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Calmer routines

Calmer routines

Turn daily struggles into playful moments of connection and teamwork!

Getting kids to cooperate with daily routines can feel like a never-ending struggle - but play can help! Whether it’s getting dressed, brushing teeth, or heading out the door, sometimes power struggles and delays can be calls for small moments of connection amidst our rushed and busy schedules.

Laughter, imagination, and games can be transformative in making daily transitions smoother and more fun for everyone. And these moments of playfulness can work even better when you use them outside of stressful moments too, as a natural part of your day.

Because sometimes, a little play is all it takes to turn "just do it" into "let’s do it together!".

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43 play ideas in the "Calmer routines" playlist

Rainbow flower hunt
Rainbow flower hunt
Head outside for a gentle colour matching adventure, spotting flowers and tiny natural treasures.
5m
30m
Joy list
Joy list
Inner Child Joy
A simple, playful way to notice and collect life’s little glimmers, small moments that make you smile, feel seen, or spark delight. It helps shift focus from stress or to-dos to everyday magic.
1m
5m
Family shoe race
Family shoe race
Turn the morning rush to leave the house into a playful ritual with a family shoe race!
0m
2m
  ·  connect
Stinky monster
Stinky monster
Turn hygiene battles into giggles with the silly, loveable Stinky Monster - a playful character who adores stinky kids!
0m
2m
  ·  connect
High, low, buffalo!
High, low, buffalo!
A simple, low-pressure ritual for families to reconnect and share moments from their day.
0m
5m
  ·  connect
"Serious Announcement" day
"Serious Announcement" day
Connect and laugh at home with random formal announcements
0m
1m
  ·  connect
Motivation sprinkles
Motivation sprinkles
A playful ritual to try when someone needs a dash of encouragement or motivation
0m
2m
  ·  connect
Pretend magic scooter
Pretend magic scooter
Turn an ordinary walk into an extraordinary adventure by pretending to ride magical scooters with endless powers and silly surprises. A perfect way to connect, distract from tired legs, and spark imaginative fun on the go.
0m
10m
  ·  connect
Mindful tea break
Mindful tea break
A gentle self-care play idea - making a cup of tea slowly and mindfully. By engaging your senses at each step, you can turn an everyday routine into a grounding ritual of rest, presence, and play.
1m
5m
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Listen to a podcast / audiobook
Listen to a podcast / audiobook
A great alternative to screen time, podcasts and audiobooks can invite calm and entertainment into your day without the overstimulation.
1m
30m

Find more ways to play

Get some you-time
Get some you-time
Build connection
Build connection
Learn through play
Learn through play
Play for your inner child
Play for your inner child
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