The Principles of Playful Parenting…

Play is learning and learning is play for young

children. Although we as parents are grown and have

given up some of our childlike play, our young children

have not and if we can engage in play with them, we

build connections, confidence and deep relationships.

Here are a few principles of playful parenting. This is

adapted from Playful Parenting by Dr. Lawrence J.

Cohen, with some added fun!

A. Join children in their world (the amazing world of play).

B. Focus on making a connection and encouraging confidence.

C. Follow the giggles, that's where the connection and fun are.

D. Learn rough and tumble play gently and playfully.

E. Reverse the roles (let children be the strong one, the capable one, the monster,

the doctor giving the vaccination).

F. Empower and connect with all children regardless of gender. All children

need both the freedom to soar carefully and a safe place to land. Encouragement

gives them the ability to try to soar and connection gives them a safe place to

land.

G. Follow your children's lead in play. If they want to play vet clinic, play vet clinic.

If they want to play monster trucks, play monster trucks. Make the sounds and

pretend with lots of expression. This is where the fun lives!

H. Encourage children to express a full range of emotions, not just socially

positive ones. The tears and fears, tantrums and meltdowns are their best way

of showing their deepest emotions. Connect with them. Empathize with the

feeling without needing to solve it. Ask your child what solutions they might be

able to come up with once they are able to and work together to find a solution

that works best.

I. Tune into your child. Match their energy, mirror their facial expressions.

J. Rethink discipline. Time outs force children into a freeze response. They look

calm on the outside, but are still full of deep hurt, anger, and frustration on the

inside. These feelings resurface causing another "behavior issue" usually a short

time later. Rethinking how to help a child with big feelings regulate those

emotions provides a solution to calm the body down both on the inside and

outside.

K. Make sure to recharge your own batteries. Taking time for yourself isn't selfish.

Taking a walk, long shower, exercise class, being creative or coloring are some ways

you can take time to recharge your batteries. What you decide will be unique to

you and reflect ways to promote your wellness. m