This is Viewpoints Explained…
There’s a very specific kind of standoff that happens when a young child refuses to put their shoes on. You’re already running late, they have very strong feelings about the velcro strap and they won’t let you help. So, what if – in response – you put your own shoes on your hands and asked, “Wait, is this how we do it?” It sounds ridiculous, but that’s kind of the point.
Researchers are finding that some silliness can be surprisingly helpful when it comes to parenting. In a 2025 study published in The Journal Early Child Development And Care, researchers observed more than sixty moms and their children ages four to seven, as they worked through a few frustrating activities. Some moms were encouraged to be more playful and use humor and imagination while others were told to just get through the task. The result? Kids in the playful group showed a more positive response and display of emotion.
What’s interesting is that parents in the playful group didn’t have to be naturally funny. A simple, three-minute video encouraging playfulness and showing some ideas made a difference. So, what does playful parenting actually look like day-to-day?
Playfulness is about using humor, creativity and spontaneity. For example, offer up some ridiculous solutions to everyday problems. Is their homework piling up? Maybe they need a time machine to go back and start it last week. Then – work together on a building a homework plan that feels manageable. With teenagers, an inside joke or laughing at your own mistakes can really help break the tension.
The key is knowing how to read the room. Playfulness shouldn’t mean making light of your child’s feelings or pushing humor when they’re actually upset. Sometimes, the goal is just to make a difficult moment feel a little less difficult.
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