The Importance of Playing as a Family 

By Elizabeth Davis Extension Associate Professor and Naomi Brower Extension Professor

Did you know that playing as a family is not just fun but also an investment in your child’s development and the strength of your family’s relationship? Research has shown that children who spend time with their family have:

• Fewer behavioral problems.
• Less substance abuse and delinquency.
• Better academic outcomes.
• Less depression and more feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

Here are some suggestions on how to increase play time in your family.

• Schedule play time – make sure that there is dedicated time in your schedule to spend together
• Get everyone involved - get input from each member of the family on activities they would like to do
• Turn regular activities into play time – look for opportunities to make regular activities a fun and playful experience (e.g., grocery shopping, fixing dinner, etc.)

Additional resources:

The free Hidden Gems Family Fun adventure guides provide fun themed activities that can be adapted for your family’s interests, as well as a discussion topic and questions about some aspect of positive youth development. Using these guides can help you to:

• Connect through fun activities (off-screens).
• Promote communication and problem-solving.
• Feel closer as a family.

Download now at www.hiddengems.usu.edu.

Reference:

• Guan, S. A., Bower, J. E., Almeida, D. M, Cole, S. W., Dahl, R. E., Irwin, M. R., Seerman, T. E., McDade, T., & Fuligni, A. J. (2016). Parental support buffers the association of depressive symptoms with cortisol and C-reactive protein during adolescence. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 57, 134–43.
• Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center. (2018, March 11). News you can use: Play. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/curriculum/article/news-you-can-use-play
• Milkie, M. A., Nomaguchi, K. M., & Denny, K. E. (2015). Does the amount of time mothers spend with children or adolescents matter? Journal of Family Relations, 77(2), 355–372.
• Musick, K., Meier, A., & Flood, S. (2016). How parents fare: Mothers' and fathers' subjective well-being in time with children. American Sociological Review, 81(5), 1069–1095.