Many parents share a common feeling—guilt over not spending enough time playing with their kids. Yet, the demands of modern life often leave us too drained to prioritise play, turning it into just another item on an already overflowing to-do list.
However, research reveals that play is essential for a child’s development, especially in building emotional intelligence and fostering meaningful relationships.
“Play is really important for the development of social awareness: how we react and respond to others, recognise our own intentions, and how we engage with our emotions,” explains Professor Adam Guastella.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Our phones have become windows to the world, but they often steal precious moments from our families. While scrolling for festive inspiration and recipes might seem harmless, it’s only a matter of time before you find yourself scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, playing the comparison game or virtually rifling through yet another gift guide.
The antidote? Disconnect. Step away from the digital world, which thrives on consumerism, and embrace activities that ground you in the moment. Read a festive classic like A Christmas Carol together, enjoy and early evening stroll through twinkling Christmas lights or rediscover a family favourite board game.
Finding Quality Playtime
So, how can exhausted, time-poor parents facilitate precious moments and quality play with their children? Professor Guastella advises meeting children where they are.
“Play teaches kids all those wonderful skills in a dynamic way because it’s in the moment and there’s no rulebook,” he says. “It depends on the time of day, the resources you have, and what works for you and your child. Some children thrive on playgrounds, others enjoy kicking a ball, or exploring somewhere else entirely.”
Wherever the play happens, the key is meaningful interaction—what Guastella calls a “linguistic back and forth” that engages a child’s creativity and connection to their environment.
Shared book reading, for example, is an effortless way to nurture this interaction. Building it into a routine, such as bedtime, creates a calm, focused moment. “One of the things shared book reading does is create a timing structure – there’s a routine as to when it occurs, usually bedtime, when not much else is going on, so your child’s attention is not going to be on other things,” Guastella adds.
Small Moments, Big Impact
Parenting coach Genevieve Muir emphasises that play doesn’t have to consume hours of your day to be effective. “Investing just 10 minutes of play can meet the emotional needs of kids and encourage more independent play,” she says.
Play is how children learn—it’s their “work,” as Muir puts it. Parents don’t need to be constant playmates but can contribute by joining in small, meaningful ways.
Even mundane activities can spark playfulness. Muir suggests games like hopping on one leg to the car, turning toys into talking characters, or rough-and-tumble play that teaches gentleness while burning off energy. These moments not only lower stress in kids but also create cherished memories.
Rediscovering the Joy of Play
This festive season, consider stepping back from the rush and embracing the joy of play. Whether it’s a quick game, a shared story, or a playful approach to daily routines, these moments can strengthen bonds and bring balance to a busy life.
As Professor Guastella reminds us, “Play is about creativity, connection, and being present. It doesn’t require perfection—just time and attention.”
This Christmas, let’s gift our children what they truly need: our time, our presence, and the freedom to explore the magic of play.
You can also read more here Raising resilient children in a digital age: Lessons from the forest’s edge