Project Parenthood Why is playing with your child so hard?
Oct 6, 2025
Playing with children can sometimes feel overwhelming due to emotional triggers from our own childhood experiences. Dr. Nanika Coor explores how these 'shark music' reactions impact parental interactions. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming these feelings to foster deeper connections during play. The discussion includes practical tips for transforming play into shared joy, reframing it as a healing opportunity, and establishing rituals that make it easier. Acknowledging our body’s responses can also enhance our parenting journey.
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Play Can Stir Up Old Wounds
- Shared play invitations can trigger old wounds, not just present annoyance.
- Recognizing that reaction as past-based
Circle Of Security Frames 'Enjoy With Me'
- The Circle of Security maps children's needs between exploration and returning for comfort.
- 'Enjoy with me' sits on the top half and asks parents to share curiosity and delight.
Shark Music Is Your Nervous System Alarm
- 'Shark music' is the nervous system's alarm that misreads a child's invite as threat.
- That alarm causes annoyance, shutdown, over-control, or brushing off the child.
