The other night, my stepdaughter was telling me about a cheerleading game they played called Little Sally Walker.

It's a silly dancing game I used to play with my theatre students.

She said that when it was her turn, she “couldn’t think of what to do” so she just gave a shy little disco finger while everyone else was being sassy and shaking their hips...

I told her I understood. It’s hard to feel that pressure in the moment. I can totally remember what that feels like.

Then I asked, “What if we were playing here at home?”

She grinned, jumped up, and started wiggling her booty with a silly face and floppy arm motions that had me cracking up.

I said, “You know, it would’ve been totally okay and even really funny to do that there!”

She gave me a look like I was out of my mind.

And I said, “I know it sounds scary. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 39 years, it’s to lean into the weird.”

BECAUSE, as I went on to explain...
Everybody is weird.
Most people are just trying to pretend they’re not.

And doesn't it feels so good when someone drops the act and lets their weird, silly self out??

Yes, it does. Because that’s the kind of energy that makes us feel connected, safe, and free.

I know my stepdaughter might not totally believe me yet. She’s growing up in a world where kids have to look cool fast.

Plus, she's got three teenage sisters at her mom's house.

But it's a lesson I’ll never stop modeling.

So part of that is continuing on here, showing up as-is, putting videos of myself online looking like a hot mess, singing made-up songs, and pretending my butt is dragging me around the kitchen.

So here’s your weekly invitation:

Do something a little weird today. A silly face, goofy dance move, fart noise, whatever!

Let your kids see it. Who cares if they roll their eyes or call you weird?

Maybe you care a little, that's okay.

But also... maybe it’ll spark the same kind of conversation in your home.

Holiday updates and fun news!

1️⃣ Laughing All the Way Advent Calendar ​
I’m so excited for everyone grabbing the advent calendar this year! Our elf will be “delivering” each daily game, and the fridge calendar is already up, ready to check-off the days. Anyone else already leaning into the holiday season even before Thanksgiving?? I feel like everyone I talk to is!

2️⃣ You can now send gifts!​
You can officially gift the Laughing All the Way Advent Calendar and/or the App + Little Moments Bundle to someone you love. They’ll get instant access and a follow-up email that credits you as the gifter (just don’t forget to give them a heads-up in case it lands in spam or promo folders).

3️⃣ Black Friday deal on Activate Play Mode!​
From now through December 1, the Activate Play Mode course and group program are 15% off.

You can choose:

• The self-paced course (listen on the podcast player of your choice)
• Or the full 5-week group experience starting January 13 on Marco Polo
• Both options include 30 days free inside the private community and our next call is Monday, November 24th at noon central if you want to get in on that!

Tap HERE to access and make sure to use the code PLAYMODE15 to apply the discount.

*A note on the group session: Now is the perfect moment to start listening in little bursts, so you’re ready to join the group in January. I’m scaling back to only one or two Marco Polo rounds a year, so if you’ve been curious, let this be your sign to jump in!

With love and weirdness,​
​Mia

MORE FROM PLAYFUL HEART PARENTING:

​
​APPS + LITTLE MOMENTS​

Done-for-you fun. Simple, creative prompts for games and silly moments of connection that take the brainwork out and let you skip straight to the fun part.

​ACTIVATE PLAY MODE:

Private podcast program: playful strategies for navigating everyday parenting challenges and reducing power struggles. Use code PLAYMODE15 for 15% off through December 1.