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We all want to make the best decisions for our children and neighbors. I totally get it. I joke with my close friend about whether we should intervene or let our children make all the rules for their games. It is hard to understand the differences as more parents transition from adult-led childhoods to child-led parenting methods.

There are times when we can be in charge of the situation. And depending on the age, safety requirements, and amount of children, we should be more involved.

Adult-led play is when parents, caregivers, or teachers guide children through an activity they have decided requires adult supervision. They facilitate communication and are very active during the game or activity.

This post will define adult-led play, identify the adult’s role, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages. There are example activities and ways to plan adult-led games to ensure the best possible experience for your children.

Adult-Led Play

When parents and adults control a learning experience, they are active, supportive, and engaged. Adult-led play requires the parent to make the rules, decide safety measures, and reinforce communication.

Many people believe that adult-led play is unnecessary, while others think it is the only way to direct kids. There are productive ways to control activities and everyday examples people think of when hearing the term.

Some people may have even heard the term scaffolding; when children try new skills built from prior knowledge. Scaffolding allows adults to assist in developing new skills and is often practiced by teachers. Children must cooperate, share, and negotiate ideas to develop new skills within a group or problem-solve.

What is the Adult’s Role?

Parents must encourage rule-following and enforce safe boundaries. Teachers and instructors will incorporate play into routines. Adult-led play is done at school, during organized sports, at home, or at a park to have shared experiences, promote skill-building, and explore elaborate concepts.

According to Twinkl, children are led by adults in games, activities, and interactive classes. This type of play is commonly used by teachers when they want to have an organized and structured classroom and also by parents when they are directing community games or activities that require safety rules.

Parents can lead children if they are in a group or in charge of a certain experience. If you are a playful parent, you should try to balance things out by trying some adult-led activities. Incorporating different methods will help you engage in many opportunities and significantly benefit your family.

Parents and teachers should let the child determine their level of play and engagement. Let them know it is an adult-led game because you have rules and want everyone to participate. If they don’t want to play, don’t force them.

Advantages of Adult-led Play

Some of the advantages of adult-led play are discussed in another article. I will link it right here. Check it out if you want to go more in-depth.

Here are some advantages of adult-led play.

An environment where rules are followed creates structure
Adults reinforce communication skills
Children can try high-risk activities (woodworking, sewing, driving)
All children have a chance to be involved in the project
Children learn to cooperate
Kids have a chance to channel emotions with an adult present

Disadvantages of Adult-led play

Reasons people don’t like adult-led play usually stem from the peaceful or positive parenting movement. While I approve of peaceful, positive, and playful parenting, I also appreciate and value some adult-led play.

When it is done correctly and not out of insecurity or a position of power, adult-led play can improve communication and give children more opportunities. However, there are many disadvantages too.

Here are some disadvantages of adult-led play.

Playtime is too structured
Less time for free play
It may be really stressful for kids
Adults ignore children’s natural cues
Kids are not in charge
Activities pressure kids
It can get boring for some children
Children might get confused easily
Learning takes longer in big groups

Adult-led Play Activity Examples

Examples of adult-led play will contain organized sports, games, interactive activities, and high-risk activities. Think of driving, playing chess, Simon says, and outdoor games like 4 square.

Here are some examples of adult-led play.

Board games
Gardening
Cooking
Woodworking
Circle-time games
Driving practice
Sports practice
Playground games
Classroom games
Copy-cat games

Here are some teacher-led activities for preschoolers.

Musical chairs
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes
Ram sam sam
Hokey Pokey
Simon Says
Twister
Bingo
Lava Monster!
4-square
Duck, duck goose
Row your boat
Hide and seek
Parachute
Hopscotch
Red light, green light
I-spy
Charades

Adult-led vs. Child-led Play

There are some differences between adult-led play and child-led play. Many people get confused with balancing the two and give up playing altogether. Don’t give up. Playing can be super tricky!

Here are some tips for playing with kids. This article discusses the difference between both.

No matter the setting, learning different strategies and ways to communicate will help you identify your kid’s goal, ultimately dictating whether your presence is needed.

During adult-led play, the teacher or parent is in charge of guiding and directing children. They may have rules, require cooperation, or want to teach a skill. Child-led play is when a child leads themselves into a learning experience and determines their own goals and objectives.

Parents or teachers are likely with children during both, but their level of involvement is determined by children’s motivations, safety, and group size.

Planning Adult-led Play

Decide on an appropriate setting and the level of involvement your children require to determine your role in their play. Think about whether you will be a coach, instructor, or parent in a particular situation to assess your involvement.

Consider safety, time constraints, and the child’s age before committing to an activity. If a child asks to do something that requires your help –like baking cookies– you may need to decide if you have the time and ingredients.

