In a world full of pressure to “get it right,” it’s easy to become your own harshest critic—especially as a parent. We strive to be calm, creative, and present for our kids, while silently judging ourselves for not doing enough or not doing it perfectly. But play isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. And that connection starts with giving yourself the same grace you give your child.
This exercise isn’t just about how you interact with your kid—it’s about how you reframe your own mindset. Using simple, playful steps, you can gently quiet the inner critic and open space for more joy, more freedom, and more presence. These three levels invite you to reflect, release, and reimagine how you show up in play and in parenting.
+ Level: Find the Edge of Your Comfort Zone
Objective: Begin by identifying what feels safe enough to let go and be playful.
Maybe it’s singing in front of your child, making a silly face, or dancing in the kitchen. Whatever small step feels doable, start there.
This isn’t about pushing hard—it’s about finding a foothold where self-judgment eases and authenticity begins.
++ Level: Flip the Self-Talk
Objective: Ask yourself how you would want your child to see themselves—and then offer the same compassion to you.
Would you want them to be afraid to be silly? To believe they must always look or sound perfect?
Probably not. So why not model what it means to take up space, make mistakes, and still be loved?
+++ Level: Switch Roles
Objective: Let your child play “the adult,” while you play “the kid.”
Ask your child to pretend they’re you, and you’re them. Let them comfort you, give directions, or even remind you “it’s okay to be silly.”
This reverses the emotional dynamic and shows both of you that judgment can be replaced with humor, love, and lightness.
Final Thought:
The more you release judgment, the more room you make for growth—not just for your child, but for yourself. And in that space, real connection thrives.
