Too Busy to Play? Read This.
Four Simple Ways To Turn Five Minutes Into Something That Lasts
What if five minutes really is enough?
You don’t always need a full hour, a perfect plan, or an empty to-do list. Sometimes, what your child needs most is just a few minutes of you.
I know how fast the day goes. I know how easy it is to feel like it’s never enough. But let me gently remind you of this truth:
Connection doesn’t always need a big production. It just needs a beginning. And five minutes is enough to begin.
If you’re short on time (which, let’s be real, who isn’t?), here are four simple ways to make five minutes count:
01. Play what they choose.
Let them lead. Even if it’s the same game, same toy, same routine again. When you follow their lead, you're saying: I see you. I’m with you. That’s powerful.
02. Slow down one thing.
Pick one moment. Getting dressed, loading into the car, pouring the cereal, and just… slow it down. Talk about it. Laugh through it. Let them help, even if it’s messy. Sometimes the ordinary becomes meaningful when we stop rushing.
03. Say what you see and feel.
“You’re building so tall!”
“You worked hard on that puzzle!”
“I love spending time with you.”
These little affirmations stick. They build language and belonging all at once.
4. Use your voice like a storybook.
Read with animation. Make animal sounds. Sing instead of speak. Even if you're just narrating snack time or brushing teeth, your voice invites joy and models language. (And if you need a song, “Wheels on the Bus” still works.)
Need more ideas like this? Our Play by Play guide is filled with daily prompts that help you connect and build language in the moments you already share. No extra time or prep needed. You can grab it here. We hope you’ll feel confident knowing you’re doing enough, even if it’s five minutes at a time.
