The Power of Play for Parents: Building Connection & Emotional Intelligence
When was the last time you truly played with your child, without distractions, without rushing, and without trying to turn it into a “teachable moment”?
For many parents, play can feel awkward, time-consuming, or even unnecessary. After all, kids have plenty of toys, friends, and activities — do they really need us to play with them too?
The answer is a resounding yes — not just for their sake, but for yours as well.
In this post, we’ll explore why play is so powerful for both parents and children, share some eye-opening research, and introduce you to a simple, effective method called the DRIP Technique that can help make play feel natural, meaningful, and fun.
Why Play Matters — For You & Your Child
We know play is crucial for children’s development. But what often gets overlooked is just how beneficial play is for parents.
Here’s what the research shows:
Parents who engage in regular play with their children report lower stress levels, better mood, and stronger bonds.
Kids of playful parents are more likely to have higher emotional resilience, better self-regulation, and fewer behavioral problems.
Just 10–15 minutes of engaged, distraction-free play can help reduce power struggles and increase cooperation.
Play is more than just entertainment. It’s how kids — and adults — build emotional intelligence skills like empathy, patience, and joy.
When you play with your child, you’re teaching them…
✨ How to express feelings safely
✨ How to connect with others
✨ How to bounce back from frustration
The best part is that while you teach your child, you are also strengthening your own EQ in the process.
The Challenge: Why Play Feels Hard
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time to play,” or “I’m just not good at playing,” — you’re not alone.
Many parents feel rusty when it comes to play. As adults, we’re conditioned to value productivity, efficiency, and results. But play operates on a completely different wavelength: it’s about curiosity, connection, and creativity.
The good news? You don’t need hours of free time or fancy toys to be a playful parent. You just need a willingness to show up and follow your child’s lead — and a simple framework to guide you.
Introducing the DRIP Technique
The DRIP Technique is an easy-to-remember, research-backed method for engaging in meaningful play with your child.
It’s especially helpful if you feel unsure about how to “get into” play or want to make the most of limited time.
Here’s how it works:
🌟 D – Describe
Describe what your child is doing, like a sportscaster narrating a game.
This shows you’re paying attention and valuing their choices.
“You’re stacking the red block on the blue one. Now you’re picking up the yellow one.”
🌟 R – Reflect
Reflect their emotions or thoughts to help them build emotional awareness.
“That tower falling down was frustrating, wasn’t it?”
“You look really proud of how high that tower is!”
🌟 I – Imitate
Join in by copying their actions. Let them lead, and simply follow along.
If they’re pretending to be a cat, crawl next to them and meow too.
If they’re coloring, pick up a crayon and color alongside them.
🌟 P – Praise
Offer specific, effort-focused praise, rather than vague compliments.
“You worked so hard to build that tower!”
“I love how you kept trying even when it fell.”
“I am having so much fun playing with you.”
Tips for Using DRIP
Set aside 10–15 minutes of uninterrupted time.
Put away your phone and give your full attention.
Let your child choose the activity — you just follow their lead.
Remember: the goal isn’t to “teach” or “fix” — it’s to connect.
Even a few minutes a day, a few times a week, can make a big difference.
The Bottom Line
Play is one of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools for raising emotionally intelligent children and maintaining emotional connection as a parent.
It’s not about being perfect or endlessly entertaining. It’s about being present.
So this week, try the DRIP technique during just one play session with your child. Notice how they light up — and how you feel too.
And if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag me at @raising_eq — because raising EQ starts with little moments like these.
Want more?
If you found this helpful, subscribe to my podcast Raising EQ, or join my newsletter for more tools, tips, and inspiration to help you and your child grow together.
Until next time — stay kind, stay curious, and don’t forget to play.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
🖤 Dr. H