New research in the BIG Start Report by LEGO Australia and Playgroup NSW found that 80% of parents face significant challenges engaging in play with their children. The culprits? Stress, overwhelm, and lack of time. One in three parents admitted to feeling bored or uninspired during playtime, and 61% reported feeling guilty about their child’s screen time.
In today’s fast-paced world, parents are juggling more responsibilities than ever before. The pressure to excel in our careers, maintain a household, and provide enriching experiences for our children can be overwhelming. It’s no wonder that when it comes time to play, many of us feel depleted.
I have one message for parents: you are doing far better than you realise.
Gen Z and Millennial parents today are actually spending more time playing with their toddlers than the generation before. The BIG Start report found that Australian toddlers spend an average of 52 hours a week playing, with most of that time shared with parents. This isn’t a sign that we’re falling short – it’s proof of just how much we care. But when we set impossibly high expectations for play, it’s easy to overlook the connection we’re already building.
But here’s the good news: Play doesn’t have to be another item on our to-do list or a performance to perfect. Children don’t need elaborate activities or constant entertainment. What they crave is connection. Simple, everyday moments – like stacking LEGO DUPLO bricks together or inventing a silly game – are the building bricks of a strong parent-child relationship.
These small interactions are powerful. They foster trust, boost emotional intelligence, and create a sense of security. When we engage in unstructured play, we allow our children to lead, make decisions, and express themselves. This not only supports their development but also alleviates the pressure on us to “get it right.”
These little moments are also incredibly meaningful for early childhood development.
It takes toddlers around 300 repetitions to learn a new skill – unless it’s done through play, which reduces that number to just 10-12. Play is how young minds make sense of the world, process emotions, and build confidence. It’s no surprise, then, that parents today rank social and emotional skills as more important than linguistic and motor skills, recognising that resilience, empathy, and communication are the foundation for future learning. When children feel safe, supported, and understood in play, the rest – language, academics, independence – naturally follows.
If you don’t know where to begin, Playgroup NSW offers a supportive environment where parents can come together, share experiences, and engage in play without judgment. These groups remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles and that community support is invaluable.
So, to all the parents feeling “over it,” know this: You’re doing better than you realise. It’s time to set aside the pressure to perfect play. Your child doesn’t need grand gestures or endless activities. They need you—present, engaged, and connected. Embrace the small moments, for they are the ones that truly matter.
Gen Muir is a parent educator, author, LEGO DUPLO ambassador, and founder of Connected Parenting. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children in today’s world.
