Nonsense play
Using humour and absurdity to strengthen your bond and diffuse tension
Put your socks in the cereal bowl, eat soup with a fork, or wear your child’s underpants on your head during a tantrum - nonsense play invites laughter and light-heartedness into your day. It’s a simple yet powerful way to strengthen attachment bonds and defuse tense situations by creating shared joy. See also, pattern interrupts.
Materials needed
- None required (optional: silly props like hats, costumes, or utensils).
Instructions
- Start with silliness. Do something absurd and unexpected, like pretending to use a spoon as a phone or singing a song in a funny voice.
- Invite your child to join in. Encourage her to add to the nonsense by asking playful questions, such as “Do you think my shoe would make a good hat?”
- Respond enthusiastically. Laugh along with her and build on her ideas to keep the play flowing.
- Use nonsense play to diffuse tension. If your child is upset, try a silly action to disarm the situation, like putting her toy on your head and pretending it’s a crown.
Tips
- Follow her cues. If your child seems unsure, keep it light and give her time to warm up.
- Stay playful. Avoid pushing the humour too far; the goal is to make her laugh, not feel embarrassed.
- Keep it age-appropriate. Tailor your silliness to her developmental stage.
Expected outcome
- Stronger bond. Shared laughter enhances your connection and helps your child feel valued.
- Stress relief. Humour provides an outlet for tension and creates a positive emotional atmosphere.
- Emotional resilience. Playful interactions teach your child how to manage and recover from challenging emotions.
Why this works
Nonsense play leverages the power of laughter to strengthen your relationship and reduce stress. By stepping into her world of imagination and silliness, you show her that you are approachable and attuned to her emotions. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and trust.
Final word
Nonsense play transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for connection and joy. By embracing humour and absurdity, you can help your child navigate challenging emotions while building a secure attachment. Give it a try today and let me know how it works for you in the comments below.
Read the rest of the attachment play tools:
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