You'll never catch me running... unless a bee is chasing me.

But the other night, as I was finishing up a sweaty walk, pushing my 4yo and 2yo in the double stroller...

UPHILL...

...in 90 degree Tennessee humidity that felt like 200 degrees...

My husband Steve pulled up next to us as he was getting home from work.

"Run, Mommy, run!" my son squealed. "Let's race Daddy home!!!!" (we were at the bottom of the hill still and our house is at the top).

I tossed my head back and laughed, thinking:

But then I heard a familiar “dun... dun-dun-dun... dun-dun-DUN” ... yes, the iconic opening riff of "Eye of the Tiger."

Suddenly, trying to outrun him up the hill felt like a fun challenge and I went for it with all my might.

I didn't even know he was filming but he was, so I even have video proof (maybe I'll even get brave and post it this week!?)

Did I make it all the way up the hill?

Definitely not.

Did I almost pass out?

Definitely yes.

But I gave it my all—and it was actually a fun moment!

Now, I'm not sharing this for you to shower me with praise for exercising, although I WILL accept it if you want...

I'm sharing it because it was yet again another reminder for me that:

When we inject a little fun into an otherwise SLOG, it can change the energy completely, making something we don't want to do suddenly seem appealing.

See where I'm going with this?

Yep... our kids. Tasks, routines, transitions, challenges in general that seem to become a power struggle every time.

So here's my little invitation for you this week:

Try turning on some motivational music (can't go wrong with "Eye of the Tiger") and make something a fun family challenge.

Maybe it's challenging the whole fam to pick up the living room before the songs over

• but you have three mandatory dance moves you have to sneak in
• or after every five things you put away you have to do some kickboxing moves in the air...

Worst case scenario, you get some eye rolls.

Best case... you actually get some stuff done AND have fun at the same time (yes, even YOU!)

Cheering you on always,

Mia

P.S. When it comes to using play for ease with tasks, routines, transitions, and everyday parenting challenges, I've got you covered with the Activate Play Mode private podcast and parent community! Click HERE to learn all about it and join us.

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