The balance of play

“Please can you play with me?”
– Six little words that can fill me with both joy… and dread.

I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.

When the washing pile seems to multiply on its own, dinner isn’t sorted, and you’re suddenly wondering whether you ever sent back that nursery letter, your mind becomes a loud, messy place. Some days, I genuinely wonder if a part of my inner fun disappeared the moment I gave birth.

Sometimes it’s simply about creating tiny pockets of play — small moments of connection fitted into the reality of everything else going on.

Then there are days where I feel like all I do is play. I’m pulling out the paints, turning boxes into spaceships, setting up garden tea parties — desperate to make up for the times I was too busy. And on those days? My children usually don’t want to know. All the effort ends in chaos, tears, or everyone needs the same colour tea cup. It can feel like no matter how much effort I put in, there’s always a meltdown waiting around the corner.

Lately though, I’ve been working on finding a balance. And that’s what I want to share with you.

I’m learning that play doesn’t have to take over the whole day. It doesn’t always need to be led by me or look perfect on Instagram. Sometimes it’s simply about creating tiny pockets of play — small moments of connection fitted into the reality of everything else going on.

For us, that now looks like choosing toys that invite the children in, where I can join for a moment and then gently step back. Open-ended toys give them the freedom to make up their own ideas, and that actually makes things easier for us too. I love toys that move with us from room to room: a tower of blocks growing beside me while I cook lunch, or a full vet appointment for the soft toys happening at my feet as I fold the washing. They stay close, they play, they learn — and I get to breathe.

Play looks different every single day here. Sometimes it’s five minutes, sometimes it’s fifty. Sometimes I’m all in on the floor. Other times I’m supervising with a cup of coffee in hand. And all of it counts. Because it’s in those ordinary moments — the laughter over pouring pretend tea, the frustration over a wobbly tower, the negotiation over cup colours — that imagination sparks, and confidence grows. And as a mum, being able to witness that, even while juggling life, feels like a huge win.

So if you feel pulled between the to-do list and another round of “play with me?”, please know you’re not alone. Play can be simple, messy, loud, calm — beautifully ordinary. What matters most is the connection. The shared giggles. The tiny memories forming in between everything else.

That balance, between real life and meaningful play, is exactly what inspired me to create Ellor & Co: toys designed to fit seamlessly into family life, spark imagination and make play feel natural again.

‘Play-By-Your-Side’ Activities

Block Towers by the Cooker: Set up a basket of blocks or stacking cups in the kitchen. Build towers together while you prep meals, letting your child lead the design.

Sock Puppet Vet Clinic: Gather soft toys and a laundry basket. As you fold washing, invite your child to run a “vet clinic” for their toys at your feet.

Imagination in Small Spaces

Cardboard Box Transformations: Keep a few boxes handy. One day it’s a spaceship, the next a shop counter. Let your child decorate or decide what it becomes.

Mini Tea Parties: Use real or pretend cups for a quick tea party on the sofa, in the garden, or even under the table.
Let your child pick the “guests” (toys, siblings, or you).

Five-Minute Connection Games

Treasure Hunt: Hide a small toy or note somewhere in the room. Give clues or play “hot and cold” to help your child find it.

Simon Says (with a Twist): Add silly actions or let your child take the lead as “Simon.”

Open-Ended Play Prompts

Loose Parts Basket: Fill a tray with safe household items, like spoons, ribbons, lids, pegs. See what your child invents!

Nature Collage: Collect leaves, twigs, and flowers on a walk. Make simple art together at home.

“Together, Then Apart” Play

Start a Story: Begin a story with a few sentences, then let your child finish it or act it out with toys.

Build and Step Back: Start a train track or puzzle together, then encourage your child to keep going solo while you do a nearby task.

Remember: It’s okay if play is short, imperfect, or interrupted. The magic is in the shared moments, even if they’re just a few minutes at a time!