The Gift of Play

Parents of young children are probably so familiar with the advice that they should play with their kids. We call it quality time, special time, playtime, etc. Often it probably just feels like one more thing we need to do in addition to all the other demands on modern parents, which is genuinely hard to feel motivated about.

I get it! Just the other day, I was inside cleaning up while my partner and son were outside playing with their new water toys having a pretty epic water fight. In fact, my decision to join their fun (because, well, why not?) led to this very blog post. You see, while I really didn’t “feel like it,” I did go and join my family. And honestly, I got drenched but had the best time laughing and just playing with them. It reminded me of how much I love playing with my son and laughing together as a family. In this age of being so busy and over-scheduled all the time, I believe these are the moments we need and help fuel us for the tougher ones we all have.

Interestingly, I find that even parents who enjoyed playing with their kids when they were younger forget that this is an activity that can truly endure the test of time. Just because you have a pre-teen or a teen, or even a college kid, does not mean they are too old to play. More so, just because you are an adult does not mean you are too old to play – or even too old to benefit from it!

You see, while many of us understand that play is the language of learning for young children, we forget that creativity and play are essential to people in general. Play is a great outlet, coping strategy, and genuine food for anyone’s soul. I find that adults are often so serious about everything, and we get so caught up in our seriousness that we forget the joy and in-the-moment energy that comes from play.

As summer gets going, I would encourage you to take advantage of the summer weather and potential extra free time (I know, I know, it is not always a given, but often we have a little more flexibility in summer) and spend some time PLAYING with your kids.

Here are FIVE ideas that might help you get started – even if your kid is a teen or young adult!

1. Water Play – Water is one of the most versatile things to play with. You could play in a pool, with a sprinkler, with a hose, or even just simple water shooters and have the best time. Kids of any age will love this!

2. Beach Games – If you are lucky enough to live near a beach, as we do here in San Diego, pick up some extra beach games or toys the next time you go to the beach. Kids of all ages love this as well, and it is fairly easy once you get over being serious or not getting wet, embarrassed, or sandy.

3. Park (or Playground) – Another one that can be great for all ages; grab a ball of some sort, or even a new game set like Bocce Ball, and head to the park! If you have a younger kid, head to the playground and don’t be afraid to play with them too. Kids love it when you join them, especially when they are old enough to do it all themself!

4. Structured Games – This could be a board game, card game, or even a game your child or teen makes up. Head to your local store and see what kinds of new games they have to try and try one out! If you are not the most playful of people, this could help you get started in connecting with your family in this way!

5. New Activity Together – When I added this one, I thought about trying something together as a family. It could be something like rock climbing, hiking, or roller skating, but it could also just be something silly and fun at home like playing The Floor Is Lava or having a dance party. The goal is to do something playful and a bit silly. Honestly, if you are willing to laugh and be goofy, anything can be play!

I truly hope you take the time to try this out with your kids, or heck, even alone or with a friend or partner today! We all could use more joy and moments where we just laugh for no reason at all. Play can help get us there 🙂 Take it from me; a play therapist turned water-play-loving parent!

If you are interested in learning more about connecting with your child, please make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Dr. Wollerman will be launching a parenting course all about this topic later this summer or early fall! You don’t want to miss it!