Play, Parenting, and Self-Care: Making Room for Fun in the Mess

Play, connection, and the chaos of everyday parenting - this episode of Mucked Up My Self-Care dives into how play can be both a lifeline and a stressor for moms. Jill and Linda share real stories of finding joy in messy moments, how intentional play shifts their energy, and why sometimes self-care looks like sitting on the floor with your kids (even when you’d rather not). From sibling squabbles to popsicle-stick self-care activities, they explore how to weave self-care into family life without losing themselves.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How highs and lows can help reframe both overwhelm and joy in motherhood.
• Why play is a surprising but powerful form of self-care for moms (and kids).
• Practical ways to use play to reset your family’s energy when chaos hits.
• When play works and when it totally backfires.
• Creative ideas for simple, low-energy play activities (like cars on your back or popsicle-stick self-care).
• How to navigate overstimulation when everyone wants your attention at once.
• The importance of shifting perspective so self-care doesn’t just become survival care.

Self-care doesn’t always mean time away, it often means stepping into the chaos with a different lens. Whether it’s pulling out a board game, painting flowerpots, or letting your child drive toy cars across your back, play can become an unexpected pathway to connection and care. And yes, sometimes it’s messy, interrupted, and imperfect, but that’s what makes it real.

Until next week, we hope you can unstuck your muck! 💛

 

• 📩 Need help figuring out where to start with self-care? Message us at muckedupmyselfcarepodcast@gmail.com and we’ll send our favorite five simple ideas.
• 👋 Find Jill @mamaoutspoken and mamaoutspoken.com
• 💬 Connect with Linda @hellolindabonney or lindabonney.com