19/04/2026
Here’s why I use playfulness to manage behaviour
I get it… your child is screaming at you, lay on the floor having a tantrum, you don’t feel like playing.
But that’s exactly why you need to keep scrolling…
As an adult you know how to differentiate between the annoyance of asda substituting your Prosecco for lemonade and a big bear chasing you….
Our children don’t. So tiny inconveniences elicit massive reactions. It can feel insane that they’ve screamed for 30 minutes over the wrong colour cup!
I’ve learnt with my youngest being playful stops her in an instant. It breaks the tension and connects us quickly.
“All sounds great Laura but I’m not good at thinking on the spot!”….
No worries! I got you….
1. Singing or dancing
2. ‘Buttons’ that elicit different reactions (squeaks, raspberries, quacking noises, go wild!)
3. Roleplay scenarios (police officer, nurse, teacher, baby)
Yesterday my 3 year old lost her mind because I said no to another snack. Screaming, snot, tears, you name it.
Buttons are a favourite here: quick little sneeze button had a little smile forming. When I found her ‘fart’ button the snack was forgotten… and lots of giggling followed.
Don’t trust me? Try it yourself!
Whilst you’re at it save this post so you can find it again and maybe share with another Mama who is in the throes of it too!!
Behaviour | tantrums | playfulness | playing the fool | toddlers | children | parenting | stop shouting | calm the chaos
