parenting: making the most out of playtime

Parents and other child caregivers have so many demands on their time and energy. In the service of not adding to those demands. I am hoping to provide an easy guide for making the most out of what you are already doing: playing with your child! The big idea here is quality over quantity - spending just 5-10 minutes a day playing with your child in the ways described below (also called child-led play) will benefit your and your child’s relationship and support your child’s healthy development.

When is a good time for child-led play?

I like the approach of easing in to a time when your child is already playing/doing something they enjoy. It doesn’t have to be a specific kind of activity - they might be playing with blocks, play dough, or coloring. Just sit quietly next to them for a little while and then make comments here and there (in line with the PRIDE skills described below).

Of course another good option is to initiate playtime with your child, “Would you like to play together?” If so, follow your child’s lead on what they would like to play with. If you can only play for a short period of time, let the child know from the beginning, “I am going to play with you for a little while and then I need to go work/cook dinner/take a shower/etc.” And then give the child a 1 or 2 minute warning when you are starting to transition out of playtime.

Have FUN :)