How to Restart Playful Bonding at Any Age 

Parenting Perspective 

It is understandable to feel that opportunities for playful bonding belong to a child’s early years, but connection is not limited to one stage of life. Children of every age, whether young or entering their teens, still crave joyful engagement with their parents. What changes is not the need for play, but the form it takes. 

Let Go of the ‘Missed Window’ 

The first step is to let go of the idea of a ‘missed window.’ Approaching your child with guilt may make the interaction feel heavy or forced. Instead, start by observing what brings them joy now. If they are younger, it may still be imaginative games. If they are older, it could be sports, shared humour, board games, or even everyday banter. Meeting them where they are shows that you value their world rather than trying to rewind time. 

Secondly, begin small and consistent. You do not need to stage grand activities. Ten minutes of focused, lighthearted attention can be more powerful than hours of distracted presence. For example, you can join them in a game they already enjoy, laugh together over a funny video, or create a small ritual such as an evening walk or bedtime story, adapted to their age. 

A parent should also remember that bonding through play is not only about entertainment but about showing delight in one another’s company. If you bring warmth, patience, and presence into those moments, your child will gradually open up, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), verse 74: 

‘And those people that say: “O our Sustainer, Grant to us (those circumstances that make) our spouses and our offspring, a comfort for our eyes; and make us from those that have attained piety, and a role model”.’ 

This verse shows that righteous families pray not just for guidance but also for joy and comfort in one another. Joyful, playful bonds are part of that mercy Allah places within families. Even if a parent feels they started late, turning to Allah with this Dua and acting upon it can transform the relationship. 

The Prophetic Model: Playfulness is a Form of Mercy 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and honour our elders.’ 

[Sunan Abu Dawud,43:171] 

The holy Prophet ﷺ expressed love through both play and mercy, showing that connection is built by active care rather than age-limited behaviours. Playfulness with the young is a form of mercy, and honour with the older child is another. 

By letting go of guilt, engaging with your child in ways that reflect their current joys, and remembering that Allah rewards every step towards mercy, you can restart playful bonding at any stage. It is not about when you begin, but about the consistency of showing up with warmth and sincerity.