The art of improvisation isn’t just for theater lights and comedy stages—it’s a powerful tool for parenting. Through the lens of Deana Criess, an experienced improviser and applied improv specialist, we uncover transformative lessons on parenting with play and intention.
Embracing "Yes, And…" in Everyday Parenting
The core principle of improv, "Yes, And…", becomes a refreshing guide in parenting, fostering an environment of openness and understanding. Deana's approach encourages parents to reframe their reflexive 'no' into a constructive 'yes' when possible, creating more opportunities for growth and connection.
Deana enlightens us: "Yes, And isn't about saying yes all the time. It's about saying yes when you can. It’s about making 'no' a purposeful choice." This method encourages parents to engage fully in their children's worlds, from lingering over Play-Doh to spontaneous outdoor adventures—these are the memories and interactions where children learn the most.
The Stages of Play: Adapting as Children Grow
Deana shares her insights on how engaging with children through play can adapt as they grow. From early imaginative play with puppets to complex board games and theater, Deana’s adaptable method helps nurture creativity and confidence in children.
This approach underscores that play is learning. When children play, they’re not just having fun—they’re exploring, experimenting, and growing intellectually and emotionally. Deana's journey through play provided her children with a rich tapestry of experiences, illustrating how supporting their interests can lead to lasting passions. It reinforces the importance of evolving with your children, allowing their interests to guide the way to deeper connections.
Play is Relationships: Building Bonds Through Improv
Beyond learning, play is relationships. Through playful interactions, parents and children build strong bonds and mutual understanding. Deana emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged, which fosters deeper familial connections and supports emotional development.
Whether it's a spontaneous game of make-believe or a structured theater performance, these moments of shared joy and collaboration help children understand interpersonal dynamics and empathy. Deana’s approach to using improv as a relational tool enriches these experiences, allowing for genuine connection.
Developing Resilience, Self-Awareness, and Emotional Strength
An improv-based approach in parenting significantly contributes to developing important life skills, such as resilience and self-awareness. Deana’s insights into improv show that allowing children to embrace their "big emotions" builds their capability to understand and navigate their feelings. This validation of emotions, as Deana explains, means children are not judged for their feelings but are instead taught to process and grow from them.
Through improv games and exercises, children build resilience by learning to adapt, think on their feet, and find creative solutions to challenges. They learn to regulate their emotions, which grants them power over powerful emotions that might have overwhelmed them otherwise.
Moreover, this approach helps children understand their place in the world and what they can contribute. Deana’s children, who grew up with this nurturing of play and emotional intelligence, have found their passions and authored meaningful lives, illustrating the profound impact of these techniques.
Learning from Experience: The Path to Writing and Teaching
Deana’s extensive experience has led her to co-author a book with her daughter, aiming to share their unique perspective on parenting through improv. Their project will span the five developmental stages of play, providing a practical and insightful guide for others.
This collaborative effort will meld Deana's professional insights with her daughter's lived experiences, providing a valuable resource for parents eager to embrace play-based parenting, illustrating how improv not only enriches life but shapes identities and personal missions.
Empowering Education Through Improv
Recognizing the vast potential of improv, Deana has extended her practice into educational settings, specifically at Perkins School for the Blind. Her work showcases how improv can be a meaningful tool for learning and social development even in specialized educational environments.
Her program is built on the belief that every child can learn if we meet them where they are—an approach rooted strongly in improv principles. Deana concludes, “The goal for me, improv is never about the product. It's about the process.”
Conclusion: Unlocking Potential with Play
Deana Criess’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on parenting as an exploratory, playful journey. Her wisdom teaches us that play is not a mere placeholder but a foundational element where learning and relationships—along with resilience and self-awareness—flourish. By integrating improv into our interactions, we create a parenting environment that is both joyous and transformative.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, Deana’s principles serve as a guiding light. Let’s take these lessons to heart, integrate them into our lives, and watch as our relationships and our children flourish with newfound joy, resilience, and purpose.