Quick, honest reflections on parenting, playfulness, and finding more joy in everyday family life, each with one simple idea to try. Browse the latest reads below, and subscribe to never miss one in your inbox each Tuesday.
I didn't feel like being playful Friday night... But it realllly helped.
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Dinner on Friday was tense and grumpy. It was “transition day” for my stepdaughter, her first day back at our house after being at her mom’s. This day is always tough—big feelings as she adjusts to a new atmosphere and we shift from being parents of two to three. There was whining, complaining, and attitude… and my husband and I, after a long week, were definitely over it. I wanted to lecture, but I knew we really just needed to laugh. So, I suggested, “20 Questions. I’m thinking of something… start guessing!” (It was a pumpkin, if you’re curious.) My stepdaughter went next and was thinking of “Christmas tree." I got it right away and we laughed, shocked that we were on the same wavelength. My husband’s turn was tricky -- he was thinking of “Thanksgiving dinner” and we couldn't get it for the longest time. We teased him about how hard it was. Then my three-year-old, who’d never played, wanted a turn. This is where it got really hilarious: He bounced with excitement as we asked if it was food, a toy, anything we could think of. Every answer was a mischievous “Noooo…!” and we were all giggling. Finally, my husband guessed, “Are you thinking of NOTHING?” “YES!!!!” my son shouted, thrilled. 😂 We were all laughing hysterically at this point and the night was soooo much smoother from there on out. I hadn’t wanted to play at first. Honestly, I felt like staying frustrated. But I knew play could turn things around, and it did. My invitation to you this week: When things feel tense, see if you can flip the switch to playful with a simple game. And if you can’t, that’s okay too. We’re all doing our best. Love, P.S. Something fun is coming for the holidays—stay tuned! ❄️ P.P.S. I’m gearing up to refresh a lot of my business offerings! My $5 guide, From Tired to Playful, will likely be retired by mid-November—so grab it while it’s here. 😉 Tap here to get yours! |
The Playful Heart Journal
Quick, honest reflections on parenting, playfulness, and finding more joy in everyday family life, each with one simple idea to try. Browse the latest reads below, and subscribe to never miss one in your inbox each Tuesday.
Everyone was still asleep while I was sipping my coffee on the couch this past Saturday morning. My 10yo stepdaughter was the first to come out and as she came towards me, I almost held out my arm as an invitation to snuggle... but before I could process the thought, she'd already plopped down on the other end of the couch. My stepdaughter and I have never really had a "snuggly" relationship, and it's something I used to crave... there is still part of me that longs for that, but I definitely...
My parents and sister were visiting the other day for my son's birthday (he's 5 now!!! 😭), and I asked my 78-year-old dad if he wanted to try my silly drawing prompt app, "What Should We Doodle"... Let's just say he understood the assignment. 😂 My sister pulled up the app and tapped the "gross stuff" category to give him a doodle challenge. His first mission was to draw a "sticky clump of earwax riding a skateboard." He spent so long on it and was cracking himself up in the process. so much...
My parents and sis were in town this past weekend and, as usual, we played improv games. And, as usual, I laughed so hard I screamed, cried, and... got a hangover!? (No alcohol involved). Yes, the other night, my sister made me laugh to the point of tears... my kids looked concerned at one point. What was the game that got me so good, you ask? TV Talking. We've been playing since we were little kids and, yep, here I am about to turn 40 and we still play every chance we get. All you do is mute...