How to Play with Your Kids (and Enjoy It)
This is part 1 of a 3-part series on parent-kid play
Adults need play, too. True play—a deep focus on nothing but the game at hand, playing for the sake of being playful—is stress-relieving. It inspires moment-by-moment creativity. Your brain gets flooded by feel-good chemicals.
Additionally, play between multiple people creates shared experiences and belonging. In sports, it’s most common to think of only competitive play. But just like how other animals play as a method of learning, human beings learn all kinds of activities through play. Play can teach cooperation, sensitivity, and much more.
This 3-part article series will focus on parent-kid play, but its principles can be applied to all sorts of relationships. From our coaches here at Parkour Visions, we hope these games and activities can help parents entertain their kiddos and check off their need for physical exercise, too. Try out some playful activities that reduce stress for both you and your family, and are guaranteed to bring smiles to your and your kids’ faces!
Free, Unstructured Play
Play without structure allows for experimentation. It can be started spontaneously: a walk can turn into a treasure hunt; putting clothes into the laundry machine can become “shooting hoops.” It’s started by an invitation from one person to another. Where can you invite play into your relationships?
Kids love unstructured play. Since they’re putting themselves into creative situations, it helps them develop emotionally as they think about how to respond and get along. How can you take on the practice of accepting kids’ invitations to play more?
Develop Your Playful Side
Remember as a child, you were naturally playful. That state is always available to you, and you have some of the best teachers available—your own children!
Give yourself permission to play. For those of us who abide by our calendars, it can be helpful to set regular consistent times for yourself to put away all digital devices and collaborate with your child to do whatever y’all want with the time allotted.
Next week’s article will show some examples of games parents can play with the family. Hopefully, this article series sparks your creativity! We’d love to see what games you come up with at home. Tag us @parkour.visions for a chance to be featured on our social media!
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About the Author
Cordelia started parkour during their adult years and has since taught workshops internationally and competed at obstacle course competitions on TV and internationally. Their real passion is for sharing the everyday benefits of movement and play. They’re a nerd and a self-proclaimed solarpunk! @cordeliajumps