Finding it hard to be a playful mom? These 3 simple shifts can help

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When I first became a mom, I had this vision of the kind of mom I wanted to be: the one who effortlessly played with her kids, turned everything into an adventure, and always had energy for “just one more game”.

But then, reality hit. Some days, I found myself watching the clock while playing cars on the floor, counting down the minutes until I could check something off my to-do list.

I wanted to be present, but honestly, I wasn’t having fun.

And my son could tell.

Luckily, as I learned more about being an intentional parent, I realized something important: being a playful mom doesn’t mean loving every single game your kids love.

It’s not about being the funniest, silliest, most creative parent on the planet.

It’s about finding joy in the moments you do share.

So if playfulness doesn’t come naturally to you (or if you’re exhausted from endless rounds of hide-and-seek), these three simple shifts can help bring more play into your days (without forcing it).

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1. Find the play that feels like you

Here’s something I wish I had realized sooner: play comes in different forms.

I used to think that being playful meant loving pretend play, building LEGO for hours, or being the “fun” parent who turns everything into a silly game.

But the truth is, we all connect differently.

• Some moms love physical play: chasing their kids around the house, wrestling on the couch, turning the backyard into an obstacle course.

• Others love creative play: crafting, baking together, or making up stories.

• Some love quiet, cozy play: puzzles, books, simple games that bring everyone together.

I don’t like to spend hours on the floor playing with cars and trains. I don’t like to chase imaginary monsters all over the house. Or hiding from zombies under the blanket!

On the other hand, I am great at preparing scavenger hunts. I know how to create a lot of fun games my kids love. And I can spend hours in the library reading all the children books on the shelf.

Find what feels right for you. Instead of forcing yourself into play that drains you, lean into the kinds of play that feel genuinely fun.

Because when you enjoy it, your kids will too.

⭐ Try this: Make a quick list of activities that feel fun to you. It can be as simple as dancing in the kitchen, reading silly books, or playing board games. The goal isn’t to play more — it’s to play in ways that bring you joy, too.

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Bonus: The Playful Moments Together guide

If you want simple, fun ways to connect with your kids (without overcomplicating it), I’ve put together a collection of my favorite easy-to-do play ideas.

The Playful Moments Together guide is filled with quick, meaningful activities that bring more play and connection into your days, no extra planning required. Grab it here.

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2. Keep it simple (because kids don’t need Pinterest-worthy activities)

I used to think being a playful mom meant planning elaborate activities.

But the truth is, my kids don’t remember the big, planned moments nearly as much as they remember the small, spontaneous ones.

Play doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of the best moments happen when you let go of expectations and lean into what’s happening right in front of you.

⭐ Try this: The next time your kids invite you into their world (whether it’s playing a game, making up a story, or doing something completely ridiculous) pause before saying no. Give it two minutes. If it’s fun, keep going. If not, it’s okay to move on.

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3. Show up (even if you’re not in the mood)

Let’s be real: Sometimes, play is the last thing we feel like doing.

We’re tired. We have a million things on our minds. We just want five minutes of peace without someone asking us anything.

But here’s the thing: our presence means everything.

Your kids don’t need you to be the funniest or most creative. They just need to see that you want to be there.

That doesn’t mean you have to be “on” all the time. It just means that when you do join in, be there fully. Put the phone down. Look them in the eyes. Smile.

Because to them, your presence is the most playful thing of all.

⭐ Try this: The next time you sit down to play, set a timer for 15 minutes. No distractions, no multitasking — just play. If you’re into it, keep going. If not, at least you showed up. And that’s enough.

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Being a playful mom isn’t about doing it all. It’s not about loving every second of playtime or being the kind of mom who naturally turns everything into a game.

It’s about leaning into the moments that feel good, showing up when it matters, and letting go of the idea that play has to look a certain way.

Because in the end, it’s not about how much you play. It’s about how much joy you bring into the moments you do.

So give yourself permission to play your way. And know that no matter how you show up, it’s enough.

 

photo credit old preview photo: Nina Buday / shutterstock.com – photo credit old Pinterest photo: HTeam / shutterstock.com

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