Engage in Creative Play (Art, Music, Storytelling)

Ever tried to sculpt a dinosaur from Play-Doh while your toddler insists it’s actually a spaceship, and your dog eats the evidence? Welcome to creative play: the land where glitter multiplies, paint gets everywhere except the paper, and you discover your true calling as a backup singer to ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ (on repeat). If you’re looking for a way to turn chaos into connection—and maybe sneak in a little emotional growth—this is your jam.

Creative play is like a neural smoothie for kids and parents: it boosts emotional regulation, helps everyone process big feelings, and builds those all-important brain connections for problem-solving and empathy. For parents, it’s a sneaky way to de-stress and bond (plus, you get to flex those long-dormant imagination muscles).

How to do it

  1. Lower your expectations. Remember, masterpieces are optional—mess is mandatory.

  2. Gather some basic supplies. You can use paper, crayons, kitchen instruments, or even just your best silly voice.

  3. Follow your kid’s lead. If they want to draw purple cows, roll with it and join their imaginative world.

  4. Narrate and celebrate their ideas. Even if you have no clue what’s happening, show enthusiasm and encouragement.

  5. Keep sessions short and sweet. Bonus points for spontaneous dance breaks!

Key Tips:

  • Embrace creativity and imperfection.
  • Use whatever materials are on hand.
  • Let your child take charge of the activity.
  • Offer positive feedback and celebrate effort.
  • Keep things light, fun, and flexible.

When you notice your child getting fidgety or bored.

Grab a crayon and draw a silly face together, even if it’s just for one minute.
Do a quick high-five or make a dramatic ‘ta-da!’ sound effect.
Put a small basket of art supplies (crayons, paper, stickers) in the room where you spend the most time.

When you’re waiting for something to cook or heat up in the kitchen.

Bang out a goofy rhythm on the pot and invite your child to join for a few beats.
Strike a rockstar pose and say, ‘We nailed it!’
Create a ‘music drawer’ with a couple of safe kitchen utensils and a pot.

When you’re both sitting down for a snack.

Pick a sticky note and tell a two-sentence story together.
Give your story a round of applause (even if it’s just you clapping).
Write a few silly story prompts on sticky notes and stick them somewhere visible.