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How to let your kids be kids, learn, grow and thrive via purposeful play, independent learning, and open-ended toys.

25 Simple Sensory Activities for Infants and Toddlers
Infants (0-12 Months) | Toddler (13-24 Months)

25 Simple Sensory Activities for Infants and Toddlers

What is Sensory Play? [and benefits of sensory play]
Elementary (5-11 Years Old) | Infants (0-12 Months) | Play | Pre-School (3-4 Years Old)

What is Sensory Play? [and benefits of sensory play]

Best Experience Gifts for Kids (Instead of Toys!)
Open-Ended Toy Guides | Parenting Resources

Best Experience Gifts for Kids (Instead of Toys!)

Mud play for kids: Yes, it’s worth the mess.
Child Development | Play

Mud play for kids: Yes, it’s worth the mess.

mouse, speaker, radio play-4850343.jpg
Elementary (5-11 Years Old) | Parenting Resources | Play | Pre-School (3-4 Years Old) | Toddler (13-24 Months)

The Toniebox: The Screen-Free Toy For Kids That Will Transform Your Child’s Playtime

youth, children, wagon-640094.jpg
Play

20 Must-Have Outdoor Toys for Kids [unique outdoor toys]

importance of drawing and painting in child development
Play | Open-Ended Toy Guides

23 Best Art Supplies for Kids

25 Montessori Toddler Activities That Will Keep Your Little One Busy
Child Development | education | Learn | Toddler (13-24 Months)

25 Montessori Toddler Activities That Will Keep Your Little One Busy

Purposeful Play: How to Encourage Children to Play Purposefully
Play

Purposeful Play: How to Encourage Children to Play Purposefully

children looking down at camera
education | Elementary (5-11 Years Old) | Play

Benefits of Recess in Elementary School

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Together we’ll slow down, stop rushing our kids through life and raise lifelong learners who will become confident and independent adults. 

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Alanna Gallo

thealannagallo

✨ Screen conscious parenting
✨ Let’s prioritize play + exploration
✨ Mom x 4, former teacher with M.Ed
✨ Resources for you ⤵️

Thanksgiving is more than a day of feasting—it’s a time to pause and reflect on gratitude.Teaching our children the value of gratitude not only strengthens family bonds but also nurtures empathy, contentment, and joy in the simplest things.Gratitude is a skill, one we can model through our words and actions.By sharing what we’re thankful for, listening to others, and appreciating the beauty around us, we create a culture of thankfulness that lasts far beyond the holiday season.What are you most grateful for this year?
✨ This holiday season, let’s trade the stress ✨ This holiday season, let’s trade the stress of *stuff* for the simplicity of connection.Comment WINTER WONDER and I’ll DM you a link to grab my simple winter activities that help bring back connection over consumption this holiday season.Instead of piles of toys and cluttered spaces, imagine warm family moments—playing a favorite game, baking cookies together, or heading outside for a winter walk.It’s not the gifts we give but the *memories we make* that our kids will carry with them.When we let go of “more” and embrace *meaningful*, we create space for what truly matters: love, laughter, and togetherness.This year, let’s focus on presence over presents. Who’s with me? Comment WINTER WONDER to grab 25 simple activities that will help you make this happen.
Worldschooling ❤️What is worldschooling and Worldschooling ❤️What is worldschooling and why do we choose it for our family.Feel free to drop your comments here.
Want to build a brighter future for our kids? 🌍 Want to build a brighter future for our kids? 🌍Here’s how small choices now can make a big impact later 👇🏻📚 Read books about different cultures: Builds empathy and broadens their worldview, helping them see and appreciate diverse perspectives and a deeper appreciation humanity.✈️ Travel to new places: Immerses them in new environments, fostering adaptability and a sense of wonder. Teaches them about other cultures, religious views and ways of life.👫 Build community: Teaches them connection, the value of relationships, gives a sense of belonging and builds understanding.🎨 Encourage free play: Sparks creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills that empower lifelong learning.🌳Spend time in nature: Boosts their physical and mental well-being, grounding them in the importance of protecting our planet.💬 Teach social and emotional skills: Equips them with resilience, empathy, and the confidence to handle challenges.Change starts in our homes with how we raise our kids. Each of these small but powerful actions sets the stage for confident, compassionate, and capable adults ready to make a difference. 🌱✨
I’m a mom to four kids 9 and under AND an expert I’m a mom to four kids 9 and under AND an expert in play who NEVER SETS UP ACTIVITIES for my kids.Here’s why I don’t feel guilty about that 👇🏻1️⃣ Encourages Problem-Solving and Independence: When kids play independently, they have to figure things out on their own. This kind of unstructured play nurtures critical thinking and helps them feel capable without needing adult guidance every step of the way.2️⃣ Boosts Creativity and Imagination: With fewer adult led activities kids get to rely on their own imagination. Boredom is a powerful motivator for creativity, giving them the freedom to explore ideas that wouldn’t fit into any adult-planned setup.3️⃣ Builds Confidence in Self-Directed Learning: Kids gain confidence when they discover that they can entertain themselves. They realize they’re capable of learning and exploring on their own terms, which is a huge part of building self-confidence and resilience. Letting them lead their play helps them develop a love of learning that isn’t driven by someone else’s agenda.So, if you’re feeling guilty for not setting up activities STOP IT! See it as a gift you’re giving your kids ❤️
We live in a culture where we’re told that more We live in a culture where we’re told that more toys, more tech, and more activities will make our kids happier and more successful.But what if it’s doing the opposite?What if all this ‘stuff’ is actually robbing them of the chance to learn who they are, to try new things, and to feel the satisfaction of discovery on their own?Less stuff, more life – because in the end, it’s the experiences, not the things, that truly shape who they become.Just some food for thought ✌🏻
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