Been a while since you have played dolls, been tucked into bed, or been an excavator (Yes, you can be an excavator too!)? Below are playful ways to spark creativity, generate laughter, create strong bonds, and to show, “I love you.”  If your household is new to silliness or creativity, expect questioning expressions from people and kids.  Grown- ups have forgotten the language and, some kids may not be sure they can trust it.

As we approach the holiday season, it’s helpful to focus in on the important stuff- play time, relaxation, keeping your vibe up.

Tips for play (it doesn’t even have to be playtime) (Suspend the adult in you, for this…)

• There is another art in tucking in a child, during bedtime. The boys like anything with wheels and they know about every truck that ever existed, I think.  So, they want to be tucked in with an impact hammer momma truck (to your kid, you are an expert truck, or doll whisperer). I “hammer in” the blankets around their bodies with the right noise.
• Dolls, action figures, vehicles and favorite rocks should be tucked into bed as well. Wash cloths make great blankets for tiny dolls.
• My high energy boys actually calm down to work on a puzzle suitable for their age. I do sit with them and try to give them pointers to putting together a puzzle.
• My high energy boys will sit and listen to whoever reads books. I find this to be true for many children- they love story time.
• Toys break so easily and they can be expensive. Broken toys are actually modified, not “broken”.  Of course, some things should be thrown out, if they become dangerous.
• Funny faces can break down walls of resistance. Most kids, even the serious ones, love crazy face expressions.  It is fun to watch a very young child move his face into funny faces.  You as the funny face expert, may need to help a young child learn how to move his face.
• While sitting quietly with a child, your feet may begin to talk to your child’s feet. A foot has his own voice.
• Teaching how to make sandwiches, pizza, sundaes or mac and cheese can be playtime.
• My kids consider washing the dishes play time.
• The boys like to play, “What is…” They try to ask impossible questions to answer and I try my best to answer. “What is God?” “What does ‘that’ mean?” “What is electricity and why can’t we touch it?” “What do fish say?” “What is war?” etc. Sometimes, I turn it around on them and ask them questions. This is an unofficial game but, their questions have really begun to develop.  Many times, their questions start after reading certain books or hearing family members speak.  I really appreciate their questions because, it helps me to further know my boys and to know what is on their minds as they process their world. It has also helped me to see the depth of contradictions in life, on this planet.  In part, this is why I never lie to the boys.  I want them to know that I acknowledge the contradictions and that I have their backs as we navigate life together…
• Toys (of all kinds) do “talk” but, they may only whisper in your ear at first. Okay, anything is capable of “talking”.  A little creativity and silliness wins laughs.
• If you have children who are into makeup or hair styling, let them be your expert. Let them explain what is best for your look.
• If your children are pushing together chairs, they are probably making a restaurant. They will probably want to take your order.
• Look up playgrounds in the area.
• Some kids really open up if you are able to let them play with things like cameras or gadgets that record- they tend to enjoy watching themselves, cousins, or friends make “how to” videos singing videos, etc. This can be great for when family members and friends come together. Personally, I’m not into putting these videos online.

BE good to yourself and enjoy the time you have with your children. Try not to get too caught up in the craziness of the season.