Life Kit The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better
85 snips
Jan 20, 2026 
Roger Harrison, the Division co-chief for Community Care and Wellness in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, shares insights on the 'special time' parenting technique. He explains how this daily five-minute playtime can enhance parent-child bonds and improve behavior. Discover the PRIDE method, which emphasizes praise and enthusiasm without commands or questions. Harrison highlights real-life successes where this approach reduced behavioral issues, making it a powerful tool for kids from toddlers to school-age.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Kids Live In A World Of Demands
- Children experience many demands and need breaks from constant commands.
- Special time disrupts that cycle and builds closeness that makes kids more likely to listen.
Schedule Five To Ten Minutes Daily
- Set aside five to ten minutes daily (aim for at least four times a week) and call it “special time.”
- Build it into your routine and give your child full, phone-free attention during that slot.
Avoid Directing Or Using Phones
- During special time, avoid commands, questions, and directions; ignore non-dangerous unwanted behaviors.
- Leave your phone elsewhere and never withhold special time as punishment or a reward.