Busy days often mean rushing from one place to another—but these in-between moments hold rich opportunities for connection, creativity, and play. Whether it’s the walk to school, the drive to sport, or a quick trip to the shops, small pauses and playful interactions can transform routine travel into meaningful experiences. Nature Play WA‘s very own CEO, Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, joined Bec and Asa on Drive to talk about this!
Free Time
Kelsie said she personally relates to feeling like she doesn’t have much free time, but offered suggestions as to how parents can weave play into what they are already doing.
“Depending on the age of the kids, music’s a great way to sort of get the vibe happening. Lots of things like those games that we used to play when we were kids for trying to get through the time in the car.”
She reminded us that kids are creative too, where all it takes is parents setting the vibes for them to play.
“If I decide that we’re going to play a game, they’ll get in the routine of that and then come to expect that as well. Anything from spotting things to bingo games or memory games,” said Kelsie.
Parents’ Pet Peeves
“A lot of families and parents pet peeves are shopping, grocery shopping with your kids,” said Kelsie.
She argued, however, that approaching tasks with a more playful attitude can make it more enjoyable for all.
“Instead of trying to get them to be quiet and maybe look at a screen, we can do things like try and balance on things or not touch the cracks or skip or whatever it is to try and get them focusing on doing something playful.”
She said that either way the tasks need to be completed, so it is worth making it fun for everyone in the meantime.
Perpetual Parenting
Kelsie outlined that it is exhausting for parents to come up with games, but a lot of parenthood is a marathon.
“Parenting full stop is exhausting and you just need to set the tone, set boundaries around when screens are put away. Kids also love repetition, so games like Spotto or the memory game aren’t boring.”
Kelsie said she creates trolley games with the kids while they are shopping for groceries and it makes errands more engaging.
“It brings that pace down a little bit. It’s so good for our kids’ wellbeing, but it really, and our wellbeing as adults, but it helps us feel connected. So, when there’s a bit of a pause and there’s a bit of calm and the mood is not intense, it also helps the kids bring things up that they might want to talk to you about.”
Forgotten Thoughts
It is also a good opportunity for kids to feel calm enough to remember a forgotten thought or share what is currently on their mind.
“Then you feel better as a parent, especially if you’re generally feeling rushed and stressed. You feel like you’re a better parent, and that just makes you feel better. So that’s good for everybody.”
Check out the full chat with Kelsie Prabawa-Sear below.