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Think about how your home sounds at night. A TV in one room. Notifications in another. Maybe a quiet scroll before bed. We call it winding down, but it's usually just the opposite... everyone alone, together.
Connection doesn't fade because we get busy. It fades because we stop doing the small, silly, playful things that make being together fun. And when those moments disappear, so does the warmth that helps families feel like families.
Play at home matters as much as play at school. It creates a rhythm that reminds everyone how good it feels to be fully present with each other, especially for older kids who roll their eyes at first but end up staying for "one more round."
Play softens walls and makes the room feel lighter. Science calls it oxytocin, but families call it warmth.
This week, we'll share how to make that happen, from tech-free zones to easy, low-prep games that even the most reluctant family members can't resist. Let's start!
#369: Project Joy, Playful Leadership & Ditching the Phones - Real Talk on Energy, Creativity, and Presence
In this week’s episode, Paul and I return after one of our busiest terms yet, and we’re getting honest about what it really means to balance passion, work, and personal well-being.
We also introduce our new Play-Based Leadership Profile — a tool designed to help you reveal your natural play style (Connector, Creator, Challenger, or Carer) and how it shapes your leadership.
There’s also plenty of laughter, reflection, and real talk about burnout, boundaries, and finding joy in simple things, such as kicking the footy, ditching devices, and being truly present.
Listen to Episode #369 and rediscover how a little play with purpose keeps you energised for what matters most!
The Play Free Foundation - Golf Day
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of fun! The Play Free Foundation Golf Day is swinging the door wide open to more play, joy, and support for schools and communities across Australia.
Your participation fuels initiatives that bring play-based learning and wellbeing to life for kids. Every dollar raised goes back into classrooms, programs, and people.
What’s included?
- Afternoon Shotgun Start
- Delicious 2-course meal
- Auction prizes like a Corporate Box at the MCG, PD from The School of Play, getaway packages, and more!
Gather your crew! Scan the QR code to register!
Daily Mission Cards
Most families talk about their day after it's over, when in fact, you can build it together without adding stress to your already packed schedule.
This Daily Mission Card's magic is that it can be done in each of the family members' daily routines.
Here's how to do it:
- Start the morning by reading this card aloud.
- Make it Context-Friendly:
- Kids might greet a classmate they don't usually play with.
- Mum could chat to the supermarket cashier.
- Dad might strike up a convo at the office or while walking the dog.
And then over dinner, you each bring back a little story, a ripple of kindness, or a moment you might've missed if not for this one shared goal. This tiny mission combines low-effort, high-impact bonding into a single mission.
Ready to turn ordinary days into shared adventures? Grab your own deck of Kindness & Happiness Mission Cards and start creating rituals that make family time matter!
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Gratitude Golf
Screens are everywhere, and finding a game that older kids don’t roll their eyes at is half the battle. Gratitude Golf is a fun, inclusive experience perfect for all ages.
How to play: Set up 11 “golf holes” around your backyard using cones or buckets. Each pair rolls a tennis ball. The number of rolls determines which gratitude question you answer together in the PDF.
Think “What’s something kind someone did for you this week?” or “What place makes you feel happy?”
Make it a Saturday tradition with grandma, uncles, and cousins! Bring out some snacks, and make space for reflection and laughter between shots. You’ll build stronger bonds and memories that last far longer than any round of screen time.
For more powerful games like this, become a Jugar Life member below and unlock our full library of playful activities!
Empower Your Family With Calm, Clarity & Connection
Between the negativities of today's world, kids acting out, and spouses' tempers flaring, even small things can feel overwhelming. It's a sign that your family needs a reset.
This 40-minute course is for parents who want to actively nurture confidence, focus, and resilience in their homes. Learn simple, science-backed strategies to improve your child's emotional regulation and create daily rituals that anchor your family's wellbeing, whether it's handling tantrums, building better communication, or setting up rhythms that support learning and connection. This course is your calm in the chaos.
Watch it HERE and walk away with a toolkit to help your family feel steady and supported!
Little Legends, Big Hearts
Over the holidays, we had the absolute pleasure of teaming up with Muscular Dystrophy Australia for their ‘Little Legends’ camp. The energy was infectious. Every game reinforced what play is all about: inclusion, belonging, and joy.
Our mission was to help the Little Legends feel the power of community and the magic of being part of something bigger. We’re beyond grateful for our ongoing partnership with MDA and can’t wait for the next opportunity to bring more smiles to their incredible crew.
If you’re in a position to donate or sponsor their initiatives to help support individuals and families who live with Muscular Dystrophy, visit their website.
Every small donation adds up and helps support the cause. Go on, you good souls!
Join us on this global journey of joy and connection! If you want to bring The School of Play to your community, fill out the form here ➡
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