The Unexpected Hack Helping Parents: Improv Class ...Middle East

When most people find out they're pregnant, they may prepare by reading books, attending parenting classes, creating a baby registry, or mapping out a birth plan. For some, however, preparing for parenthood may involve signing up for improv class.

Improvisation is all about adapting in the moment. And perhaps contrary to popular opinion, it's not always confined to comedy or coming up with jokes on the spot. Instead, improv can teach you how to think and respond creatively under pressure, a skill that comes in handy when you're raising a tiny human with a big imagination.

Whether your toddler suddenly decides the living room is lava or your preschooler refuses to stop pretending they're a dinosaur, parenting often requires quick thinking, flexibility, and a willingness to lean into the moment. According to parenting coach Christopher Mannino, these are all skills that can be developed through improv.

As both an expert in improv and parenting, Mannino believes parents can use improv to deepen their connection with their children. "For parents, especially those with younger kids ages 4 to 8, directly improvising with your kids as part of playtime can be truly transformational," he tells Popsugar. "Your kid comes up with nonstop ideas and possibilities, so it's about creating and building together, off of screens, with nothing but imagination needed."

Curious how to incorporate improvisation to meet your family's needs? Mannino shares his best tips below.

Experts Featured in This Article

Christopher Mannino is a parenting expert and improv coach. He is also the author of "Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond With Kids Through Play."

Why Does Improv Work With Children?

Improvising with children works because parenting is not scripted. "No matter how we try to schedule or plan our kids' days, the unexpected is part of the chaos that makes parenting both fun and challenging," Mannino says.

In other words, you never know how your kids are going to behave or what they're going to come up with. But because the skills of improv are about listening and adapting, Mannino says you can use your knowledge of improv to avoid meltdowns and turn boredom into something fun.

How to Improv With Your Children

Mannino created what's called the "making it up method," which he says is the best way for parents to incorporate this tool into their parenting style. Here's what that looks like.

Create your story. "Improvisation is about building. Any idea, no matter how small, is called a 'brick,' and improvisation is the act of accepting bricks and building upon them," Mannino says. If it's easier, think about responding to your child by using a "yes, and . . ." method. "The act of acceptance and building creates an instant connection and can lead to powerful, meaningful bonding," Mannino adds.

Don't anticipate. "As an improv coach, the new students I work with always have the same issue: they start planning a scene in their head or thinking about what they'll say or do next, only to be completely thrown off when the ideas go a different direction. Parenting is the same way." Instead, let your imagination take over.

Consider reframing your "no." Instead of "no, don't put that in your mouth" or "no, I'm working right now," Mannino encourages you to find a way to say yes. "When your kid runs into the kitchen, arms outstretched, and says he's flying, go fly with him and see what you can discover."

Practice often. Mannino suggests taking improv group classes. "A group improv class can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone, learn to correctly identify bricks, and how to respond in the moment without planning too far ahead," Mannino says. "These skills are invaluable in so many facets of parenting." (Mannino even offers a self-paced parenting course for those who would like to opt into a virtual option.)

Commit to 10 minutes of screen-free, unscripted improvisation play time daily. "My wife and I were on a 'first date' yesterday at an extremely 'fancy Burger King' served by a waiter (my daughter) and being interrupted by a rude taxi driver (my son). It was wonderful, it was unplanned, it was unscripted, it was fully improvised, and it only lasted about 10 minutes," Mannino says. "That's all you need each day to connect the strongest with your kids."

At the end of the day, you don't have to be an award-winning actor or skilled improviser to incorporate these tips into your life. The more you embrace the silliness, however, the deeper your connection may be.

Hence then, the article about the unexpected hack helping parents improv class was published today ( Tuesday 11/08/2026 - 01:48 AM ) and is available on popsugar ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

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