You’re not wasting time.
You’re building a bond.

Rolling on the floor.
Throwing a football.
Building a Lego tower that collapses in six seconds.

That’s not extra.
That’s the job.

Play is where your kid feels safe.
Seen.
Heard.
It’s where they test rules without fear.
Where they learn joy, trust, grit, and imagination.

And here’s the kicker—you need it too.

You spend your day managing money, schedules, dishes, and drama.
Play resets your brain.
It reminds you why this whole “dad” thing matters.

So chase them around the yard.
Say yes to the tea party.
Do the silly voice.
Lose the board game on purpose (or don’t).

Because when you play, you’re not escaping work.
You’re doing it.
The work of connection.
The work of showing up.
The work of raising a kid who remembers that Dad made time.

So don’t skip the fun.
That’s where the good stuff is.