As the calendar turns over to a new year, our thoughts naturally turn to fresh starts, new beginnings, and the opportunity to set the tone for the months ahead. For mothers of toddlers and preschoolers, this is an ideal time to reflect on the role of play in our homes and consider how we can foster a positive, growth-oriented mindset to elevate the play experiences of our little ones.Picture this: a home filled with laughter, creativity, and exploration, where playtime is not just a way to pass the time, but an essential component of a child’s development. What if we could approach play with intention, purpose, and a clear vision of what we want it to look and feel like in our homes? With the right mindset and actionable goals, we can make this vision a reality.Setting the stage for a year of joyful, enriching play begins with embracing a positive mindset. Here are four actionable tips to support mothers in cultivating this mindset as they embark on the new year:1. Practice Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to reflect on the joy that play brings to your child’s life and the precious moments you share together. Gratitude can shift our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, fostering a positive outlook on the role of play in our homes.2. Embrace Flexibility: Understand that play doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Flexibility allows us to adapt to the ever-changing needs and interests of our children, creating an environment where play is fluid, dynamic, and filled with opportunities for growth.3. Cultivate Self-Compassion: As mothers, we often place high expectations on ourselves. It’s important to recognise that we’re doing the best we can and that it’s okay to seek support and guidance. Self-compassion creates space for a positive mindset to flourish, benefiting both ourselves and our children.4. Set Clear Intentions: Take the time to envision what you want play to look and feel like in your home. What values and experiences do you want to prioritise? Setting clear intentions allows you to align your actions with your vision, creating a sense of purpose and direction in your approach to play.If you’re ready to take the next step in elevating and optimising play in your home, I invite you to learn more about setting goals for play and creating daily habits in The Project PLAY Club. As a digital membership, The Project PLAY Club provides mentoring and support for mothers of toddlers and preschoolers who are committed to fostering a positive, growth mindset in their homes. Together, we can create a year filled with meaningful, joyful play experiences for our children.Let’s make this new year a time of growth, intention, and joy in the world of play. Join me in The Project PLAY Club and let’s embark on this journey together.

Happy New Year!!

Erin xx