The quiet magic of play: Reclaiming joy in the everyday.
Somewhere between meal prep, laundry, and the mental gymnastics of remembering everyone’s appointments, play can drift quietly out of reach. It’s often the first thing to slip when we’re stretched thin - the laughter, the lightness, the tiny moments of delight that used to spill naturally from our days. And yet, play is not frivolous. It’s not something extra to sprinkle on top when everything else is done. It is essential nourishment - for your nervous system, your child’s, and the bond that carries you both.
When you think back to your own childhood, chances are you don’t remember the neatly folded washing or perfectly prepared meals. You remember the moments when time stood still: the silly dances in the kitchen, the spontaneous games, the sound of shared laughter echoing through the house. That’s the power of play. It reminds us that love lives in presence, not perfection. This blog includes: why play matters, redefining what play looks like, movement as medicine, when play feels hard, and returning to presence.
Holding What We Can: The Tender Dance Between Capacity and Capability
There’s a subtle but powerful distinction that shows up often in parenting, caring, and daily life - the difference between capacity and capability. Many of us live in a constant tug between the two, measuring our worth by what we can accomplish rather than by how full our cup actually is.
At first glance, the words sound similar. Both speak to strength and competence. Yet the space between them holds a truth many of us overlook until we find ourselves stretched thin, wondering why, despite our best intentions, things still feel impossible. This blog delves into the differences and how we can check-in with ourselves along the way.
Mental load: overstimulation, the invisible weight, and rethinking parenthood
When we picture family life, the focus often falls on visible activities: outings, playdates, home-cooked dinners, and bedtime routines. Less discussed is the invisible architecture that sustains these moments - the mental load - particularly the weight shouldered by mothers. Beneath the surface lies a persistent cognitive labour: keeping mental lists, anticipating needs, sorting events, arranging logistics, balancing relationships, planning, and remembering. The toll this takes can be substantial, resulting in both overstimulation and a sense of chronic busyness. This blog addresses: overstimulation and the invisible labour; societal pressures and the ‘good mother’ archetype; managing the mental load - cracks and sharing; tools for change - fair play and beyond.