Abstract
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the characteristics of parental behavior as active playmates and examine the implications of parental behavior for parent–child play and relationships. Through observation of parent–child play at home, we analyzed cases in which parents showed concentration and enjoyment when parents and children played on an equal footing. The results showed that 1) parents became active players in a situation in which skill difference between parents and children was easily reduced while enjoying the competition, 2) parents were sometimes attracted to the play itself and intentionally immersed in the play some other times, and 3) parents openly expressed their own diverse feelings and requests for the play. It was suggested that such parental behavior could enhance the parent–child relationship and the scope of play.
