A family that plays together stays together. Okay, this might be a bit corny, but the underlying message is true.
Playing with our children of all ages creates a bond between family members. Whether it’s for children or adults, play serves as a critical mechanism for learning, exploration and connection.
Taking the time to get out and discover a new activity on Family Day can lead to lifelong memories that your children will bring up for years to come. Some of my kids’ favourite stories that come up time and time again stem from our frequent visits to local playgrounds.
“Remember when we were at the zipline park, and we got caught in the hailstorm? That was crazy!” Or exploring local sites together; “Remember when we went on that hike and dad slipped on the wet rock and fell into the creek? That was so funny!”
But play can have different meanings too. Supporting your child in playing a sport they love can create a special bond if you truly bolster their passion for the game and don’t push too hard or focus solely on winning. Who knows, they might even make it to Team Canada one day!
Pressing play on a parenting podcast can help broaden your horizons or provide practical tips and strategies for a challenge you are experiencing. Reading books about different ways to play can teach your child many lessons including how to be inclusive, when to compromise, the importance of listening and trusting themselves.
Is it time to start not only allowing but encouraging your kids to play with their food? Try out a new restaurant or maybe even a new kind of meal (brunch anyone?). Encourage them to help you with food prep or let them make dinner on their own (this is even easier with the help of a slow cooker!).
No matter how you choose to do it, family playtime is a powerful way to nurture emotional, social, cognitive and physical development while strengthening family relationships. The time spent having fun together can also provide a foundation for positive communication and a supportive home environment that benefits everyone in the family.
– Stacie Gaetz
