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.
Yeah. Not doing that.
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“Yeah. Not doing that.” That was a comment I got on a recent reel where my play therapist pal and I showed playful ways for overstimulated parents to reset. I’m used to the haters coming out, especially when a video goes viral, but there was something about this comment that made me feel kind of sad. I took it to say, “I’m too cool for that. You look stupid.” Now, I’m a theatre person. I’m really comfortable being and looking silly. But I also know all too well the pressure we can feel to look and act “cool.” And when someone talks like that it can take me right back to middle school. One of the most beautiful things about becoming a mom has been that I care so much less… …so much less that I now publicly act a fool on the internet to inspire other parents to be more playful! Do I look silly? Yes. And it makes my kid — and me — laugh. That’s about as “cool” as it gets, if you ask me. So if you’re holding back being silly because it makes you feel insecure, I really do understand. But pushing past that and embracing your silly side… …that’s where the best moments with our kids live. Speaking of silly… I’m excited to announce my latest creation: Laughing All the Way — an advent calendar with 25 creative, silly holiday play prompts!🎄 I know the holiday season can feel stressful and busy for families. This is an easy and fun way to be intentional about making time for laughter and connection. Tap here to grab it (for just $9.99!) before it’s released to the rest of the world… because you’re special. ;)
If you don’t celebrate Christmas, stay tuned for another fun resource coming soon! And my invitation for you this week: Reflect on times in your life you felt like you had to be “cool.” How has parenting changed that — or made you want to change it? Love, Mia P.S. If you’d rather not get reminders about the holiday calendar but want to keep receiving my weekly emails, just tap here! |
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 was telling my therapist yesterday how TIRED I’ve been. Yes, I have a teething 1yo and a 4yo who occasionally karate-kicks in our one big family bed. But overall I actually sleep pretty decently compared to many moms I know… So of course my inner critic jumps in with “Why are you so tired? You shouldn’t be. You’re not healthy enough. Not active enough. Not drinking enough water. You’re lazy.” That’s all normal negative self talk, right? But here’s the weird thing. THEN, I have a critical...
Surprise! I've just made a brand new play resource: "Turkey Day Play!" It's a printable Thanksgiving-themed resource full of prompt-based games for laughter and connection. If you don't have the apps or advent calendar, this will give you a good idea of what's inside -- and if you do have them, you'll love this "gravy-flavored" version! DOWNLOAD, PRINT, AND PLAY: Turkey Day Play.pdf *perfect for family get-togethers and fun even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving! If you try these out, I'd...
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...