Engage in Various Types of Play

Ever feel like you’re running a circus, an art studio, and a ninja dojo out of your living room? Welcome to the four-ring play extravaganza! If you’re ready to juggle (sometimes literally) the chaos of creative, physical, structured, and imaginative play—and maybe find a LEGO in your coffee—this one’s for you. Spoiler: you don’t have to be good at any of it, you just have to show up and survive.

Mixing up play styles lights up your kid’s brain like a pinball machine. Physical play builds coordination and confidence, creative stuff boosts problem-solving and self-expression, structured games teach rules and patience (ha!), and imaginative play is basically a brain gym for empathy and storytelling. Plus, dads who play get bonus points for bonding and stress relief—science says so.

How to do it

  1. Start by scanning the room for tripping hazards. Safety comes first—heroics can wait until the area is clear.

  2. Let your child choose the play style. Today you might be a pirate, and tomorrow you could be a human jungle gym. Follow their lead and embrace their imagination.

  3. Keep playtime short and sweet. Five minutes of focused, epic fun is better than an hour of distracted “uh-huhs.”

  4. Don’t worry about looking silly. To your kid, you’re already a legend.

  5. Rotate activities to keep things interesting. Remember: messes are temporary, but memories last—at least until you step on a LEGO.

Key Tips:

  • Always prioritize safety before starting play.
  • Let your child’s creativity guide the activity.
  • Quality time matters more than quantity.
  • Embrace silliness—your enthusiasm means the world to your child.
  • Changing up activities keeps playtime exciting and memorable.

When you get home from work or finish your coffee in the morning.

Ask your kid, 'Want to play for five minutes?' and pick an item from the basket.
Do a dramatic high-five or victory dance, no matter how tiny the play session.
Put a small basket with play essentials (crayons, ball, deck of cards, toy figures) in the living room.

When you hear the reminder chime or see the notification.

Join your kid for one round of their favorite game or activity.
Snap a silly selfie together or give yourself a mental gold star.
Set a daily reminder on your phone labeled 'Dad Playtime: Unleash the Chaos!'

When you open the fridge for a snack or meal prep.

Let your child pick one play type from the menu and start for just a few minutes.
Say, 'We just leveled up our fun!' and do a quick air guitar solo.
Create a 'play menu' together with your child—draw or list 3-5 types of play on a sheet and hang it on the fridge.