Tell me if this sounds like you:
You hear "Mama, play with me!" twenty times a day (or an hour) and it seems like their cups are NEVER full...
You'd love to sit down and really play with your kids, but you feel like you're drowning and don't have the time or energy...
You understand the importance of independent play for kids, but it seems like they NEED you to play with them...
Or maybe you hate to admit it, but you don't really like playing with your kids, and if you have to pretend to burp a baby doll or "vroom" a car one more time you may scream...
Maybe you feel guilty for not wanting to play because good moms are supposed to love playing with their kids, right? (NO! but more on that later!)
Somewhere along the line we as parents got the message that we are responsible for our kid's play, and that turned it into a JOB for us.
And what's the quickest way to suck the fun and joy out of something?
Layer it with OBLIGATION, PRESSURE, SHAME & GUILT
Well, I want to set you and your child free!
and that's exactly what the 30 Days of Play Challenge is designed to do.
Are you in?
OUR FOCUS:
Three phases of small, do-able daily journal prompts and/or activities:
Phase 1: OBSERVE
Learn about your child through careful, non-judgmental observation of their play.
Phase 2: REFLECT
Explore your thoughts, feelings, & ideas about play for both your child and yourself
Phase 3: ACT
Take small, intentional action, and reflect upon the outcome.
WE'LL EXPLORE & DISCOVER:
- The true purpose of play (and why it matters!).
- Your role in your child's play (and it's not what you think!)
- The power of curious, non-judgmental observation.
- Your own relationship with play, now and as a child.
- The critical role of independent play in feeling balanced as a parent.
- The toys and play objects that ignite the flame of independent play in your child.
- How to play with your child in a way that deepens your connection & builds their capacity for independent play.
Have we met?!
My name is Dr. Laura Froyen, host of The Balanced Parent podcast. I’m known as one of the most compassionate and authentic parenting coaches out there. I have my PhD in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy.
I help overwhelmed and stressed-out parents who want to restore peace, calm, connection, and joy to their daily lives.
As a former Play Therapist, PLAY IS MY PASSION. I want to help you learn to connect with your kids through play AND support them in playing independently, so that you can get a much deserved break.
I am so very glad that you’re here with me and giving this a shot!