“I know the truth.” That’s the mantra I’ve developed over the last few years. When I started Playful Heart Parenting I thought I’d have to grow “thicker skin” to deal with criticism on the internet. It felt like part of the deal. No way around it. What I didn’t know yet is that the criticism would sometimes bleed into my real, non-internet life too, from people who know me personally. But guess what? Two and a half years later, I have not grown thicker skin. Criticism still stings. It still...
18 days ago • 1 min read
“This room is driving me CRAZY!” I huffed as I pushed a couch to the other side of the room while holding a clingy baby on my hip The living room was crammed with stuff, the furniture so oddly arranged that walking wasn’t even possible. “Why is it driving you crazy? It’s just a room!” My 3yo… The voice of innocence… and wisdom!! All I could do was laugh. Because he was RIGHT! It reminded me of a song that Leah S., one of the parents in the first round of Activate Play Mode, made up. The...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Hello! Two things are out today that I want to tell you about... 1... My new app bundle!! You know how sometimes you’re just totally tapped OUT of ideas… and you wish you could just tap IN to something that would give you an instant spark of inspiration? That’s what gave me the idea for my very first app — the Little Moments Generator in Little Moments for Big Laughs. I wanted an eeeeasy way to access ideas from “Creative Mia” on the days when I’m “Burnt-Out Mia” (those days are APLENTY, I...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
There’s a social media trend going around where people say: “I used to be cool but now I say things like…” And then they share something wholesome or weird or very parent-y But… I never used to be “cool.” At least, I sure didn’t *feel* like it! Not “popular”Kind of shyNot fashionable or trendy Goofy and quirky when I felt safeAt home or with my few close friends On stage in the school musicals And as a theatre performer in adulthood. In theatre, goofiness, creativity, and general weirdness...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
My baby girl has decided that instead of going to sleep, it’s her comedy show. It all started when she began blowing raspberries on my chest that sound like big wet floppy farts… …followed by her big five-tooth smile and belly laugh. Only egged on by my 3yo son cackling and then us inevitably all laughing. Last night was the third night in the row of this. And while I’m usually eager for bedtime each night… I also want to soak this in because it’s hilarious and cute and who knows how long...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Well, last night was… a doozy of an evening with the kids. Everything felt too intense to be playful. I even said out loud to my 9-year-old stepdaughter, “I don’t feel very Playful Heart Parenting right now.” And the truth is playfulness wouldn’t have even been appropriate given everything that was going on and how heightened the emotions were all around. Later, after things had settled, my son said something silly that turned into a hilarious misheard moment where my stepdaughter blurted...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
For some reason while I was cutting up apple slices yesterday, the song “It’s You I Like” by Mr. Rogers popped into my head. I started singing it. It’s such a beautiful song. Lyrically, melodically, everything about it. After lunch I sat down with both kiddos on my lap and sang it again as they listened, loving it. And then again. My son said, “I like that part when it goes when you’re feeling blue.” Me too, buddy. All emotions are welcome and do not make us "good" or "bad" or any less worthy...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Have you heard of meta-emotions? It means the feeling you have about having a feeling. My daughter just turned one last week, and I found myself surprisingly heavy that morning. Not just sentimental, but genuinely low. SAD. And I’m so grateful my therapist had prepped me the day before: “Be gentle with yourself tomorrow — big feelings might come up.” She’s been with me for years, including through our NICU days last summer, and she knows I haven’t fully processed it all. One of the most...
2 months ago • 1 min read
So, first off, I’m one of those people who has never really learned the lesson: “Don’t try to tell funny stories that only make sense if you were there or if you have to explain the inside joke.” I just LOVE funny stories and want to share the hilarity and joy with everyone… …which means my stories often end with: “…I guess you just had to be there.” So if this email ends up being one of those... don’t say I didn’t warn ya! My son is notorious for inventing the BEST fake names and words… Case...
2 months ago • 2 min read