Author: britstueven

After a long afternoon of errands, emergency bathroom stops, and all those comical mishaps that come with a toddler in tow, JeeWoo and I were hangry, tired, and conveniently stuck in traffic. I needed a flip in perspective, and I needed it FAST. When “Down Under” by Men at Work came on, I pumped up … Continue reading Mama Be Present: Partner in Play Crime →

Last week, you were nudged to lead the way with play or that thing YOU love to do. This week, you’re handing off the torch. It often feels like toddlers “rule the roost,” but if you recount a whole day, these vulnerable, ultimately clueless humans don’t have much say. Perhaps THEY are dying to do … Continue reading Mama Be Present: Let Them Lead →

“I just can’t play Barbies all day.”“Playing pretend isn’t in my wheelhouse.”“I don’t have patience for crafts and messes.” Maybe some of these words feel familiar to you.  Or maybe you thrive in playtime, but in this 9,000th week of summertime, you’re burnt out and plum out of all things imaginative.  Well, my tired yet … Continue reading Mama Be Present: Lead the Way →

Is breakfast with the kids feeling like Groundhog Day?Is lunch with no adult convo slowly crushing your soul?Does snack time feel like the same thing ALL the time? Well, then. You just might want to try this trick: An Offbeat Picnic! In other words, think of an unusual, unexpected spot to enjoy a meal or … Continue reading Mama Be Present: Offbeat Picnic →

At the tail end of a longgg winter night that was also Day 4 of the hubs being outta town, I was touched out, talked out, and just plain burnt out.  Right before I started clawing at the walls, something in my back pocket came to the rescue:   RICE PLAY! It’s one of the … Continue reading Mama Be Present: Rice to the Rescue →