Theatre major: "useless degree" or training for the good stuff in life? As Princeton from the musical Avenue Q sings, “Four years of college and plenty of knowledge have earned…
Creative Play Ideas, Playful Heart Musings
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Teens Need Playfulness: A Conversation with Playful Parenting Advocate Chiara Rossetti
Why is playfulness important when it comes to parenting teenagers? You're about to find out. Chiara Rossetti and I were connected through my Playful Heart Parenting Instagram account, thanks to…
Creative Play Ideas
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Connect With Your Child During the School Day With These Three Simple, Playful Ideas
Connect with your child while you are apart during the school day with these simple -- yet meaningful -- playful ideas. What if I told you that just 60 seconds…
Playful Heart Musings
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Adventure Awaits: Dungeons and Dragons as a Tool for Family Bonding
Confession: Dungeons and Dragons (a.k.a. "D&D") is a game I admittedly used to associate with people who didn't have much of a social life. How incredibly ignorant and wrong I…
Creative Play Ideas
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Awesome Chat GPT Hacks for Parents: Using AI for Creative Play
Chat GPT. Like it or not... it's not going anywhere. And, if you are reading this, I know you care about connecting with your kids. You might also be intrigued…
Creative Play Ideas
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Pen, Paper, and Pure Fun: 10 Easy Drawing Games and Writing Activities for Kids and Adults
Pen and paper: My favorite easy recipe to have on hand for joy and creativity! These humble tools have the power to transform any situation into a realm of endless…
Playful Heart Musings
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Free to Be Real: Authentic Parenting Insights from a Singer-Songwriter Dad
I first heard of Justin Farren from our mutual friend, Andrew. We were on a road trip and Andrew introduced me to Justin's music. My first impression was that I…
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Six Hilarious Improv Games for Kids: Spark Laughter and Creativity at Home
I recently had the opportunity to teach a week-long improv summer camp for a group of lively middle schoolers. My sweet husband took time off work to hold down the…
Playful Heart Musings
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Embracing Joyful Parenting: Ten Valuable Lessons from a Teacher’s Laughter
Want to learn about joy? Meet Michelle Nelson, a remarkable middle school teacher and 5th grade chair at the school where I have the privilege of directing musical theatre productions…
Creative Play Ideas
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How to Make Cleaning Fun For Kids (And Grownups!)
Cleaning can often be seen as a mundane chore, especially for kids who would rather be playing and having fun. BUT! Cleaning can actually be fun and enjoyable for your…