I’ve added a Start Here classroom to help new (and current) members feel oriented and supported, especially if Skool is new to you. You can find all of the classrooms by clicking Classroom at the top of the page. Inside, you’ll find: - What this community is (and what it’s not) - How to navigate topics and lessons with ease - How community levels work — and why there’s no rush - A gentle way to begin that fits real life - There’s nothing you have to do. If it feels helpful, start with Lesson 1 and move at your own pace. And if you ever feel turned around, just come back to Start Here, you’ll be fine. 💛

I ran across this clip from congress where a former teacher, now neuroscientist, talks about some of the downsides to too much screen time. As with any challenge, it’s never black or white. What do you think? What are your concerns regarding the children in your life and screen time? When or how is screen time effective? I’d love your thoughts and tips. More to come. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd-_VDYit3U

I’m so glad you’re here. This community exists for parents and grandparents supporting children ages 3–11 who are longing for more connection without more pressure, guilt, or screen-time battles. If you’ve ever thought: “I know there’s a better way… I just need it to feel doable,” you’re in the right place. What this space is: Connected Through Play is about reconnecting through everyday moments, cooking together, playful conversation, shared tasks, simple games. Not as extras. But as the heart of learning and relationship. You don’t need special supplies. You don’t need to do everything “right.” You just need a little space to slow down and play. A bit about me I come to this work as a single mom who homeschooled two children, weaving play into daily life so learning felt natural, not forced. I’m also a learning engineer and gamification strategist, which means I design connection the way humans actually learn through joy, rhythm, and relationship. You’ll also occasionally see gentle ideas for using AI as a support never to replace connection, but to spark creativity and make things feel lighter. How to use this community There’s no pressure to keep up. Jump into what feels helpful. Try one small thing. Share if you want. Lurk if you need. A beautiful place to begin is with the latest Play Prompt something simple you can try today or this week. One gentle invitation Introduce yourself in the comments if you’d like: - Who you’re here for (parent, grandparent, caregiver) - The ages of the children in your life - One word you’d love to feel more often with them I’m really glad you’re here. Let’s reconnect one small, playful moment at a time. 💜

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to @Catherine McDowell, @Allan R., @Janell Bitton, @Marcus Frakes, and @Mukkove Johnson who just joined the community. This month our focus is on play prompts, introductions, and conversation. I invite all members to take a moment to introduce yourself and let us know the following: 1. Who you are and a little about the children in your life 2. One thing you’d like to explore this month 3. A favorite connected memory from childhood

Oh my… if I had a dollar for every time a kid said “I’M DONE” after 30 seconds, I could buy a lot of snacks. 😄 Short attention spans aren’t a character flaw. They’re information. Here are three responses that work without turning it into a battle: 1) Make it smaller (shrink the job) Instead of “Let’s do this activity,” try: “Do just the first part with me.” Or: “Give me two minutes.” A tiny start is often all they need. 2) Add a role (kids love purpose) “Be my helper.” “Be the tester.” “Be the timer.” Roles give their brain a hook to stay engaged. 3) End on purpose (leave them wanting more) If they’re drifting, say: “Perfect. We’ll stop while it’s still fun.” Then put it away where they can see it. This builds the feeling: play is safe, not pressure. Bonus tip: if quitting is happening a lot, it’s usually not “lazy.” It’s often tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or unsure. Meeting that need first changes everything. If you tell me your child’s age and what they quit the fastest (games, crafts, reading, cleaning), I’ll suggest a “two-minute entry” that fits. What about you? Do you find yourself quitting? Let’s share ideas, not just for the kiddos in our lives but for each other.