Easy Ways to Incorporate Play Into Your Busy Day

Make a Chore Playtime!

We all have chores throughout the day. Whether it’s the dishes, the laundry, or making dinner we can utilize play during these times with our children! Place a play kitchen or play food near your real kitchen and have your child cook while you cook. Have your child make the empty laundry basket into a train or a spaceship and have them use imaginative play in it while you fold the laundry near them. Even though you are working, you can engage with your child while they play!

Play in the Morning

Play first thing in the morning for even 5 minutes when you have the most energy and before anything else pressing detours you from dedicated time with your child. If it is the first thing we do in the morning, even on the days that I work and have somewhere to be early in the day, it sets the day off in the right direction! If you have to, set your alarm clock for five minutes earlier and schedule playtime into your morning!

Play games in the car!

We are often on the road going from place to place and so we have come up with some car games to help make errands and drive time more fun! Our favorite game to play is “I spy” but you can also practice other types of learning play by spotting different shapes and colors on the road!

Let your Child Play Near You!

Sometimes children just want you to watch them play and that’s ok! This actually lets you off the hook to actively play with them and not use as much energy. I still suggest you put your phone away and be present with them as they play – just being in the same room doesn’t count. Comment on what they are doing and reflect on their play. This way you can still spend time with them and show them that they are a priority!