We don’t often talk about fun ways of improving behavior, but today’s episode will give you some strategies to do just that. I’m talking all about how to be a more playful parent so that you actually enjoy your kids more.We also all want to feel connected and create joyful memories with our kids. The moments we remember most are the ones that were emotionally charged. The memories aren’t about where you are or what you’re doing. They’re about how you FEEL. How do you want to feel this summer? Do you want to feel joy? Delight? Do you want to create memories that are filled with laughter and positive emotions?If so, you’re going to want to chase play and decide in advance that you want to feel more joy. Playful ParentingGood memories happen when we are enjoying our kids. when we stop trying to get things done and instead be in the moment and just sit and enjoy something with them.Being playful doesn’t require that you crawl on the ground playing with cars, dolls or building blocks. If you enjoy doing that, great! If you don’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a playful parent.Being playful is more of an energy. You might be quick to smile, think delightful thoughts about your kids or notice something silly.As adults, we are so focused on tasks, time and productivity. Kids don’t care about time. They only care about play. So if we can bring a little bit more playful emotion and energy into a scenario, it goes a long way.Benefits of PlayfulnessSupports learning and growthThrough play, kids try and fail. They explore, create and develop mastery. If you have a kid who has a tendency toward perfectionism or is a bit more strict with themselves, bringing in a little silliness frees them (and you). They don’t have to do everything “right” because there are no rules in playfulness.BehaviorWe get so serious about behavior sometimes. I talk a lot about limits, boundaries and consequences. But when our goals are for life to be easier, for things to go smoother and to have more joy and fun in our lives, play is a great way to do it.When you’re playful, you’re close and in connection with your kid. It makes them feel safer and in a better mood.  Processing negative emotionsPlay is also helpful for releasing emotional distress for some kids. It isn’t about discounting their feelings, but more about testing to see if they’re open to a smile or a giggle. Playfulness can be the release valve that turns tears into laughter, which is also a great way to process negative emotion.AttentionWhen you’re playful, it naturally brings your kid’s attention to you, which gives you an opportunity to set your limit or say whatever it is you want them to hear. Your kids are craving for you to play with them. They are craving your joy. They're craving your delight. They can't wait to see you at the end of the school day. They want your eyeballs on them.We love being in connection with our people, and our kids want that, too.11 Ways to Be a More Playful ParentFollow giggles and smilesNotice when your kids are smiling or giggling and come alongside and join in that playful energy. Be exaggeratedIt’s hard not to smile when you see someone being goofy. Singing, pretending to fall, pretending they’re really strong or doing a silly dance are all great ways to make kids giggle (or roll their eyes if they’re a little older ?).We want to watch the line here so we don’t cross over into mocking. But you can join in with them in a funny voice, going alongside their emotion and making it a little lighter. The key is to be attuned to their emotions and whether or not they want to engage in this...