How Parents Can Play with Kids

Forgotten how to play? You’re not alone! Check out these top tips on how to rediscover the joy that comes with play – it can benefit both you and your little one!

We know the feeling – life doesn’t seem to stand still; especially when you have kids! With work, household duties and everything between, we find ourselves getting stuck in ‘serious mode’ all too often. If only we could be our carefree, childhood selves again... Sigh.

Well, guess what? We can! Being a parent is a great opportunity to rediscover play, and in turn master playful parenting.

Playing together not only helps kids develop fundamental IQ and EQ skills in their early years, but it benefits adults, too – mentally, physically, socially and creatively! What’s not to like?!

Just in the way that we (try to) make time for exercise, or healthy eating, we should also make time for more play in our lives. We know what you’re thinking; it’s not that easy... Well, that’s where we come in! We’re here to prove that you can re-learn the art of play, and that its benefits are well worth making time for!

Set time aside for play

Playful parenting starts with you! Schedule in some time for yourself to really get a feel for play again. Whether that’s once a week or once a month, take an hour or two to do something that genuinely fills you with joy and fulfillment.

It could be a video game, dancing or painting a picture. Perhaps a quick round of charades or a game night with friends? Make play a regular part of your routine and it’ll become second nature in no time.

Feel the beat

Music is something both you and your little one can enjoy together. Singing along to your favorite songs in the car or playing music around the house is an uplifting form of play. Not only is music a great release for adults, it also trains sensory motor skills in kids, not to mention improving their language, memory and listening skills!

Play well together

Kids are masters of living in the moment and joining them there can help you rediscover the joy of play. Playing well together benefits your child’s emotional development by building social skills!

Top tip: it’s no secret that phones can be distracting. Try putting yours in another room during playtime to help avoid multitasking when possible.

Express yourself!

Parents can use playtime as a creative outlet to bring their own fun ideas to life. Obstacle courses, treasure hunts, fun games or new ideas – whatever it is, playtime is a great way for parents AND children to express themselves and get creative.

You can use things around the house or incorporate toys or snacks (now that’s the kind of motivation we can get on board with...). Be inventive and unlock your playful self – we know it’s screaming to get out!

Top tip: use LEGO® DUPLO® bricks to build bowling pins! Grab some foil, scrunch it up into a ball and play... STRIKE!

Follow their lead

Sometimes inspiration is closer than you think. Kids are amazing at reminding us how to play. If they’re playing on their own, let them take the lead and see if you can join in naturally. Look out for opportunities where you can get involved, ask questions or encourage some friendly competition.

Don’t worry if things get messy – little ones can learn valuable cognitive skills by creating mess using their hands (we promise it’s worth the clean-up!).

Top tip: take turns building with LEGO DUPLO bricks, or ask them to pass you certain brick types or colors. Try and mimic how they’re playing!

Stimulate the senses!

Feed your nostalgia! Re-learn the art of play by doing things that you enjoyed as a child and introducing some of those at playtime.

Dress up in costumes, build forts, play on the swings, or introduce them to toys you used to love. It’ll help stimulate your senses, inspire playtime ideas and take you on a relatable trip down memory lane!

Be at one with the bricks

Did you know we have a range of LEGO sets made specifically for adults? Building with LEGO bricks helps to promote mindfulness in adults and brings more playful experiences into our lives. Clicking together one brick at a time is a therapeutic experience, and you’ll feel more confident going into playtime as a result. Why not check out one of the best LEGO sets for adults? Combining interests with your little one’s can be a natural way to instigate play that you’ll both enjoy!

Get outdoors!

Nature is good for the soul. Take play outside with activities like garden games or building a sandcastle on the beach. Getting fresh air and enjoying the outdoors with your family can help you find a fresh perspective on play and get those endorphins in. It’s a win-win.

Ready to start playing? Have a go at some of the above ideas and see how play transforms your family’s every day! The truth is, we never had to stop playing, we might just need a little help remembering how.

And don’t forget – we’re the heroes in our kids’ eyes and you can take that nice little fact into playtime with confidence. Play is our superpower!