Why We Should Play with Our Kids

What if one of the most powerful ways to show our child we love them isn't another lesson, activity, or family outing but simply sitting on the floor and playing? In part 4 of our Play series, discover why stepping into our child's world builds trust, strengthens our relationship, and reflects the heart of a God who delights in being with His children.

Have you ever just stopped to watch your child play? 

Sometimes, a child’s play looks like pure joy that just explodes out of them through  dancing, singing, and silliness. Other times, a child’s play looks like spending 2 hours building a complex Lego set. 

Play might look like painting pictures, building a fort with every blanket in the whole house, or creating a little imaginary world with figurines and doll houses. 

There is something beautiful about watching children play. They remind us that joy doesn't always need a purpose and it doesn't have to be productive. It simply delights in the moment.

God reminds us that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and the God who created laughter, imagination, beauty, and creativity has woven those qualities into the hearts of children. Their play reflects the joyful creativity of their Creator. 

Play is good.

Over the last three blogs in our Play series, we've talked about why children need opportunities for independent play, why it's healthy for them to entertain themselves, and why one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is to let them be bored.

Children definitely need to be encouraged to play on their own, but they also need parents who are willing to step into their world from time to time. As parents, we often feel pressure to teach, correct, schedule, and accomplish. But one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in our children is this:

Play with them.

Not because it's another item on the parenting checklist, but because something powerful happens when parents step into a child's world.

When you spend time with your child to build a LEGO tower, have a tea party or throw a football, you're communicating something your child desperately needs to know:

"I not only love you but I love being with you!"

"You are worth my time."

Throughout Scripture, we see a God who doesn't simply give instructions and direct us from a distance. He enters our world. He hangs out with His people. We need to reflect that same kind of presence with our own children.

Yes, let them be bored and let them discover the joy of independent play.

But every once in a while, we need to put down the phone, leave the dishes for later, and enter our child's world. 

Here’s why:

Play is a universal love language of kids! One crucial way we can communicate our love for our kids is by spending time playing with them. 

Playing with our kids shows them that we not only love them, but we also like them. We enjoy spending part of our day in their world. We take interest in what interests them. We share joy in what brings them joy- their play.

Play reduces worry, stress, and anxiety. It’s really hard to worry and play at the same time. Play welcomes a break from that worry or stress (for parents and children!) It’s like a breath of fresh air for our brains! It releases endorphins, reduces cortisol, and even gives kids space to express or process feelings in a safe way.

Playing with our kids helps build trust and soften conflict. When we take time to step into their world of play, we are taking a break from tensions that may be present, and we are strengthening a foundation of trust. It’s not about pretending that conflict isn’t there; it’s about taking time to connect and have positive interactions in a warm, loving way.

There is a closeness between a parent and child that can only be accomplished by a parent pulling up a chair or a spot on the rug beside them and immersing yourself in their world - their play. It shows that they are important to us, and their play is important to us.

While independent play helps children grow in confidence and creativity, playing together helps them grow in connection. And children need both.

 

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