Help children feel valued by reflecting on their ideas and communicating possible problems and ways to plan. There may not be enough time to make cookies tonight; you might not have the tools to build a giant ramp.

Make a list of materials to collect, watch the forecast, and identify a large backyard or playground to meet at. Have kids make invitations; involve neighborhood kids and siblings in creating rules for everyone’s safety. Encourage everyone to get to know each other and value the steps it takes to start new relationships. Show kids that planning is part of the fun!

These questions will help you plan adult-led play.

Which hat are you wearing?
Are there safety considerations?
What location is best?
How many kids are involved?
What is the age range?
Do you have the tools, ingredients, or supplies?
Do you have time?

1. Which Hat Are You Wearing?

Are you parenting, teaching, instructing, or coaching?

Consider your role before committing to a child’s idea or implementing a group activity.

I have been a teacher and an instructor; I am also a parent. I have to remember who I am before implementing rules and strategies. If I am with a group of kids at a community center, it is different than when I am with a group of friends I know very well.

Parents often get confused because they want to allow their children to explore freely and without limitations. Often, adults confuse teaching or coaching roles with parenting roles. Shifting from one hat to another hat is pretty challenging, but identifying which hat you are wearing will help you as you decide to be active in their play or more passive.

If you are a teacher or instructor, you may already have things planned for your group of kids. If kids have their own ideas, they will tell you. Make a note of the children’s ideas and let them know that you appreciate their suggestion and that you will consider it for future activities.

Some situations that require adult-led play are more obvious than others. If you are a sports coach, you are definitely directing a team. If you are the parent of two, you might be able to be more relaxed. If your 3-year-old starts cooking eggs on the stovetop, you will want to help direct the egg cooking.

2. Are There Safety Considerations?

The rules you must enforce will help you determine some boundaries and help you make some choices.

Particular safety requirements might change where activity is held and who is involved. When parents, teachers, and instructors direct actions, the safety and rules often dictate where it is held and who can be involved.

If you practice driving with a teen, you should discuss the location and time. Perhaps a neighbor wants to play a street game. The safest time for the game might be determined by traffic patterns.

You may be able to ask older children whether they need or want your help with something, whereas, with younger children or tweens, you assess the safety requirements first and recommend your assistance before they begin.

3. What Location Will Be Best?

Consider the setting and your role as an in-charge adult to make it safe and fun!

Certain games and activities are best done at a large playground or field. Some can be done in your backyard, school, center, or your home. Decide which location is best suited for the game and be aware of the rules, space, and equipment required for the game.

Many games are done in the house at a table, while others require more materials and planning. Location is part of the process, and considering the best location for a project or activity will help it happen smoothly and efficiently.

4. How Many Children are Involved?

Group games might need more children than child-led activities. Consider inviting groups of kids to a specific location and help prepare them for the game. Let them know it is an organized game and that there are rules to make it happen properly.

The more kids in the game, the more an adult may need to reinforce rules and boundaries.

If you are well-versed in games, you may be able to suggest other kids make the rules and help them take turns creating regulations and strategies.

5. What Are The Ages of the Children?

Consider the age range to create rules and reinforce the safety aspects within the setting. A neighborhood game might need to be moved to a small field if some younger children are not paying as close attention to the road as older children.

Younger children might need a parent or guardian for the group activity to happen smoothly. Differing ages might also mean that supplies will vary due to the age range and skills. Classroom teachers will need to modify tools and evaluate objectives to accommodate different age groups.

6. Do You Have the Tools, Ingredients, or Supplies?

Listen to children and reflect on their ideas. Discuss what you need to purchase before committing to an activity. Make a list of tools for ramp building or sports equipment needed for a neighborhood game. Create ingredient lists for cooking or plants for gardening.

Let them be involved when you go to the store and pick out certain materials. Carving out time to collect the materials needed for activities will greatly benefit you when the time comes to set the date.

7. Do You Have the Time?

Sometimes, kids, teachers, and parents have fantastic ideas but don’t have the time. Asking this question will help you determine whether it is even an option yet. Let your child, or group of children, know the amount of time the activity or game requires before committing.

Decide on the amount of time the game requires and consider other people’s schedules. Community gardening might take a few hours, but a game of duck, duck goose is faster. 🙃

And of course, get out the calendar and set the date!

Conclusion

Adult-led play certainly can play a role in some people’s lives. Although new parenting methods rely heavily on child-led play, some situations require more adult supervision than others. Parents within a community might facilitate groups games, and some parents coach a sports team. Whatever your role, remember to have fun and keep everyone safe as they learn and develop together.

What is Adult-Led Play?