Is it okay to let kids “just have fun”?

Picture this: It’s summer vacation, and your child is begging to spend the day playing outside, while in the back of your mind, you’re worried about keeping up with academics. This dilemma isn’t just seasonal; it can pop up during any break or downtime. The question, “Is it okay to let kids “just have fun”?”, often feels like a choice between letting kids enjoy their childhood or pushing them to keep learning. But what if I told you that you don’t have to choose?

The Power of Play

Let’s talk about the incredible power of play. Play isn’t just a break from learning; it’s a vital part of it. When kids play, they’re not only having fun but also developing critical skills. They’re learning how to solve problems, think creatively, and interact socially. They’re building resilience, empathy, and independence. So when you let your child enjoy being a kid, you’re actually giving their brain the best possible workout.

Building Relationships Through Play

One of the best things we can do for our children’s development is to build strong, positive relationships with them. This doesn’t mean scheduling every moment with structured activities or educational games. It means spending time together, being present, and connecting in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a spontaneous game of tag, a lazy afternoon reading together, or just talking about their day, these moments of connection are invaluable.

Things that you would do anyway, without you knowing it, already incorporate learning. A trip to the zoo can turn into a science lesson. Cooking together can teach math and chemistry. The key is to integrate learning into everyday activities without making it feel like a chore. And always, if you feel it’s already leaving you exhausted or burned out, then you may need to rethink the activity. 

Invite your child to join you in activities that naturally blend play and learning. Whether it’s gardening, baking, or even a walk in the park, these shared experiences foster learning and connection without the pressure.

As parents, especially moms, we often carry a lot of guilt about not doing enough. I often hear moms feeling guilty because they felt they “haven’t been on top” of their kids’ academics. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to be constantly on top of academics for your child to thrive. By allowing them to enjoy their childhood and build strong relationships, you’re providing a foundation that supports all areas of their development. Let go of the guilt and trust that you’re doing an amazing job.

The beauty of parenting lies in the balance between structure and spontaneity, learning and play. Remember, you are the best parent for your child, not in spite of your imperfections, but because of them. It’s through these very imperfections that we grow, learn, and love more deeply than we ever thought possible.

If this post spoke to you, you’ll love our free parenting toolkit. You’ll receive guides on no-prep activities, handling tantrums, building early literacy, and other things you may be worrying about. 

So when it comes to questions like “Is it okay for my child to play or should I make my child learn” or “I should sacrifice fun so my child learns, right?” or “I’m so burned out but it’s all worth it right?” – these are choices and sacrifices that society is placing on you unfairly.

In reality, you don’t need to choose. Kids learn best through play or when they’re having fun. Your mental wellness is one of the biggest factors influencing your child’s healthy brain development.

Want more strategies on how to do this? In the next post, we’ll share three tips to keep kids engaged without exhausting yourself.

Be sure to follow the Discerning Parenting podcast. Until next time, here’s to embracing the beauty of parenting, with all its imperfections.