This story is part of “Parenting: What Google Won’t Tell You” — The Better India’s people-led parenting series that goes beyond conventional advice to document how real families are actually raising their children. Through real parents, parenting coaches, influencers and experts, the series brings honest, diverse and relatable perspectives on the questions, choices, challenges and solutions that shape everyday parenting — the things Google can’t always answer.
For parents of teenagers, starting a conversation about feelings, school or friendships can sometimes feel like an interrogation. The more questions they ask, the less their child may want to share. But what if connecting with a teenager did not always require a serious conversation?
Komal Baxi, an RCI-certified psychologist from Gujarat with over 15 years of experience, believes that one of the simplest ways to build an emotional connection with children is through play.
Psychologist Komal Baxi recommends spending 15 to 20 minutes playing actively with children every day to nurture emotional connection.
In a video shared on Instagram (@psychologist_komalbaxi), Baxi, who focuses on mental health prevention, parenting, emotional wellbeing and relationships through The Prevention Project, explains why making time to play with children can help parents understand them better, even as they grow older.
Why play can open up conversations
“A child acts differently around their mother and father. They are very smart; they know what to tell and what to hide from whom,” Baxi explains in the video.
As children grow into their teenage years, their inner worlds, friendships and concerns become more complex. They may not always be ready to talk about what is bothering them, even when their parents want to help.
Baxi believes that staying emotionally connected allows parents to understand and support their children through different stages of life. And play can offer a way to build that connection without making every interaction feel like a conversation about a problem.
Making time to play, even as children grow
Her suggestion is simple: spend at least 15 to 20 minutes playing actively with children every day.
This could mean playing board games at home, stepping outside to play, laughing together or even engaging in a little playful fighting. The idea is to find activities that both the parent and child enjoy, adapting them as the child grows older.
Shared activities, laughter and playful moments can make it easier for teenagers to open up to their parents when they feel ready.
For teenagers, this need not mean bringing out toys they have outgrown. It could be a favourite game, a shared activity or simply making time to have fun together without an agenda.
According to Baxi, this can ease the pressure children sometimes feel when parents sit them down for a serious, face-to-face conversation. When the focus shifts to an activity they enjoy, children may feel more comfortable opening up about what is on their minds.
Connection before conversation
Baxi emphasises that communication does not always work best in a formal setting, with parents asking questions and expecting answers. Sometimes, it is the everyday moments of playing, laughing and spending time together that make sharing easier.
The idea is not to turn every game into an opportunity to extract information from a teenager. Instead, it is to create a relationship where they feel comfortable approaching their parents when they are ready to talk.
Building trust with teenagers does not always begin with asking questions. Sometimes, it starts with simply spending time together.
As Baxi explains, emotional connection can make parenting easier. And it does not always begin with finding the right words. Sometimes, it begins with putting aside 15 minutes, joining your child in a game and enjoying each other’s company.
All images courtesy of Komal Baxi
