{"id":14513,"date":"2017-04-18T15:29:47","date_gmt":"2017-04-18T13:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/responsive.jozikids.co.za\/zaparents\/?p=14513"},"modified":"2022-06-21T10:55:29","modified_gmt":"2022-06-21T08:55:29","slug":"top-tips-for-playing-with-your-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/parenting\/being-present\/top-tips-for-playing-with-your-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"9 tips for playing with your kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Psychologists tell us that when parents take\u00a0the time out to play and become kids themselves, children get the message that they\u2019re important, while also being flooded with the right kind of attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing with your kids must be fun for you too. They know exactly when you’re enjoying yourself or not. It doesn\u2019t have to be a board game – find things that you both enjoy \u2013 throwing balls, a \u201ctea-party\u201d or a hide-and-seek adventure in your backyard, walking around the neighbourhood or making sand castles, reading and making up stories. Whatever you do, make sure you get thoroughly involved and that you\u2019re not just going through the motions.<\/p>\n

My 9 tips:<\/h2>\n
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  1. change into casual play clothes <\/strong>– make a conscious transition from work to play<\/li>\n
  2. set a timer and tell them how much playtime there is <\/strong>\u2013 30 minutes can be enough if it’s regular and totally uninterrupted<\/li>\n
  3. give them 100% of your attention<\/strong>\u2014no distractions, don’t answer phone calls, send texts or check messages, don\u2019t play while preparing dinner<\/li>\n
  4. make them the boss <\/strong>\u2013 follow their lead without directing them (even if this means learning to play their favourite computer game)<\/li>\n
  5. relax and have fun<\/strong> \u2013 you don’t have to \u201cmake something happen\u201d, just be present and engaging, encouraging, hugging, laughing and being silly with them<\/li>\n
  6. join them completely<\/strong> – go down to their eye-level, take off your shoes, copy their movements, be a kid<\/li>\n
  7. extend your comfort zone<\/strong> \u2013 lots of us find it hard to play games again. Be willing to learn from them, try something new<\/li>\n
  8. give time warnings well before it’s over<\/strong> \u2013 some kids may need three warnings (e.g. 10 more minutes, 5 minutes, 2 minutes)<\/li>\n
  9. stick to the time limits <\/strong>\u2013 even if you <\/em>don’t want to stop, it’s better to do what you’ve said, and it’s easier to keep it up over time<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Remember almost anything can spark their imagination, even everyday objects. Pots and pans become drum sets, a bowl with water becomes the sea for their action figures. With their keen imaginations and ability to pretend, they get to feel like a master creator, transforming ordinary things into magical characters. So why not schedule regular \u201cplay time\u201d in your diary, the same way as you’d book a meeting or coffee date with a friend. You may be surprised how de-stressing it is, and much you love it!<\/p>\n

    Click here<\/a><\/strong> to find out more about the work that Carol Surya does.<\/p>\n

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