How to Be a Playful Parent: 5 Tips Inspired by Lawrence Cohen
Have you ever watched another parent at the playground and felt a sudden wave of mom-guilt? You know the type: the quintessential playful parent who spontaneously invents a game of “the floor is lava,” effortlessly channels her inner cartoon character, and leaves a trail of toddler giggles in her wake.
Meanwhile, you are sitting on the park bench, mentally checking off your grocery list, or sitting on the playroom floor feeling completely drained by the thought of playing princesses for the millionth time.
If you have ever asked yourself, “How do I become a more fun parent?”—please take a deep breath. You are not alone, and you are definitely not a boring person.
The pressure on modern middle-class parents to be a 24/7 cruise director, educator, and entertainer is exhausting. But here is the secret: playful parenting doesn’t require you to change your entire personality or fake a high-energy persona.
Let’s unpack what it actually means to bring more joy into your home, leaning heavily on science, the philosophy behind Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen, and practical, low-energy hacks for the naturally reserved parent.
What Does "Playful Child Meaning" Really Stand For?
Before we look at how to be more playful with your child, we need to understand what play actually does for a toddler or preschooler.
In developmental psychology, a playful child meaning doesn’t just describe a kid who is constantly laughing or running around. It refers to a child who feels safe, securely attached, and confident enough to explore their world, express emotions, and process stress through imagination.
According to Dr. Lawrence Cohen, author of the groundbreaking book Playful Parenting, play is a child’s primary way of communicating and building connection. When we step into the role of a playful parent and join them in that space, we fill their “emotional cup.”
But here is the catch: your child doesn’t need a circus performer. They need connection.
If you are a low-energy or introverted person, your version of connection is going to look different than a high-energy parent’s—and that is exactly as it should be.
How to Be a More Playful Mom (Without Draining Your Battery)
If you are trying to figure out how to be a more playful person in your daily parenting routine, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You just need to lean into your own strengths. Here are five guilt-free strategies to try today:
1. Master the "Yes, and..." Rule
Borrowed from improv comedy, this is the easiest way to lean into your child’s imagination without having to invent anything yourself. If your toddler hands you a block and says, “This is a magic space ice cream,” don’t correct them or overthink it. Just say: “Yes, and it tastes like starlight! Let’s feed it to the dinosaur.” Let them drive the plot while you just echo and expand.
2. Steal from the Pros (The 5-Minute Rule)
If you watch kids’ shows like Bluey, it can feel intimidating. Bandit and Chilli seem to have endless time and energy. But if you pay close attention, the average length of a Bluey game is literally 5 minutes. You don’t need to play pretend for two hours to be a playful parent. Dedicate just 5 to 10 minutes of focused, silly, active play. A quick game of “Keepy Uppy” or a 5-minute tickle monster chase is more than enough to fill their cup.
3. Turn Daily Chores into Low-Effort Games
Don’t separate “parenting duties” from “fun time.” If you are low-energy, make the chores do the heavy lifting:
- Sweeping the floor? Sing a silly song or pretend you are lumberjacks clearing a path.
- Buckling them into the car seat? Turn yourself into a robot with “beep boop” noises and pretend to operate a spaceship gear shift.
- Cooking dinner? Put on a playlist of music you actually love and have a 3-minute kitchen dance party. When you are genuinely experiencing joy, your child will catch that vibe instantly.
4. Lean on High-Quality, Open-Ended Toys
You don’t need to be the source of entertainment when you have the right tools. Open-ended toys—like premium wooden blocks, magnetic tiles, or open-ended art kits—do the cognitive work for you. Instead of trying to direct the play, simply sit on the floor, get on their eye level, and mimic what they do. Building a simple tower together doesn’t require charisma, but it builds immense trust.
5. Play to Your Strengths
Are you a homebody who loves baking, reading, or crafting? That is playful parenting! A quiet afternoon spent mixing cookie dough, doing watercolor painting, or reading a story with a few silly voices creates just as many lasting, happy core memories as a wild wrestling match.
Comparison is the Thief of Parenting Joy
In his book, Lawrence Cohen talks about how parents often compare themselves to others. We see the “fun mom” who effortlessly wins over every kid in the room, and we feel inadequate.
But remember: children thrive on a diversity of relationships. It is beautiful if your child has an aunt, a father, or a friend who brings out their wild, ecstatic giggles. But they come back to you for comfort, stability, grounding, and quiet connection. Your calm presence is worth a thousand giggles.
So, if you are wondering how do I be a better parent? The answer isn’t to fake being someone else. It’s to accept who you are, prioritize your own well-being, and find those little 5-minute pockets of shared joy that feel authentic to you.
At our core, we believe that the best childhood memories are built on simple, meaningful connections. Our collection of thoughtfully designed, open-ended toys is crafted to help parents and children connect naturally—no high-energy performance required. Explore our curated play essentials today to find new, stress-free ways to bring a little more magic into your everyday routine.