You'd rather finish playing and lie down on the couch in front of your favorite show - is it okay to feel that way? Yes, it is! Always having fun while playing is an impossible goal to strive for.

Do you find it boring to play with your child?

Knowing how important you are to your child as a parent and how important play is to your child's development can bring up feelings of inadequacy and guilt for some parents, especially if you feel that play is boring. They may think they should play more, better or in a different way. Some people find it difficult to know how to play with their child.

Parenthood comes with many new areas and there is no parent who doesn't experience challenges and struggle with some part. This does not mean that we are bad parents! It might be good to remind ourselves that there is no perfect parent. We do our best and should strive to be good enough, not more.

Children's play changes rapidly as they develop and many parents may find that play is boring for a period of time, only to feel more rewarding as the child gets older.

Play can take many forms, but the most important thing is to have moments where you spend time with your child. Perhaps you already have such moments, even if you didn't see them as play before? If you find it difficult to know how to play, try to observe your child when he or she is playing, put into words what the child is doing and try to follow the child's initiative in play.

Final word: It is possible to play with your child even if it feels boring and it does not mean that you are a bad parent.

If you would like more tips and support on play and interaction, it is a good idea to bring it up at the BVC where you can get advice and also further help if needed.