How to Be a Fun, Playful Parent… in Less Than a Minute (Like Mary Poppins!)

Wonder how to be a playful parent? Sure, it sounds great in concept, but let’s get real. Being playful is the last thing you want to do when you’re exhausted, your toddler is melting down, and your strong-willed child refuses to listen.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, life is even more stressful. You’re stuck at home with your family. You have a never-ending to-do list. And you’re trying to work remotely with attention-demanding kids.

Playful? Yeah, right.

Playfulness Encourages Cooperation

Kids love to play, so when you’re playful, you work with your children rather than against them. Being playful actually makes things better.

Playfulness doesn’t mean spending hours playing games and running around outside with your kids.

It’s an attitude and how you relate to your children, especially when you want them to cooperate. You can even use playfulness to reduce power struggles and discipline your kids.

My parents had a clever way to make parenting easier and more fun. Instead of nagging and yelling, they were like Mary Poppins. They embraced a “can do!” spirit, used their imagination, and playfully dealt with everyday challenging moments.