My apologies, a scammer snuck in. He has been removed from group.

We're thrilled to have some wonderful new folks joining Connected Through Play! This community thrives because people like you believe that play is where the real magic happens and we can't wait to see what you bring to the mix. @Daniel Albert is here to connect with people who share ideas, and as a single father navigating the beautiful chaos of raising children, he's excited to find new ways to engage with them. @Anita Jeffrey was drawn to the power of play as a tool for building stronger connections, and she's committed to learning fresh approaches that center the children in her life. @Patricia Wilson , an ER nurse and business owner from Atherton, is here to discover fun and meaningful ways to create lasting memories with her two daughters. @Pacita Florida a brings strategic thinking and a passion for practical solutions—and she's looking forward to ditching the screens and playing the old-fashioned way with her 3-year-old grandson. @Emily Harper is passionate about understanding how play supports children's development and learning, and she's eager to both contribute ideas and learn from others here. @Audrey Worm, a podcast manager and coach who helps mothers balance business and family, is hunting for fresh play ideas to enrich time with her kids. @Jessica Meraz is focused on building better memories with her kids while honoring their ADHD, just like her own, and she's excited about learning different ways to connect. Dive into the conversations, share your stories, and remember, there's no such thing as too silly when it comes to play. We're so glad you're here.

Trying my hand at some food safety items for the 3-8 year old set. What would you keep? What would you change?

Introduce change to your kids? One thing I don’t think we talk about enough as a society is how to introduce change. Some kids seem to adapt well while others struggle. Depending on age, change will also mean different things to the child. I’m in one of those deep thought modes as I ponder an unplanned trip to Grand Rapids, MI next week on behalf of a client. Do you flex with change or dig in? Do you see your kids adopt your behavior or are they opposite? What types of games or activities could help in teaching how to navigate change?

This one takes a little extra planning as you need to freeze the toy in the ice cube. It’s fun for ages 3 and up. Freeze a tiny washable toy inside a container of ice ahead of time. Kids get a tray of kitchen “tools” and have to rescue it: salt, warm water, spoon, baster, measuring cup, etc. Add one rule: no smashing the ice. For older kids, make it competitive: limited supplies, timed rounds, or they have to predict which method will work fastest before starting.