I purposely try not to play with my kids because a) I don't genuinely enjoy it, and b) I think my influence can often derail whatever story they are developing or skill they are working on through play. But I do enjoy sitting and watching them play, and we have predictable times throughout the day when they get my full attention (meal times, bedtime routine, conversations on the way home from daycare, etc). I read a book about romantic relationships once that said that couples need contact (like the parallel play thing where you are together but not focused on each other), separateness (what it sounds like), and merger (times of really intense, focused attention). I think kids need the same things in varying proportions based on their developmental stage. Getting just one or two isn't enough to nurture them.

Also the notion that Scarlet needed a safe space away from one of her parents makes me sad. No kid should have to feel that way. So there are charming, cute elements to that story but also really sad ones. It's a both/and thing.