Do you know what I don’t talk about enough?

How often I reach for the play guide when I’m in a parenting funk.

Yep. Even as one of the creators. I still have those moments when play feels forced or like one more thing to make a decision about. But this guide? It helps me go from “What should I do?” to “Oh, we can do this!” Without a Pinterest deep dive or overthinking it to death.

It’s been a game changer in our home, and I want that for you too.

So if you’ve grabbed your copy (or if it’s been sitting in your downloads folder for a while), this post is your nudge. Because once you start using the guide, things begin to shift. You stop guessing. You start noticing. And play stops feeling so… random.

1. I stopped wondering if I was doing enough.

That nagging voice telling me “you should be doing more” quieted. Inside the guide, there’s a section that helps you name your goals clearly. (Fun fact. I pulled from my training as a certified life coach to create it.) Whether your goal is to help your child say more words or to simply enjoy playtime again, you’ll have a personalized starting point. That clarity builds quiet confidence.

2. I saw my child with fresh eyes.

You might be surprised by how much your child already knows! When I started using the checklists, prompts, and simple worksheets, I noticed progress I’d been missing. Like the time my toddler used a new word out of the blue and I realized it came from one of our play routines. It reminded me she is learning. And I’m actually helping.

3. Play felt less like pressure, more like connection.

Hang with me for a second. As a speech therapist, play and language come naturally to me. So no, I don’t usually feel the pressure. But I’ve worked with enough parents to know it often feels like a lot. And truthfully, even in my line of work, I still find myself trying to squeeze in an activity between everything else. I still catch myself scrolling for new ideas or winging it and hoping something sticks.

That’s one of the reasons we created the Play Guide. It takes the pressure off. I just open it, pick a prompt, and we’re off. No themes to plan. No overthinking. No reinventing the wheel. Just simple, meaningful play.

And with our 2-1-1 framework (2 concepts, 1 power word, 1 strategy) you’ll always know exactly what to focus on for the week. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what actually is effective.

4. I started using what we already had.

No new toys. No subscription. No more clutter. The guide includes 10 common toys found in most homes with fresh prompts and ways to stretch each one’s value. Suddenly, a spoon became a scoop. A cushion became a mountain. A block tower became a language lesson. We were playing with purpose without spending a dime. Winning.

5. I stopped second-guessing myself.

Now again, as a speech therapist, I don’t usually question whether I’m doing the “right” thing during play. But, I do knowhow common that second-guessing is for parents. That’s exactly why we added this little gem in the middle of the guide: “What Do I Do When…” Because we’re all experiencing it. My child won’t sit still. They only responded with one word. I’m trying, but it’s not clicking. We walk through those moments together. No pressure. Just practical strategies from a speech therapist for real-life parenting.

6. I actually played. Like, really played.

This is my favorite. I want this for you. I wasn’t just checking a box. The guide helped me be more present and let go of the mental load. Sometimes it was 10 minutes before lunch. Sometimes it was all we did that day. Over time, that consistency built a rhythm and a connection I didn’t want to miss.

7. I felt like a confident parent again.

Not perfect. Not Pinterest-worthy. But grounded. I stopped comparing, started noticing, and began to trust that what we were doing really mattered and was making a difference.

We are doing great.
My child is learning.
We’re growing together.

If you’re holding the guide and wondering now what? Start small. Pick one prompt. Pair it with a daily routine or the play calendar. Let it be light and fun. Don’t overthink it.

And if you haven’t grabbed the guide yet, but you’re curious what it’s like to go from scattered ideas to a play habit that actually sticks, you’re invited.
No pressure. Just possibility!