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I’ve been on both sides of the playground as a dad—running around with my kids and playing silly games, and then just sitting on the bench, wishing for a break when my 4-year-old wants to tackle the monkey bars. The fun times are great, but they can really wear you out. On the bench, guilt often washes over me. Why do we feel so pressured to always be involved? It’s exhausting, and some parents are calling for a change.

Take Amanda, for instance. She’s a mom of three who recently shared her thoughts on Instagram. She pushed back against the idea that parents should always engage in play. In her video, she emphasized that it’s perfectly fine to let kids play independently while parents take a breather. Amanda pointed out that even influential parenting figures can promote this idea of constant involvement, which can make others feel guilty for needing rest.

In her post, Amanda stood firm: “It’s okay if you don’t want to be the adult scaling the playground!” She was surprised by the heated reactions her video sparked, with over 1.2 million views. Many viewers agreed with her, saying parents deserve breaks too. Some even shared how they effectively use that time to relax, chat with friends, or simply enjoy their coffee.

Of course, not everyone was on board. Some parents stressed the importance of being nearby for safety, especially if kids are navigating taller structures. “I wish I could relax, but my anxiety won’t let me,” one comment read. Another added that fear of accidents often keeps parents on high alert.

However, a large segment of commenters highlighted an important point: giving children space helps them learn independence. One mom noted that letting kids figure things out without hovering over them fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Scientific methods like Montessori emphasize that uninterrupted play is crucial for child development.

Interestingly, the current parenting landscape is vastly different from that of earlier generations. Many Gen X and Boomer parents were more comfortable allowing their kids to roam without excessive oversight. In contrast, Millennial parents face a barrage of advice and fear-inducing news that often leads to “helicopter parenting.” It’s easy to understand the urge to protect our kids, but sometimes that means holding back to let them explore and experience limits.

As the conversation continues, it’s evident that parents are slowly being encouraged to balance supervision with independence. Both playtime and downtime have their place. You don’t have to be the “always playing” parent or the “always watching” parent. It’s okay to find your own rhythm based on your child’s needs.

Ultimately, the key takeaway remains: It’s important to ease the judgment around parenting styles, allowing room for everyone to find what works best for their family. You deserve to take a moment for yourself, and so do your kids. Everyone benefits from a bit of balance.



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