Top tips for playing when you are short of time
Life as a parent is busy. Between looking after your family’s needs, work, school runs, and everything else, finding time to play and have fun with your child can sometimes feel impossible.
Whilst children often enjoy playing by themselves, with a friend or other family members, taking time yourself to be playful with your child is an important way of engaging with them and encouraging their creativity.
But play doesn’t have to take hours – even small moments of fun can make a big difference to your child’s happiness and development.
Here are some simple ways to add play into your day, even when time is tight!
Playful moments on the go
Not every game has to happen at home. You can turn everyday journeys into a chance to play:
- For babies and toddlers: Play peekaboo in the pram, sing songs in the car or on the bus or train, or let them feel different textures on a walk.
- For young children: Try ‘I spy’ with colours, counting buses or cars, or making silly animal sounds together.
- For older/school-age children: Play word games like ‘Would you rather?’ or ‘20 questions’ on the school run. Let them make up a story while you walk or drive.
These little moments make everyday trips more fun and give you a chance to connect with your child without having to make time in your day for extra activities.
For inspiration, take a look at this short video of the Musinguzi family enjoying outdoor play on a simple walk in the local park.
Quick and easy games at home
Even five minutes of play with your child can be meaningful. Here are some fast, low-effort ideas:
- For babies and toddlers: Lay on the floor together and let them copy your movements, make silly faces, or blow raspberries to make them giggle.
- For young children: Have a 30-second dance party, race to tidy up a room, or play a super-speedy game of hide and seek.
- For older/school-age children: Try a ‘minute challenge’ – how many star jumps can they do in 60 seconds? Can they build a tower taller than their teddy in two minutes?
A short game can lift everyone’s mood and help squeeze in some play, even on the busiest days.
For inspiration, watch this short video of the Hamilton family enjoying simple, easy ways to play and have fun at home.
Making everyday tasks playful
Even the day-to-day tasks involved in family life can be playful. Why not turn those chores into fun games that you and your child can enjoy together:
- Let toddlers ‘help’ by passing you socks while you do laundry.
- Turn bath time into ‘splashy adventure time’ for younger kids.
- Challenge older children to beat the clock while tidying their room or setting the table.
By taking a playful approach to everyday tasks and activities, your child can have fun and enjoy precious time with you. What’s more, they can experience the joy of the everyday, be creative and learn how to find opportunities to play in their daily life.
More inspiration
For more ideas about making the most of free and low-cost play opportunities out in your local community or in your home, take a look at our other blog articles:
