#35 Why I Never Play With My Kids (And How We Bond Instead)

"I Don't Like Playing With My Kids—And That Makes Me a Better Parent" Finally, someone's saying what you've been thinking. You love your children fiercely, but toy cars and dollhouses just aren't your thing. Before you spiral into parent guilt... this might actually be your secret weapon for deeper connection. The parenting world has convinced us that meaningful bonding requires endless hours of pretend play, but what if that advice is actually keeping you from the authentic relationship you're craving? What if your resistance to forced fun is your intuition telling you there's a better way? Here's what no one talks about: children can sense when we're going through the motions. When you're sitting on the floor feeling drained and resentful, pretending to enjoy something that bores you to tears, your child feels that energy. They know you're not really present—you're performing. But when you stop forcing behaviors that drain you and start connecting authentically, something magical happens. Your child gets the real you. The engaged you. The parent who shows up with genuine energy instead of forced enthusiasm. In this episode, I reveal 10 research-backed ways to build deeper bonds than forced play ever could. From the bonding behaviors that naturally release oxytocin, to the everyday moments that create unshakable security, these methods honor who you are while giving your child what they truly need. The parents who've embraced this approach report something surprising: their children seem not just more connected, but actually more independent and secure. Because when connection is authentic, children stop seeking constant validation and start thriving in their own play. Your child doesn't need another playmate—they need you at your best. And that happens when you connect from your strengths, not your weaknesses. ________________ 🔥 Ready to build authentic connection and a family culture that works for who you actually are? Join the Studio where we create meaningful family rhythms and raise confident kids without the performance: https://hifam.com/studio 📖 Want independent play so you have energy for real connection? Get the Reclaim Play course and free yourself from being the entertainment committee: https://reclaimplay.com