I’m a mom, stepmom, and theatre educator helping exhausted parents access their inner creative playfulness for more connection and joy. No messy crafts, complicated setups, or sensory bins here! Just simple, silly moments that bring your family back together through laughter. My short weekly emails share reflections from real life and a simple invitation you can try for yourself or with your kids.
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! |
Playful Heart Parenting
I’m a mom, stepmom, and theatre educator helping exhausted parents access their inner creative playfulness for more connection and joy. No messy crafts, complicated setups, or sensory bins here! Just simple, silly moments that bring your family back together through laughter. My short weekly emails share reflections from real life and a simple invitation you can try for yourself or with your kids.
I knew Saturday was also my only day to get some work done, uninterrupted, but I also knew that we needed at least a few minutes together as a family to just be together and laugh. My son, as always, had wild energy (it seems to be getting more and more wild as he approaches age 4… who can relate??) ...and I was proud of him for asking, “Can we play ‘Who can sound like?’” where I give him weird, silly prompts to channel his loudness. I shifted from that game to “You are…” so I could give him...
Yesterday I did something I haven’t done in four years. I went into the studio to record harmonies on an album. This was for a producer I used to work with a lot… …until I gave birth to my son. Last time I was in there I was super pregnant. It was like time traveling, because it had felt like such a long time and also not a long time at all. This was a big deal for me because it was like getting a big part of myself back that I had been missing! 🥺 Singing harmonies is good for my soul and...
There’s this trend on social media, maybe you’ve seen it - short videos saying… “I’m bored. Tell me your wildest hack for ___. I don’t mean basic, I mean unhinged.” Honestly though some of those comment sections have some really interesting tips! But what I get hung up on is like… You’re “BORED??” Adults get bored? I don’t! I don’t have the time or space to be bored. I wish I could be bored! I don’t think parents even remember what it feels like to be bored. Right? Maybe… and I’m literally...