Sesame Workshop South Africa shares simple ways families can make more time for play, connection and quality time this spring.
South Africa (06 November 2026) – Spring is often the season of fresh starts. We open the cupboards, clear out the clutter, donate the things we no longer use and try to make our homes feel a little lighter. But what if the same thinking could be applied to something we don’t always think about cleaning up? Our family routines.
Between work deadlines, school activities, household responsibilities and the general busyness of everyday life, family time can sometimes become another thing to squeeze into an already full calendar. And while routines are important, sometimes we get so caught up in keeping everything running that we forget to stop and enjoy the little moments along the way.
For Sesame Workshop South Africa, home of Takalani Sesame, spring is an opportunity for families to take a step back, reassess their routines and make a little more room for playful learning and connection.
Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director, Education and Programmes at Sesame Workshop, believes a family reset doesn’t need to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, it simply means recognising what is working, what isn’t and where a few small changes could make everyday life easier.
“One of the biggest challenges parents and caregivers face is achieving balance between work, household responsibilities, school activities and family time,” Payne explains. “It’s easy to get caught up in a particular pace and way of doing things without stopping to consider whether it’s actually working for the family.”
With the final months of the year bringing exams, school commitments and end-of-year pressures, now could be a particularly good time to pause and take stock. If everyone seems constantly rushed, tired or frustrated, it might be worth looking at how the family spends its time.
Of course, not every family has the same circumstances. Work shifts, long commutes, financial pressures and shared living spaces can all influence what is possible. A family reset isn’t about finding the perfect routine or adding more things to an already busy day. It’s about finding small opportunities for connection within the life you already have.
One place to start is by looking at how much meaningful time families actually spend together. Being under the same roof doesn’t always mean we’re connecting, particularly when phones, television and other distractions compete for our attention.
Payne suggests creating a short period of device-free play after supper or before bedtime. It could be as simple as letting a child choose between drawing, building something or making up an imaginative game, with a caregiver joining in.
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And play doesn’t have to mean switching off every screen. Watching age-appropriate educational content, such as Takalani Sesame, together can also become a starting point for connection. Talking about a character, retelling a story or trying a related game afterwards can turn screen time into a shared experience.
Families can also look for opportunities to bring play into routines that already exist. Singing together while getting ready, chatting during mealtimes or letting children help with simple household tasks can all create moments of connection without requiring extra time or money.
Importantly, children also need opportunities for unstructured play and downtime. Not every afternoon needs to be filled with activities, and not every quiet moment needs to be organised by an adult. Sometimes, having the freedom to explore, imagine or simply rest is just as valuable.
Payne encourages caregivers to ask themselves four simple questions: Are our routines working for us? Where is our time going? Are we making enough time to connect? And are we allowing enough room for rest?
The answers don’t need to lead to big changes. Perhaps it’s putting the phone away for a few minutes, making bedtime more predictable or keeping one afternoon free of organised activities.
As Payne puts it, “A reset should reduce pressure, not become another thing parents feel they have to get right.”
Perhaps that’s the loveliest reminder this spring. Just as we don’t need to replace everything in our homes to enjoy a fresh start, we don’t need to reinvent family life either. Sometimes, we simply need to clear a little space for more laughter, more play and more time together.
For more ideas on playful learning and shared family moments, visit Takalani Sesame’s website and YouTube channel. Choose a story or activity your child enjoys and use it as an opportunity to talk, play and connect.
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