Let’s play! Simple ways to have fun and bond with your child

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, school holiday, or just an afternoon at home, parents are always looking for ways to keep their little ones happy, busy, and connected. One of the best (and simplest) ways? Good old-fashioned play.

According to the team at Takalani Sesame, play isn’t just about fun – it’s a powerful tool for nurturing your child’s emotional wellbeing, learning, and development. Their Bond Through Play campaign encourages families, especially fathers, to get more involved and enjoy hands-on, playful parenting.

Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director of Education and Outreach at Sesame Workshop South Africa, offers everyday ways to bring play into your routine – no fancy gadgets or extra prep needed.

Play is for everyone – and everywhere

You don’t need an expensive toy box or a “playtime schedule” to enjoy meaningful play with your child. It’s all about connection, imagination, and laughter. Try these easy ideas at home:

• Hide and seek – play with toys, indoors or outdoors.
• Storytime with a twist – make up tales with hand shadows or silly voices.
• Board or card games – perfect for family bonding on rainy days.
• Morabaraba – the traditional South African “three cows in a row” game.
• Kgati – a skipping rope game that’s great for movement.
• Diketo – a stone game that even adults will enjoy (try using your non-dominant hand!).
• Imaginary adventures – explore your living room as pirates, astronauts, or superheroes.

Turn chores into play

Yes, even doing the laundry or the shopping can become a playful moment! Everyday activities can double as games that build learning and connection:

• Laundry fun – sort socks by colour, or guess which family member wears which T-shirt.
• Grocery games – go on a shape or colour hunt in the cereal aisle.
• Cooking challenges – ask your child to hop like a bunny to fetch ingredients.
• On-the-go games – count how many red cars you see, play “I spy”, or find shapes in the clouds.

Play is about presence, not perfection

You don’t need a plan, budget, or Pinterest-worthy setup. All your child really needs is your attention and willingness to engage. Let them take the lead and follow their curiosity – you might be surprised where it takes you.

So next time you’re folding laundry, cooking dinner, or waiting in traffic, look for small opportunities to turn the moment into something playful. It could be the highlight of their day – and yours.

Because when families play together, everyone wins.