The Playtime Paradox: Research shows adult life has made Aussie parents forget how to be playful
Household chores (71%) are the biggest obstacle to play, followed by work (59%), mental drain (48%) and lack of time (48%).
Amazon Alexa launches ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ to help parents and carers find their funny bones
21 MAY 2025, Sydney: New research commissioned by Amazon Alexa reveals nearly half of Aussie parents and carers (47%) sometimes feel like they've forgotten how to be silly under the weight of adult responsibilities, despite 81% feeling more connected to their kids when they are. To help parents find their funny bone, Amazon Alexa today launches ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly,’ a LOL-inducing experience backed by parenting educator Gen Muir.
While over half of parents (51%) admit to feeling stumped for silly things to do or say, they only need to say one thing – ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ – to their Amazon Echo device. This simple voice command enables parents to access four interactive experiences which will deliver science-backed benefits of play including strengthening family bonds, boosting kids' moods, safeguarding long-term mental health and lowering stress for all:
• Silly Tricks – Whether it's a funny voice, a zany impression, or a chorus of cats, Alexa's most ridiculous party tricks are on show to make the whole family laugh out loud!
• Silly Sound Quiz – Can you guess that blubbery, blobbery sound? What about the crunchy, crashy one? Or the one that goes SPLAT? Put on your listening ears and let Alexa quiz you!
• Silly Farts – Rapping, beatboxing, classical music and more all get the ultimate flatulent treatment that's not for the faint of fart!
Chores turning parents into bores
Designed to overcome the fact that household chores are preventing almost three quarters of parents from engaging in more play with their children (71%), ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ delivers giggles and feel-good moments, all while preparing school lunches or dinner! A solution to balancing play with household chores and alongside work commitments (59%), the two leading playtime pitfalls identified by almost half of all parents who say distractions get in the way of play, followed by the mental drain (48%) and lack of time (48%).
Parenting expert Gen Muir stresses that playtime shouldn't feel like just another task on the to-do list, a sentiment echoed by 1 in 2 Aussie parents (49%). With a large majority (80%) feeling guilty about insufficient playtime, Muir emphasises that playfulness is a skill, not just a trait, and highlights 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' as a practical way for the 62% of parents feeling less playful compared to when they were younger, hone their funny bone.
“Parenting today is tough. From my experience as a parent, humour, laughter and being silly are among the most underrated parenting strategies. When a day is stuck, or the kids are not listening, even a minute of silly fun can be a lifeline for resetting the mood. Our children feel more connected to us, cooperation increases, endorphins are released and cortisol levels drop. Research also shows that through play, parents rediscover childhood joys, fostering empathy, improving communication, and reducing stress[2]. If getting ready for the day is a challenge or your evenings are being overtaken by household chores, 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' is the effortless fun generator for when you’re frazzled and silly ideas vanish. I guarantee any joke about a “fart” will be a hit, as will an impromptu getting-dressed dance party.”
Gen Muir’s Tips to Simplify Play
With 2 in 5 parents sometimes feeling overwhelmed by advice on how they should engage in play (40%), Muir encourages Aussies to keep it simple by using a tool like ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’:
- Embrace micro-moments: Look for small pockets of time throughout the day – even 10 minutes – to be silly. It doesn't need to be a grand production; Alexa’s Silly Tricks should do the trick!
- Integrate play into routine tasks: Turn chores into games, dance while getting ready with the Silly Dance Party, or take the Silly Sound Quiz during mealtimes.
- Follow your child's lead: Observe which silly experience most makes your child giggle – Silly Farts is a winner – and join in. Their interests are a great starting point for silly play.
- Lower the stakes: Don't worry about being the "perfect" playful parent. Just be present and have fun. Imperfect silliness is often the most memorable.
- Prioritise connection over perfection: Focus on the feeling of connection rather than achieving a specific outcome or educational goal during playtime. Silliness is enough.
The ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ experience is available for Aussie customers to experience from today by saying ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ to any Amazon Echo device. 
[1] Survey results 44% stated sometimes, 36% stated often and 10% stated always when asked how often do distractions and the responsibilities of adult life (e.g. work, household chores, digital distractions or your own thoughts) prevent you from engaging in more play with your child(ren).
[2] Michael Yogman, Andrew Garner, Jeffrey Hutchinson, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA; The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics September 2018; 142 (3): e20182058. 10.1542/peds.2018-2058
*Research sources in order of appearance
Effects of Play Therapy on the Brain, 2023 National Institute for Play. Play and Stress Regulation
