Activities to Strengthen My Relationship With My Child
Parents are always asking me, “how do I play with my child?” This is a valid questions. Children are always inviting or even begging us grown ups to play with them but so often we’re tired, bored, or just don’t really know how to. Playing can get harder as we age.
But do not fear. I am here! And the secret is, it’s not really about what you’re doing with them but the fact that you are with them that matters. Now I do believe there are some activities that are better than others for building relationships. We strengthen our bonds with others by making eye contact, having shared experiences together, and talking about what we love, fear, and desire. So, if you’re feeling stuck or clueless, here’s some ideas.
Make silly faces at one another. This might sound embarassing or awkward but it’s simple and a perfect form of connection. Making your child laugh, and them making you laugh, will strengthen your bond beautifully.
Invisible tattoos. Grab a paintbrush and a glass of water and draw tattoos on one another. You could even pretend that you’re visiting the tattoo parlour and are looking for a new design. Your child will love being in charge, being creative and getting to drawing on you (even if it’s only water). In turn, the sensory benefits of cool water, a soft paintbrush, a your nurturing presence can calm your child, helping them feel regulated and safe.
Balloon or Ball toss. Do not underestimate the benefits of throwing a ball or keeping a balloon up in the air together. Not only does it help foster teamwork, but also works on hand-eye coordination, frustration tolerance, and competency skills.
Storytime. Kids love to be read to and story time is the perfect time for snuggles, giggles, and connection time. For bonus points, try putting on funny voices for the characters together!
Dancing together. Great for energy release, rhythm and lots of laughs. Let them pick some favourite songs and bust out your ‘worst’ dance moves ever to watch them have a giggle fit.
Puppet Shows. I don’t think I’ve met a kid who doesn’t like puppets. They can be expensive, but I’ve found many of mine in thrift stores. What you can also do is make some out of socks or just use soft toys and put on a show!
Body Parts. Stand opposite each other and call out different body parts, for example elbow to nose. Then, match your elbow with your child’s nose. This is a very funny, very silly game and works on intimacy, engagement, and challenge.
Check-In. This game involves checking your child has all of themself in the room. Did they bring their big smile? Their freckles? Did they they bring wiggly toes?You can list out lots of body parts, making it specific to them!
Remember, the most important thing is that you are present and giving them your complete attention. Even if it’s for 15-30minutes, you being with them is enough! So get off your screen and play!
These activities come from or are inspired by:
Dr Amelia Taylor, Educational Psychologist and Certified Theraplay Practitioner and Trainer
Theraplay
Child-Centred Play Therapy
What Toys Should My Child Be Playing With?
In Play Therapy we believe that playing is therapeutic. This means that the types of toys children play with are important because they are used as symbolic expression. Ideally a child should have toys from these three categories
Real life toys
Acting out aggressive toys
Creative and emotional expressive toys
Within these three categories, children have the greatest opportunities to foster creativity, problem solving skills, imagination, competency, and relational skills.
Here is a list of some great toys I use in my playroom and I think all children should be playing with to encourage development.
Real life toys
Doctor Kit
Baby doll and bottle
Doll family
Toy phone
Cash register and food
Vehicles
Domestic and wild animals figurines
Dress Ups
Animal puppets
Acting out aggressive toys
Toy gun
Handcuffs
Soft rope
Agressive animal figurines
Plastic sword
Creative and emotional expressive toys
Art materials (I love paint sticks)
Sand
Musical instruments
Soft Ball
Play-Doh
Bratton, S., & Garry, L.(2020). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual : a 10-session filial therapy model for training parents (2nd edition) Routledge.
Why Play Therapy? The Research Behind It
““Play makes us human””
Children naturally express themselves through play. Research shows that play therapy is an effective intervention for supporting children’s emotional, social, and behavioral development. Toys become “words” and play becomes the “language” in which children express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills in ways that feels comfortable and natural.
Studies have found that Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT):
Helps children process emotions and trauma in a developmentally appropriate way.
Supports self-regulation, problem-solving, and self-confidence.
Strengthens attachment and relationships with caregivers.
Improves symptoms of anxiety, depression, aggression, and social difficulties
(Bratton et al., 2013; Cheng & Ray, 2016. Ray et al., 2022; Opiola & Bratton, 2018; Schottelkorb et al., 2012)
A weekly 45-minute therapeutic play session with a compassionate and attentive adult fosters confidence, creativity, and emotional expression. Children love them!
The Heart of Play Therapy- A Philosophy To help Your Child Thrive
I have a deep conviction that children come into the world primed for growth and change. One of the most significant ways we evolve is in relation to those around us. This means that a child’s support system plays a crucial role in fostering positive, lasting change.
I have a deep conviction that children come into the world primed for growth and change. One of the most significant ways we evolve is in relation to those around us. This means that a child’s support system plays a crucial role in fostering positive, lasting change.
Within relationships, all of us can experience reparation and healing that significantly contribute to flourishing.
When a child experiences an adult intentionally taking the time to see and experience the world through their eyes, the child feels safe enough to explore the world, test new ways of being, and express themselves freely.
Play therapy is unique in that it uses a child’s natural language—play—as a means for growth. Toys become “words” and play" becomes the “language” in which children express emotions, process experiences, and build coping skills in ways that feels comfortable and natural.
Through play, children engage with their feelings, build self-confidence, and practice real-world scenarios, creating pathways for growth in ways that traditional talk therapy may not offer.
Play therapy holds a special place in my heart because it requires therapists to be fully “with” the child. This simple yet powerful presence, central to Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), embodies the warmth, acceptance, and understanding that form a secure base for a child’s development. By embracing Gary Landreth’s philosophy:
“I am here, I hear you, I understand, I care, and I delight in you,”
a child can learn to feel valued, seen, and understood. When children feel accepted just as they are, they become more open to taking risks, expressing themselves, and building new skills.
Ultimately, I believe in the power of play to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Through the relationship between the therapist and the child, play therapy allows children to discover their strengths, build resilience, and address developmental, psychological, and behavioral challenges.
If you’re seeking a therapeutic approach that honors your child’s unique way of experiencing the world, therapeutic play could be the right fit. Together, we can help your child navigate their world with confidence, hope, and resilience.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about how play therapy can make a difference for your family.
