Backyard Olympics: Dad vs The Kids

 No plan. No rules. Just Dad jumping in and turning a regular afternoon into something the kids will remember.

There is a moment every school holiday where the backyard turns feral. Kids are bored. Noise levels up. Someone starts kicking something they probably shouldn’t. That’s the Backyard Olympics. No planning. No equipment. No reason. Just Dad getting involved.

“Children value parents who are emotionally available and engaged far more than parents who try to organise perfect experiences”

Clinical psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Kids don’t remember well-planned days. They remember when you jumped in and made an average, forgettable afternoon weird and fun for no reason.

Turning Nothing Into Something

Most of the best stuff happens when nothing is supposed to happen.A hose becomes a weapon. A ball becomes a final. A trampoline becomes an arena with highly questionable rules that Dad insists are fair. 

There’s no prep. No schedule. No talk of “making the most of the holidays.”Just boredom, opportunity, and a dad deciding to join instead of supervise.

Why Dads Always Turn It Into a Competition

Dads don’t mean to do this. It’s instinct. A casual kick turns into a score. A race needs a finish line. Someone needs to be declared champion, even if that champion is arguing technicalities with a seven-year-old.

You talk yourself up. You take it too seriously. You swear you used to be faster. The kids laugh because you are trying. Not because you are winning.

The Stuff They Remember Later

Years down the track, they won’t say,

“Remember that organised activity?”

They’ll say, “Remember when you thought you could beat us?”

“Remember when you stacked it?”

“Remember when you demanded a rematch and then mysteriously disappeared?”

Those moments stick because they were unexpected. Ordinary day. No pressure. Just Dad choosing to join in.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

Psychologists who study play point out that unstructured, shared play builds connection far better than planned experiences.It signals availability. Safety. Interest.

When you jump in, you’re telling your kids, without words, “I’m here with you.”

Showing Up Beats Winning

The Backyard Olympics aren’t about fitness, rules, or bragging rights. They’re about turning nothing into something and choosing to be part of the mess.

You don’t need to be impressive. You just need to stand up.

DADDING IN ACTION

The kids start mucking around outside, put your phone down and jump in for ten minutes.

Resources:

1. Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen

   Psychologist's guide to using spontaneous roughhousing and unstructured play to build emotional connections and turn everyday moments into fun family bonds.

   Purchase on Penguin Australia

   
   

2. Raising Boys in the 21st Century by Steve Biddulph

   Australian psychologist's insights on free play's role in boys' emotional growth, resilience, and creativity through low-pressure, dad-involved activities.

   Purchase on Simon & Schuster Australia

   
   

3. Hurried (Not Curried) Child Syndrome on Dr. Justin Coulson's Happy Families Podcast

   Discusses unstructured play's cognitive and social boosts, urging parents to ditch schedules for backyard-style freedom and problem-solving fun.

   Listen on YouTube