Sam Thaiday’s parenting rules: “Life gets busy, but play is non-negotiable”
Dad-of-two, former NRL star and I’m a Celeb winner Sam Thaiday on keeping parenting fun.
Between school runs, work deadlines and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy for family time to feel just as busy as everything else.
New research from Carnival Cruise Line reveals Aussie parents are caught in a “time off trap,” spending a third (33%) of their annual leave on chores, errands and life admin instead of properly switching off.
Former Broncos and Maroon Player, and Nine presenter, Sam Thaiday says making time for fun isn’t just a nice idea, it’s essential. Whether it’s backyard games, silly dad jokes or family holidays that actually feel like a break, Sam says play is where the real magic happens.
We caught up with Sam to chat about fatherhood, staying present and how families can keep the fun alive at any age.
Sam Thaiday on why playtime is everything
You’re a dad to two daughters. What does “play” look like in your house, and why do you think it’s so important for families to make time for it?
Play in our house is backyard chaos in the best way. We’ve got the dogs running around, a game of handball or basketball going, or some kind of competition happening. For me, play is where the real connection happens. It’s not just about keeping the kids entertained, it’s about being present with them, having a laugh, and creating those little everyday moments they’ll remember. Life gets busy, but making time to switch off and just muck around together is honestly one of the most important things you can do as a family.
New research from Carnival shows many Aussie parents spend a big chunk of their annual leave catching up on chores instead of relaxing. Can you relate to that “time off trap,” and how do you try to switch off and be present with your family?
I can definitely relate to that. You take time off thinking you’re going to relax, and next thing you know you’re fixing things around the house, running errands, or catching up on all the jobs you’ve been putting off. It’s a real trap. That’s why the research from Carnival really hit home for me – 54% of Australians are using their annual leave for life admin, and it jumps even higher for parents. When you look at the biggest culprits like housework, errands and appointments, it makes total sense. You’re so busy day-to day that time off starts to feel like your only chance to catch up, rather than switch off.
In our house, we try to break that cycle by doing simple things that force us to slow down. Cards are a big one for us. When you’re sitting around the table playing cards, you can’t be on your phone, you can’t be distracted, you’re just there together, having a laugh. It’s those moments that help you properly switch off and actually enjoy your time as a family.
As a professional athlete, you’re used to high-pressure environments. How important is it for parents to make time for fun and laughter, even when life feels busy?
It’s everything. In footy, there’s pressure all the time – training, games, expectations – but you quickly realise that if you don’t find moments to enjoy yourself, you burn out. It’s no different at home. Laughter and fun really do make the world go around. It resets the mood, brings everyone together, and reminds you not to take things too seriously. And look, my dad jokes are pretty legendary, I like to think I’m doing my part to keep the laughs rolling at home, even if the girls aren’t as impressed.
Kids are great at reminding us how to be playful. What have your daughters taught you about letting loose and enjoying the moment?
They’ve definitely taught me to not be so serious all the time. As adults, we get caught up in routines, responsibilities, and thinking about what’s next – but kids just live in the moment. My girls remind me every day to let go a bit, have fun, and not overthink things. The biggest lesson is to never forget how to be a big kid. Being a kid is the best time of your life, and there’s no reason we can’t tap back into that as adults. Whether it’s being silly, playing games, or just having a laugh for no reason, it’s those moments that make life pretty special.
Family holidays can be some of the best memory-making moments. What does your ideal fun
family holiday look like?
For us, the ideal family holiday is something that’s fun but still active. We love being outdoors, whether that’s swimming, exploring, or just trying new things together. It’s all about keeping the girls entertained while also spending quality time as a family. That’s why we love holidaying with Carnival Cruise because it really ticks all the boxes. There’s so much to do for everyone, water slides, activities, and entertainment; it takes the pressure off having to plan every second of the day. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want, and the kids are having the time of their lives.
Cruises are often packed with activities for all ages. What do you think makes them such a great option for families wanting to unplug and have fun together?
Less for mum and dad to think about, and more time to sit back relax and enjoy. I think the biggest thing is how easy it is. As parents, you’re usually the ones organising everything, meals, activities, logistics, but on a cruise, all of that is taken care of. It means less for mum and dad to think about, and more time to actually sit back, relax, and enjoy being together. Plus, there’s something for everyone, so the kids are entertained, and you can properly switch off. It’s one of those rare holidays where you genuinely feel like you’ve had a break.
Finally, if you could give busy Aussie parents one piece of advice about keeping the fun alive as a family, what would it be?
Turn the phone off and turn the fun on. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. The emails, the messages, the distractions, they can all wait. Even if it’s just for an hour, being fully present with your kids, having a laugh, playing a game – that’s what they remember, and honestly, it’s what you’ll remember too.
