubbles! Instant giggles guaranteed. (Bonus points if you’re indoors)
Talk with an accent. If I need to ask my kids to do something unwanted, like clean up to eat dinner or get ready for bed, I’ll break out a fun accent, and they almost can’t resist it. This can be a fun way to read a book too!
Color with your kids. Find a page of a coloring book and color it in together.
Have a pillow fight. Catch your older ones by surprise with this one.
Race across the yard. Get those endorphins going all around. I like to say I let my kids beat me, but as they get older, I’m not sure I could beat them if I tried…and they love it.
Have a tickle fight. Some kids love to be tickled, some kids definitely do not. This one can be fun, but we have a tickle rule that if someone says ‘stop’ the game has to be over right away.
Give butterfly kisses. Something about these feel oh so special.
Tell a knock knock joke. Here is a great list to reference to build up your repertoire.
Take silly selfies. Crossed eyes and a tongue sticking out is guaranteed to get some laughs.
Build a fort in the living room. We like to drag the dining chairs into the living room and cover them with fitted sheets for our movie-watching forts.
Play a card game. With just a regular deck of cards you can play so many simple games like Go Fish or War, as my game-loving son has gotten older, we have collected quite a few awesome card games as well, here are some of our favorites.
Run in the rain. Puddle jumping is fun, but have you tried running in the rain? Play a game of chase or tag in the back yard next time it rains!
Make an indoor marching band. Pots and pans, recyclables, sticks, etc…grab an object and make some noise.
Make animal noises. Make it a game by guessing each other’s animal sound.
Watch funny YouTube videos together. My son and I watch Dude Perfect Stereotypes together and laugh through them. My kids also enjoy Try Not to Laugh videos on YouTube, similar to America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Have a water gun/balloon fight. Bunch o Balloons have certainly become a family favorite. Water balloons are also awesome for batting and golf practice.
Bake cookies. This one not only checks the box of a fun parent, but comes with a sweet reward too 😉
Give your kids a piggyback ride. Do a little gallop while you’re at it, or crawl around on the ground like a horse.
Dig for bugs. Worms and Sow Bugs are always fun and usually pretty easy to find.
Build with Legos/blocks. Or Magnatiles!
Go on the swings at the park! Instead of just pushing, go on the swing next to your kiddos, they will almost certainly get a kick out of it, and trust me when I tell you that you will quickly remember just how fun it is.
Jump in puddles. Always jump in ALL the puddles.
Yes parenting should be serious. But it should also be really fun! Re-engaging our inner child and playing again almost needs practice.
It can be uncomfortable or awkward to get on the same level as a 3 year old and play pretend. But, instead of always asking your kids to go play, or setting them up with play prompts, try a few of these activities with them.
You will quickly remember just how fun play can be.
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