By Sheryll Shaikh
It’s still the Easter break for many of our children and while we look forward to spending quality time with them, the school holidays can also be one of the most stressful times for families. How do we approach childcare when we are juggling work, chores and a host of other things when the kids are at home?
“Connection before correction.”
“Laughing out loud will always beat shouting out loud.”
These are my cherished mantras, gathered over the years as both a parent and a former teacher. We all know that parenting is hard. It becomes even more challenging with financial concerns, health anxieties, and mental health challenges.
Playful parenting could be a way for parents and carers to establish a connection and manage stressful situations when interacting with children in more nurturing and playful ways.
What is playful parenting?
In the words of child psychologist Jean Piaget, “Play is the work of childhood,” and playful parenting can be the key to getting your child’s cooperation.
When we speak the language of our children’s hearts and minds (which is PLAY!), we unlock the door to a deeper understanding of their world, fostering joy, connection, and a lifetime of cherished memories.
Sarah Moore, author of Peaceful Discipline, describes playful parenting as an approach that “gets the “correction” done in a lighthearted yet still entirely effective way.” She writes that playful parenting “has a compounding effect – it grows over time, decreases conflict, and increases trust.”
So, have you tried doing a toothbrush dance? Or pretend that your nail clipper is a very hungry caterpillar eating 10 big chocolate fingers when cutting your little one’s nails? What about zipping your child’s jacket as if it’s zooming down the train tracks? Or perhaps “shooting” Lego pieces in their designated boxes like a basketball star while cleaning up toys?
These are all examples of playful parenting strategies.
How to be more playful
Here are my playful parenting ideas to foster cooperation with your child.
Bedtime challenge. If your child doesn’t want to go to bed, use the alarm clock backwards! Set the alarm clock to signal bedtime instead of getting up in the morning.
Eating challenge. If your child barely eats or refuses to eat veggies, take the meal out in the garden for a picnic or let them choose a toy or character to have lunch or dinner parties with. Or create playful faces on their plate with carrots, cucumbers, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables.
Bath time/shower challenge. Suggest to clean up their toys in the bath or shower. “Hey, your toy cars need a wash. Should we clean them in the tub?” Or try the “float or sink” experiment. “I wonder which of your toys will sink in the bath?”
Tidy-up challenge. If your child doesn’t want to tidy up their toys, put music on and play a game à la musical chairs. When the music stops, you have to freeze while cleaning up.
Home time challenge. So, your child doesn’t want to go home from the park. Then it’s time for the “race to the car” contest! “Should we fly like an aeroplane to the car? Let’s see who gets there first! Be ready with your engines, let’s race!” The race to the car rarely fails me.
Embrace the moment
Maybe you have this in mind: I want to be a peaceful and playful parent, but it doesn’t come easily or naturally to me. It’s hard to do this on some days but I find it helpful to embrace the moment. Set aside dedicated time to play and be present to your child. Forget about distractions such as work, chores, mobile phones, and immerse yourself in the magic of the moment with your child.
And yes, laugh, laugh and laugh some more! Let loose, laugh out loud, and relish the pure joy of being playful with your child. This will create a positive and loving atmosphere against stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
What other playful parenting ideas have you applied in your household? I would love to learn from you! Feel free to chat with me on Facebook or email me at learnerdrivenadventures@gmail.com.
About the author
Sher is a former teacher turned social media and travel consultant. She is also a home educator and an aspiring entrepreneur. She collaborates with innovative visionaries and child advocates to support her passion and mission to make a positive impact in children’s environments. Visit her website and get some useful travel ideas.
