Why are parents ditching strict rules for this new ‘Kidulting’ trend?

Children are naturally playful, curious, and often mischievous. Parents, meanwhile, may feel compelled to maintain a serious and disciplined front to keep things under control. While this approach can instil obedience, it may also create emotional distance between parent and child.

To bridge this gap, a refreshing concept called kidulting is gaining popularity; a fun and mindful way for adults to reconnect with their inner child and, in the process, connect more deeply with their kids.

What is kidulting?

Kidulting refers to adults intentionally engaging in child-like or playful activities, such as doodling, playing board games, or building with blocks. For parents, it is an opportunity to bond with their children through shared joy.

Health experts suggest that kidulting allows parents to step away from rigid routines and rediscover spontaneity, helping families grow closer.

Why is kidulting a good parenting strategy?

According to mental health experts, when parents reconnect with their inner child, by doing light-hearted activities such as drawing, playing, or being silly, they create a safe space where children feel seen, valued, and emotionally secure.

A parent may believe that projecting a serious adult image earns respect and discipline from their children. While that might work in the short term, such interactions often stem from fear rather than comfort.

When parents lighten up and bring a sense of playfulness into daily life, children begin to see them as approachable. This encourages open communication and helps children express their worries more freely.

Experts also say that kidulting stimulates creativity for both parent and child, making it beneficial beyond emotional bonding. However, maintaining balance is key.

Parents do not need to neglect discipline or household responsibilities. Encouraging children to eat vegetables or sleep on time remains important, but moments of shared laughter and play can make family relationships warmer and stronger.

Five practical benefits of kidulting

Kidulting is not confined to parents alone. It offers joy and stress relief for anyone from young professionals, students, or to families, providing a moment of pause in a busy life. Experts observe that even adults at work can benefit from small acts of play, such as doodling or solving puzzles, which can refresh the mind and improve focus.

They add that when kidulting is woven naturally into daily life, it becomes an easy and sustainable approach to nurturing joy, creativity, and connection.

How to bring kidulting into everyday life

• Play and connect in groups

Organise group activities like board game nights, movie marathons, or themed scavenger hunts with friends, family, or colleagues. For both adults and children, joining hobby communities such as reading clubs, movie clubs, dancing or gardening fosters a sense of belonging and fun.

• Take short play breaks to reduce stress

Include short “play breaks” in your day. Spend five minutes doodling, gaming, or playing a quick game of table tennis. Parents can join their children for simple playtime. Even a brief game of tag can refresh the mind and lift the mood.

Set aside a few minutes for immersive play, such as completing a jigsaw puzzle, colouring, or gardening. Focus fully on the activity without distractions. Parents can also join children in building block towers or sandcastles, keeping phones aside to be present in the moment.

• Do hands-on creative projects with kids

Dedicate time each week for hands-on activities such as painting, crafting, or building LEGO structures. Working together on creative projects strengthens collaboration and sparks imagination in both adults and children.

Create a nostalgia corner

Set up a small space at home or work filled with objects that bring back happy memories from old toys, or favourite music. Revisiting simple joys from the past can create comfort and continuity, particularly during uncertain or stressful times.

(Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered professional medical, psychological, or parenting advice. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified experts for guidance tailored to their specific situations)