The 15-Minute Habit that Deepens Connection

Happy Thursday! You made it!

I know your time is limited (understatement of the year). But here’s one shift that can change everything: daily child-directed play.

Just 10-15 minutes a day — where your child picks the play, sets the rules (or doesn’t!), and you follow their lead. No life lessons, no agenda. Just connection.

You don’t have to be good at it. You don’t even have to like what they’re into (hello, trains, manga, or endless wrestling trivia). You just have to show up, say “Yes,” and go along for the ride.

If you have more than one kid, rotate. If you feel stuck, ask questions. If you feel silly, that means you’re doing it right.

Because this isn’t just about play — it’s about building trust, lightness, and connection that lasts. The kind that helps your relationship feel smoother, even when things get hard.

So if you’re thinking, “I don’t have another 15 minutes in my day,” I get it. I really do.

But I lovingly invite you to ask: Is there something else I’m spending time on that could flex just a little?”

Because this short window of play — where your child leads and you follow — might just be the most powerful parenting move you make this week.

Real World Strategy: 

• Set a daily play date: Aim for 10-15 minutes of child-directed play each day. If you have multiple kids and can’t play with each child every day, commit to playing with one child a day in a scheduled rotation. 

• Let them lead: Your child chooses the activity and runs the show – you’re just along for the ride. No teaching, no correcting, just connection. 

• Play what they love (even if you don’t): Whether it’s trucks, superheroes, or crossword puzzles you’re terrible at(maybe it’s just me?( – show up anyway. Interest is optional, presence is everything. 

📚Resource of the Week: 

Carving out time for play is essential when you’re building the kind of family you actually want to be a part of. Not sure how to make that happen? Parenting in the Real World is designed to guide you through it – step by step – no matter how old your kids are. 

Current clients: if you haven’t joined yet, check your email for a link! 

Curious? Learn more about the program here or head to my website and click the “Program” tab.

💬 Join the Conversation: 

Find me where the slightly overwhelmed, curious parents gather:  Bluesky / Instagram/ Tik-Tok

💌Newsletter Archive: 

Missed a good one? Want to revisit past nuggets of wisdom? Find them all here.

👋 Need More Support? 

If you feel like it’s all work and no play, reach out here. Parenting doesn’t have to be this hard.

You’ve got this.

Cari

p.s. Know another parent who could use short, sweet, and actually useful parenting tips? Forward this along! (And if someone sent this to you—nice work, you have thoughtful friends!) Click here to sign up and access the full archive.