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Did you know that as little as 10 minutes a day of wholehearted playtime with a child can help strengthen your connection?
Not only does playtime together build trust and safety, but it also helps the child develop a variety of important skills.
Below are suggestions for maximizing playtime bonding.
- Dedicate time with no other distractions (no phones or TV).
- Let the child decide the activity.
- Commit to silliness. Dress up for a tea party with Bluey. Take action figures on adventures in the yard, complete with sound effects.
- Ask your teen to teach you to play Minecraft. Show interest in learning about their current interests.
- Find something that makes your child laugh and make it your “inside joke” between the two of you. It may be silly dance moves or telling stories where you’re the main characters.
- Sneak in affirming compliments during play, like “How did you get so good at jump rope? Can you teach me?”
- Create together. Plant a garden. Paint portraits of each other. Build a bird feeder.
- Start a fun new hobby you can share.
Most importantly, be consistent. Finding at least ten minutes each day reinforces, “I love spending time with you.” That can only make your relationship grow.
Recommended Resources
Training From Champion Classrooms
- Building Relationships: Connecting With Your Child Through Play
- Building Strong Relationships With Felt Safety
From the Resource Library
Additional Resources