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.
The mantra that helps me deal with criticism
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“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 feels bad when a disagreement feels like a personal attack on me or my parenting values. It feels yucky to be picked apart and hear, “I usually like your stuff, BUT…” It hurts when someone misunderstands me completely, even insinuating that what I’m sharing isn’t in the best interest of my kids. All of that still stings. Here’s what’s different now: I’ve learned to let myself feel that hurt, defensiveness, and even anger… and then wait. Wait until I’ve cooled down and processed (with a friend, my husband, or my therapist). And here’s where you might expect me to say, “Then I try to understand where that other person is coming from.” And I do. But first… I tell myself: I KNOW THE TRUTH. I know the truth about what goes on in my home. I know the truth about my unique family and relationship with my kids. I know the truth about the balance we strike between deep conversation and silly play. I know the truth about what feels right in my gut and how it lands with my child. I know the truth about the places I want to grow and the parts I’m dang proud of. And when everything quiets down… you know your truth, too. My invitation for you this week: 1. Borrow my mantra when you need it — whether you’re feeling misunderstood, judged, or just caught in self-doubt. “I know the truth.” 2. Join me for our last round of Activate Play Mode group sessions this year. This program is for you if you like the idea of a lighter, more playful approach, but don’t know HOW to get there. There’s a course-only option or a course + group option, and signups close Friday. More info HERE Cheering you on always, Mia MORE FROM PLAYFUL HEART PARENTING: Simple, creative apps that take the brainwork out and put connection and laughter in. LITTLE MOMENTS FOR BIG LAUGHS: Quick and easy, random, silly moments to share with your kids. The program for you if you feel like the “fun version” of you has left the building. 🫶 |
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 turned 39 yesterday. Here’s what I’m taking with me into my last year of my 30s… …and what I’d like to leave behind! TAKING WITH ME (Or prioritizing if I’ve let it slip lately) • Games at mealtimes (Plot Twist is still a hit with my son!) • Being my authentic, comfy, messy self online • Laughing more with my husband (not just with the kids) • Trying at least one silly little thing a day (lately I’ve been pulling from my own Little Moments collection) • Telling my kids how much I love...
My fam was in town this past weekend. My sweet son turned four(!!) and my mom, sis, and dad flew out to celebrate. We packed a lot in and while sometimes quick visits like this can feel stressful, this was a great weekend full of moments that helped everyone laugh and loosen up so I want to share them with you now! 1- Name That (Minion) Tune We sang songs like the minions from “despicable me” and it’s literally so fun for all ages (even grandpa played) - tip, just sing the syllables...
The other night, I caught myself thinking something that wasn’t true. It had been one of those tricky days. The older two were bickering. My son was being too rough with the baby (my biggest trigger). I lost my temper. But then dinner shifted everything. Just me and the kids, waiting for my husband, connecting through my favorite way: collaborative storytelling. (We each tell a few sentences, then say “popcorn!” to pass it on.) That night’s story was called Nigel and the Beast 😂 Quick...