A study shows almost half of British parents feel too self-conscious to throw themselves into imaginative games with their children – but there are ways to enjoy it
If you’ve ever cringed at the thought of doing silly voices at bedtime, or pretending to be a pirate during playtime, you’re not alone.
A new study has found almost half of British parents (49%) feel too self-conscious to throw themselves into imaginative games with their children, with more than a quarter (26%) admitting they feel “stupid” while doing it.
From funny voices (17%) and dancing (19%) to dressing up (21%) or playing hide-and-seek (14%) – millions of mums and dads say they feel awkward letting their inner child run free, while nearly half (43%) have even turned down a child’s request to play, because the game required “too much imagination.”
But according to clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr Martha Deiros Collado, this reluctance is stopping parents from forming deeper emotional bonds with their children -and the fix is easier (and less cringey) than you might think.
“When adult brains mature, we lose the fluidity to enter imaginary worlds with ease,” explains Dr Martha. “Play can feel uncomfortable not because parents doubt its value, but because it triggers feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness.”
READ MORE: Electric ride-on tractor toy gets slashed by £140 in time for early Christmas shoppingREAD MORE: ‘I spent a day at my kid’s school and made 6 key observations’
The research, commissioned by PAW Patrol, found more than half (54%) of parents admit they struggle to think playfully, while 55% envy others who seem naturally creative. Yet the rewards are undeniable: 61% say their kids are noticeably happier when they play together, and 59% feel closer to their children afterwards.
So how can you overcome the awkwardness and actually enjoy playtime?
Dr Martha says the secret lies in five simple mindset shifts that can help even the most reluctant parent rediscover their playful side.
READ MORE: ‘My son’s school refused to let him eat this simple snack – now I’ve pulled him out’
1. Set aside dedicated “play time”
Start small – even 10 minutes can make a difference. “Create short, regular bursts where playing together is the only goal,” says Dr Martha. “Set a timer if it helps. Knowing it’s just for a short while can make it easier to relax and be present.”
2. Let your child take the lead
You don’t have to invent elaborate stories or characters. “The best way to play is to let your child guide you,” she explains. “Narrate what you see, react with curiosity, and follow their cues. You’re joining their world – that’s what matters.”
3. Think of it as ‘connection time’, not ‘playtime’
If the word play makes you cringe, reframe it as time together. “When you join your child’s world, you’re not just being silly – you’re building trust and empathy,” says Dr Martha. “It’s a window into how they see the world.”
4. Don’t fear getting it ‘wrong’
Worried your child will tell you you’re doing it wrong? Embrace it. “Play is all about flexibility,” says Dr Martha. “When they correct you, make it part of the fun. It teaches them resilience and gives you both permission to laugh at mistakes.”
5. Be fully present
Put the phone away – literally. “It’s easier to engage when distractions are out of sight,” she says. “Play without screens for a few minutes and notice how grounded you feel afterwards – and how much your child lights up from your attention.”
It’s no surprise that two-thirds (66%) of parents admit to feeling “parental guilt”, often comparing themselves to others in the playground or online.
But Dr Martha insists it’s not about being perfect – just being present. “Children don’t need parents who can act, sing or dance,” she says. “They just need parents who show up, even if they feel a bit silly doing it.”
