Unleash Your Inner Pirate, Wizard, or Dinosaur: How to Play Like A Pro

Last week I found myself in a fierce battle with a bunch of pirates. I had a cutlass in one hand and a bag of gold in the other as I fought to free a princess being held in the ship's jail… entirely made up by the bunch of five year olds I was teaching. 

I’ve always been playful, much like the kids I teach, I just need a spark of imagination. Yet I hear so many parents tell me they struggle with play: "My partner is better at it than I am," or "I just don’t know what to say when my kid wants me to be a wizard!"

Studies show play is great for both adults and children, it strengthens bonds, gives you happy endorphins, reduces stress, fuels creativity and creates memories.

Play is a skill, and just like any skill, you can get better at it. Here are some ways to unlock your inner playfulness and make playtime feel more fun. 

1. Break down the barriers 

Like most things, there are barriers to getting started. You might be distracted by a to-do list or self conscious about running around a park pretending to be a dinosaur or overthinking getting it “right”. Step back and think about what’s holding you back and some ways around it. Put the to do list away for 30 minutes and play without distraction, be a dinosaur inside the house and know that there isn’t a “right” way to play. 

2. Yes And 

“Yes And” is one of the main principles of Improv comedy. You accept what someone is saying and build on it. Life in general is more fun when you yes and.

🗣 Child: "This teddy is the captain of the spaceship!"

🙋 You: "Yes! And he’s just discovered a planet made of spaghetti!"

What not to do:

🗣 Child: "This teddy is the captain of the spaceship!"

🙅 You: "That’s not a spaceship, it’s just a pillow."

By saying Yes And you are open to play; you’re building trust, adding excitement and fun and encouraging the person who made the offer to add more.

3. Get Specific 

Specifics make everything way more real. You feel more immersed in the environment you’re creating.

🚫 "Okay, you’ve got a cape."

✅ "Wow! That’s a shimmering cape of glory—does it give you super speed or invisibility?"

4. Follow their lead 

You don’t have to have all the answers, in fact, whilst playing it’s more fun and easier to follow the child’s lead. They get to be in charge! They will know where the edge of the spaceship is or how to sneak into the vampire’s lair. It’s also entertaining to see where their imaginations are leading them! 

🗣 Child: "Quick, the floor is lava!"

🙋 You: "Ahh! What do we do? How do we escape?"

🔑 Why it works: Kids already know the world they’re building. By asking questions and following along, you keep the fun alive without overthinking.

5. There’s no right or wrong

Kids weren’t given a rule book on how to play, they just experiment, get inspired by others and play. Follow their lead and experiment without judging yourself. 

6. Time Limit 

Kids can play for an extremely long time. Set a timer to remove the pressure of playing forever, this helps play feel more like a fun break rather than an obligation.

7. Do what you enjoy 

You’re going to enjoy some things over others. Not everyone loves playing superheroes or tea parties, so pick something you enjoy. 

• If you love building → Try Lego, forts, or cardboard crafting.

• If you love storytelling → Try making up bedtime stories together - you could even try saying one word at a time each! 

• If you love physical movement → Dance, chase, play tag.

Play opens a world of endless possibilities. The best and most fun play happens when you fully immerse yourself, let go, follow your child’s lead and say yes. Next time a pirate, astronaut, or talking teddy bear invites you into their world, see where it takes you. 

Want to take your play to the next level? Our upcoming Family Play Workshop is packed with fun, easy ways to bring more imagination into your home. It’s a chance to learn, laugh, and rediscover the magic of play—together!