Jillybeans

Today is International Day of Play, and if you’ve been here for a while, you know this is a day that means a lot to me.

The more I learn about child development, the more it reinforces that play is not something extra we squeeze in after the “important” stuff is done. Play IS the important stuff.

Through play, children build neural connections, develop language, practice problem-solving, strengthen executive functioning skills, learn to regulate emotions, and make sense of the world around them.

Yet so many parents are being told they need more flashcards, more academics, more enrichment, more structured activities.

What children need most is often much simpler: time, space, and permission to play.

This belief is why I started my business and specifically, the Playful Parenting Membership.

I wanted to create a space that helps parents feel confident supporting their child’s development through play instead of feeling pressured to constantly entertain, teach, or optimize every moment.

Because play isn’t a luxury.

It’s not a reward.

And it’s certainly not wasted time.

It’s one of the most powerful tools children have for learning and growing.

Happy International Day of Play. May we continue to protect childhood and give children the play they deserve. ❤️

LearningThroughPlay

One of the biggest misconceptions about play is that it has to be elaborate, time-consuming, or involve you constantly entertaining your child.

But often, the smallest shifts in environment, connection, and setup can completely change how play unfolds at home.

Inside my membership, we talk about things like:

-how to support independent play realistically
-creating inviting play spaces without buying more
-simple play invitations that actually work
-supporting different ages and play schemas
-making play feel more sustainable for YOU too

Because play is not just about being a cruise ship director. It’s about understanding the child in front of you.

If you want deeper support, practical ideas, and a grounded approach to play and behavior, I’d love to have you inside. Comment PLAYFUL to learn more!

My daughter ran her first race today and I can’t stop thinking about how brave kids are.

She had never done anything like this before. No training plan. No experience. She knows her dad has run many marathons, and last year she got to stand on the sidelines and cheer him on. Ever since then, she’s been asking if she could run a race too because she thought it looked fun. So when I saw there was a local kids race, I signed her up without thinking too much about it.

She was not one of the first across the finish line. But watching her line up with all those other kids, run her heart out, and cross that finish line smiling felt like such an important reminder:

Confidence isn’t always about being the best at something. Sometimes it’s simply being willing to try.

Watching her today made me realize how much we can learn from our kids. Somewhere along the way, so many of us stop raising our hands for new things unless we’re sure we’ll succeed. Meanwhile, our kids are out here just boldly participating in life.

I hope she always keeps that kind of confidence. And I hope I can hold onto a little more of it too. ❤️