Parenting often involves juggling various responsibilities, and while I cherish playing with my kids most of the time, there are moments when I find it challenging. I have three children, and I adore activities like tossing a football with my ten-year-old son or helping my three-year-old construct her Lego Peppa Pig house. However, there’s that other 10% of the time when I just don’t want to engage.
After a grueling 12-hour workday, the thought of playing a game like Battleship can feel overwhelming. I’ve never been a fan of board games; they bore me, even when I’m with my kids. Yet, despite my reluctance, I often find myself playing, albeit with a little trickery to speed things up—every hit I call is a direct hit for my child’s sake, allowing them to win and me to escape the monotony a bit faster. It’s a win-win in my book.
For those who love their children yet struggle with playtime, research sheds light on the significance of this interaction. Over the past three years, Ikea has issued an Annual Play Report, delving into the profound impact of play. Their 2017 report emphasizes, “play is serious business,” based on extensive research involving over 300 participants from Germany, the US, and China, exploring the reasons and ways we engage in play.
Key Takeaways from the Annual Play Report
One key takeaway for parents like me who sometimes resist play is the section titled “How Do We Play Together?” It outlines six distinct forms of play and the benefits they offer to both children and parents. One example is ‘freestyle’ play, where kids create their own rules. While this can be uncomfortable for parents who must adapt to their child’s evolving game, it actually fosters a child’s confidence and decision-making skills. For parents, it provides an opportunity to see the world through a child’s eyes, encouraging fresh ideas and breaking free from rigid thinking.
Another form is “Out-of-the-Box” play, which involves artistic expression—think of a child transforming your kitchen table into an art studio. While it may be messy, this type of play enhances creative thinking for both kids and adults. It encourages imaginative exploration, which is crucial for innovation.
The report also touches on formal play, where structured games like chess or Battleship come into play. While I may not relish these games, the report highlights their role in bringing families together and fostering relaxation and collaborative problem-solving.
The benefits extend to other types of play, such as ‘Mirror-Me’ play, ‘Muddy-Boots’ play, and ‘Build-It’ play, all of which offer similar advantages for both children and parents. It’s easy to overlook the importance of play, especially after a long day of parenting. When exhaustion sets in, the last thing you want is to engage in an imaginative game with ever-changing rules.
Finding Motivation to Play
If you find yourself needing a bit of motivation to engage in play after a long day, consider the tangible benefits that come from these interactions with your child. It might just make the mess or the evolving “game” a bit easier to handle.
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Conclusion
In summary, while play can sometimes feel like a chore, the emotional, cognitive, and social benefits it brings to both children and parents are invaluable. Embracing these moments, even when they’re tiring, can lead to greater connections and joyful memories.