Before ABC’s & 123’s children need this—The 7 Pillars for Play
Most parenting advice overlooks the first five years—but this is when emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and independence take root.
Play isn’t just fun—it’s how kids build the skills they need for life. And the best part? With the right approach, it only takes 10 minutes a day.
Why Play Matters More Than Ever
1.
Critical Skills
The first 60 months are when your child learns critical skills like problem-solving, resilience, and independence—through play, they build the foundation for lifelong success. And here’s the thing: no screen or flashy gadgets can replace the hands-on, intentional play that makes this kind of growth happen.
2.
Delayed Development
When play is overlooked, your child’s developmental milestones can fall behind. Skills like fine motor, social, and emotional growth all come from purposeful play. Without it, kids struggle to catch up, and that delay can make parenting feel even harder than it already is.
3.
Emotional Well-Being
Play isn’t just fun—it’s how kids process their world. It gives them a safe space to manage big emotions, try new things, and feel proud of what they can do. In the middle of all life’s chaos, play is their way of saying, “I’ve got this.” And as a parent, it’s your secret weapon for building a thriving, happy child.
Common Myths about Play
1. “Play is just for fun.”
Nope! Play is how kids learn. Whether they’re stacking blocks or playing pretend, they’re developing critical skills like problem-solving, resilience, and independence. It’s not just fun—it’s foundational.
2. “Expensive toys teach more.“
Wrong again! The more a toy “does” with lights and songs, the less child has to do. Less can be more, expecially those with hefty price tags.
3. “Academics=Readiness.”
Before children learn their ABCs and 123s, they need to develop problem-solving abilities, independence, and emotional regulation. Play is the natural way they acquire these essential life skills.
Get Started with The 7 Pillars for Play
Happy Parents Speak!
“All I can say is THANK YOU! As a first-time mom, I naturally worried about everything under the sun. I love how this took away my worries about milestones and helped me focus on what matters. “
Lauren T., First-Time Mom
“I work outside the home and always riddled with mommy guilt. This method of a 10-minute play time changed my life. And thank you Gretchen for including the cards for what to say and what to do when I play with my daughter. Worth every penny!”
Christine M., Mom of a 3 yr. old
“With 3 boys, we have so many toys. I bought this for the Toy Rotation Method. Every parent should follow this. It has made our lives so much easier and more meaningful. It’s really neat to see my boys thrive. Thanks again, Gretchen.“
Megan K., Mom of 3 boys
Why does parenting feel so hard?
I meet parents every day who feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and defeated because they’ve tried everything and still feel stuck. It’s easy to get caught up in guilt, questioning every decision, and wondering if you’re doing something wrong as a parent.
Let me ease your mind: Parenting is hard, especially without the right tools and knowledge. It’s normal to worry about your child’s milestones and to fear you might be messing things up. But here’s the truth—you’re not a bad parent. And you’re not alone.
As a mom with a master’s degree in early childhood education and over 25 years of experience, I’ve helped countless families navigate the challenges of parenting through the power of play. Play isn’t just fun—it’s the foundation for building critical skills like problem-solving, resilience, and independence.
Parenting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right resources, you can feel confident and equipped to support your child’s growth and development. Explore the tools and strategies I’ve created, and start turning worry into action. Let’s raise thriving little humans together—one intentional play moment at a time.