Supporting Our Kids Through Play
Research shows that even as little as 15 minutes of connected child-led play where we devote our full attention to our kids can make an impact in their emotional regulation and attachment to us. We hope this support and activity ideas helps give you the boost to get on the floor with them!
Strategies
Let the child lead! Rather than choosing a parent-led activity, join them in their world. Suggest and activity if they seem interested.
Show enthusiasm with a playful voice, smiles, interested questions, etc.
Don’t give up if/when their attention moves elsewhere! Just go with it.
Incorporate physical activities such as tickling (ask permission and stop as soon as they stay stop), big hugs, or picking them up.
Recognize and respond to nonverbal as well as verbal communication with curiosity and neutrality.
Narrate the play without always expecting a response from the child.
Be silly! Remember, this is “want nothing” time where you are 100% connected and placing no demands on the child.
Games/Activities
Tickling - make sure to stop as soon as they stay stop and never tickle so much that they can’t breath (laughter turns silent)
I’m Stuck - lie/sit on the floor or couch and tell your child that you are stuck. Have them try to rescue you
I’m Sleeping - “fall asleep” and have your child put you to bed/wake you up
Alternative Tag - slowly approach your child and say “I’m gonna get you!” Then reach out and tickle, pick up, capture, etc. your child in a playful way. Allow them to escape, then start over. You can expand on this by then saying they are stuck and having them try to escape. If they are too frustrated or upset, let them go.
Mirror - make silly faces back and forth, copying each other
Go/Don’t Go - have your child come in for a hug and then don’t release them telling them they can never go, they have to stay and cuddle forever. As they resist, finally let them go, but before they can fully escape, grab them back again saying “wait no you have to stay with me forever.”
Slow Monster - pretend to be a slow monster, speaking and walking super slowly as your child tries to run away and escape you. You can capture in a hug and “eat” their cheeks (kisses)
What do you think? Can you commit to 15 minutes a day of connected play with your child? No distractions, no phone, no conversations with a partner, just you and your child.
