031 “I Can’t Play With My Kids”: Why It Feels So Hard and What Actually Helps

Ever feel like you should be playing with your child… but you just can’t bring yourself to do it?

Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you feel silly or awkward. Maybe you’re not even sure how to play anymore.

If this sounds familiar, you are so not alone. In fact, many loving, involved parents feel exactly the same. And in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why play can feel so hard and what can actually help.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, juggling part-time work, or doing it all, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling less guilty, more confident, and much better equipped to enjoy play (even just a little) with your child.

Here’s what we’ll unpack in this episode:

• 10 very real reasons why play feels hard for parents: from lack of time and low energy, to different play styles, technology distractions, and emotional burnout
• How your own childhood experiences (or lack of playful ones) might be influencing the way you show up for your child now
• The power of understanding play schemas, those fascinating patterns of repetitive play (like spinning, throwing, lining up, and wrapping things up) that tell you what’s going on in your child’s brain
• Simple, guilt-free strategies that help you connect through play... without needing to be silly, imaginative, or high-energy
• How play supports emotional intelligence, brain development, confidence, and deep parent-child bonds—even when it doesn’t look “educational”

Listen in and let this episode remind you:

You don’t have to do more or be more to be a good parent. Sometimes, all it takes is understanding why things feel hard—and seeing your child’s play through a new lens.

Want more support and ideas?

Visit www.playschemas.com for free resources, schema-aligned play ideas, and real-life parenting tips
 

Follow on Instagram: @play_schemas
 

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly encouragement and fresh inspiration

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow the podcast, share it with a friend, or leave a review—it helps more parents discover the power of play without pressure.

Because when we understand what play really is—we can stop feeling guilty and start feeling connected... and remember... today is a GREAT day to play!

Send us a text

If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.

Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
[e-mail]
www.playschemas.com

and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!