The Parentologist

Dr. Kim

Easy Ways to Incorporate Play Into Your Busy Day

In our home, we love our play time! You can imagine that having a mom as a play therapist, play is a fundamental foundation to my children’s daily routine. In fact, we often take play breaks between other functions of the day. Not only does this help build attachment between parent and child but also lets children release energy throughout the day so they can focus better on other tasks in which need more focus and concentration. I typically try to intentionally sit on the floor and actively play with my children for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day. I also find it important for them to play individually, with friends, and together as siblings.
On busier days, this is harder to do. So I have come up with a few easy ways to fit in play even on the busiest days for the busiest of parents! Children don’t necessarily need a lot of one on one play time with you each day, but when you do play, make it count! The key is to have dedicated play with them.

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!

 
And on those days that you have time to spare, even if you have to intentionally carve it out of your day, mindfully sit on the floor with your child on a wander and roam play mat! We started using ours immediately as soon as it arrived in the mail and we are obsessed! It is so comfy to sit and play on and its stylish pattern enhances the decor of the room! It’s big enough for the whole family to play on at the same time and we have even had dance parties on it!!
The mat is reversible and is made of one continuous piece of eco-friendly foam large enough for my little ones to wander and roam on and thick enough to soften tumbles and falls, especially my little guy, who is still perfecting his walk!
It easily folds up, but we actually use it as a piece of our nursery decor! I personally love that it is a nonslip mat doesn’t move around the room even when we play on it, even on our wood floors. I also loved that when we took it out of the box there was no horrible new scent to the mat as most playmates can smell like plastic and chemicals. This play mat is made of non-toxic foam and it is so soft and thick! It’s eco-friendly and also free of latex, BPA, PVC, and  formaldehyde (hence the no smell!). It is also super easy to clean, durable, nonflammable, and hypoallergenic! These mats have also been rigorously tested to meet all US & European Toy Standards.
We have even taken the mat outside to play on in the backyard and we can’t wait to fold it up and take it to the park and the beach soon! I have never found a product like it and can’t wait to get another one for my play therapy office! This would be a great addition to your home or to buy a mom to be as a baby registry or show gift! Have fun and go play!
This post is sponsored by wander and roam but all photos and opinions are my own. 

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