Comments on: Four Fun Ways to Practice Playful Parenting

By: Heather Schuck

Heather Schuck — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:28:55 +0000

I believe strongly in “playful parenting” for bonding with your children. I think all too often we get caught up in the “hustle and bustle” of life and forget to simply- ENJOY OUR KIDS. Playing “sneaky snakes” is always popular at my house. If you’re looking for a fun game to play with your kids you can read my post here: http://glamalife.com/2010/online-mom-community/playful-parenting-how-to-raise-stark-raving-mad-kids/ All the Best- Heather

By: crys

crys — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:23:42 +0000

First off I have never tried playful parenting before but plan on giving it a try as I have a high functioning autistic son ( he is turning 13 on the 22 but developmentally he’s about 7 ). My son complains that I am always “yelling” at him and never ask him “nicely” no matter how nice I ask him to do things. It starts out with me saying something like Cori take out the trash please, ( ten minutes later) Cori, I ask you to take the trash out please do so please. ( ok mom but ten minutes later ) Cori The Trash ! I need you to please take out the trash. Now Please ! (my voice is slightly elevated but ten minutes later) Cori that’s it Ive told you to many time either get take out the trash Now or Else ! ( he finally does it). If I forget to remind and nag it wont happen at all Ive tried telling him one time then saying only 1,2,3 or three every 30 seconds or so punishing him on 3 if not done that worked when he was younger but not now he just throws a tantrum calls me names ect. and I have to deal with that ! I try to be positive parent but every time I’ve tried it fails but this sounds like it might work ! I think this may meet him were he is. That brings me to the second thing I am wondering wont kids argue,smart mouth, ect more with the shake the bad mood out trick, so that you will do it as in acting up for the attention ? I’m debating on trying this tip with the variation of tickling the meanies out do to my sons size and age but am concerned he may mouth off more

By: James

James — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:10:58 +0000

Shake it out is such a lovely idea as my daughter is 2 and is just starting to say things like “Don’t like Daddy” and I’m certainly going to try this out. We already pretend that we have crocodiles in the garden pond so will continue to add animals in our game reserve (back garden). Lovely article, thanks
James´s latest post: booster seats

By: Marie - Cot Bed

Marie - Cot Bed — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:10:49 +0000

I find summer the easier time for play. I love being outdoors and I love gardening and so does my 3 year old. We can play lots and generally he loves to play ball, be chased and likes jumping on his dad.

I don’t know how I am going to cope with this Winter though – being stuck indoors most of the time is when I start to struggle. We play a lot but sometimes I just feel I want to play more but not sure what to do!

Thanks for the ideas – particularly liked how you turned around the zoo situation. Something I think is going to inspire me when my son wants to go out somewhere and we can’t!
Marie – Cot Bed´s latest post: The Perils Of Potty Training

By: zoran

zoran — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:49:27 +0000

I could not agree more with you, playing with children is very important because it establishes a connection between parents and children. In this way it creates an emotional connection, not a hierarchical relationship, where the children are doing just what their parents say.
zoran´s latest post: Whos smart- boys or girls

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:36:23 +0000

I love the “shake it out” suggestion! Typically, when my kids are grouchy, we are able to get them to turn it around with a good tickling and gentle rough housing. Sometimes silly faces works well too, we just have to be careful with that one… if our kids think we aren’t validating their feelings, they tend to become more upset
Lisa´s latest post: Apple Cider Doughnuts

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:19:40 +0000

These are wonderful tips, Megan! I especially like the 1st one – “Start the Day with Play.” It’s so easy to be overly busy or task-oriented in the mornings (checking e-mail, doing laundry, etc.)…but I can definitely see how starting the day with lighthearted activity would set a positive tone for the whole day. I’m going to intentionally try it this week!

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:25:11 +0000

I’ve had the same experience with my 4 and 2 year old boys with playing first thing in the morning. I hadn’t been doing it much lately (I’m pregnant with baby #3 and have been so incredibly tired) but we did today and what a difference it made! Thanks for the encouragement to stay light hearted and connect with our kids. I think as much as silliness helps them through the day it keeps me playing and having fun too.
Kimberly´s latest post: My date buddy

By: Remember when I was fun? « Heart Pondering

Remember when I was fun? « Heart Pondering — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:44:50 +0000

[...] week Simple Mom had a post called Four Fun Ways to Practice Playful Parenting that piqued my interest. The notion of playful parenting is one I could stand to ponder a bit [...]

By: Barb @ 1SentenceDiary

Barb @ 1SentenceDiary — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:43:59 +0000

Well done and well written. Even though my kids are older (ages 10 and 14), that playful and joyful approach to parenting still serves me well.

But I don’t think we can do away with all of sibling rivalry. I think it’s part of growing up, and learning to live with and love someone else. My kids get along, and they fight, and either way, I think it’s all part of the growing process.

If you are interested, here’s my take on whether it’s possible, or even advisable, to expect siblings without rivalry (see link below).
Barb @ 1SentenceDiary´s latest post: Siblings without rivalry