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Play is more than just filling the hours - it's the foundation of independence, creativity and resilience. I don't know about you but that's good news for me because when my children are busy becoming creative self-starters who make their own fun, they're less likely to follow me around the house demanding to be entertained.

Yes, we love our children, but someone needs to look out for us parents, and that's why I'm here.

Play with Purpose is full of ideas that you can implement straight away. It's like an emergency kit, packed with everything you need to get you back on the road. Nudges, to ~~trick~~ steer your child towards play (and away from screens), habits to make sure play happens naturally and Play Tools to soothe emotions and develop the can-do attitude required to get back to play when things fall apart.

Of course, if we're going to replace screens, children need something to do, and that's where the Play Kits come in. These are my answer to the Montessori tray, but for the over 5s. An hour's fun in a box. Best of all, there's nothing to buy. You already have everything you need - and you can be sure your child will love them because she will be the one who makes them.

The best place to start is with the Guide to Playful Playspaces. It's free to download and gives you a great overview. You'll find ready-to-go nudges and habits plus essential tips for setting up a playspace that makes play inevitable.

Lastly, you'll notice that not everything is accessible on the site.

Some posts are members-only. Just sign in to read them. But others are for paying subscribers. There are three newsletters, for toddlers, preschoolers and the over 5s. You can read more below.

Lastly, my name's Alexis. Here's my story.

Now, scroll down to see the best of what the site offers.

Habits

Simple strategies to get back to play when things fall apart.

Try the The Play Habits

Discover practical strategies that embed play into your child’s daily life, making it as natural as brushing teeth. Habits like focusing on one activity at a time or preserving works in progress create a rhythm where play becomes second nature. By fostering these habits, you’ll help your child build focus, independence, and creativity—all while freeing yourself from constant supervision.

Nudges

More play happens when it's the easy and obvious choice.

Make play inevitable

Nudges are small, thoughtful tweaks to your child’s environment that gently encourage exploration and creativity. From arranging materials enticingly to using lighting and positioning to inspire curiosity, nudges make play inevitable without overt direction. Let your child feel empowered to dive into independent fun with little setup from you.

Screen-Free Saturdays

A weekly reset for creative, screen-free fun.

Plan your first screen-free afternoon

Give your family the gift of a screen-free afternoon each week. With simple, engaging activities that use everyday materials, Screen-Free Saturdays help children rediscover creativity and develop key life skills like problem-solving and resilience. Break the screen-time habit and reconnect as a family.

Start with the Child

Simple and effective ways to get your toddler playing independently

See the world through your child's eyes

Learn how to see the world through your toddler’s eyes. This approach helps you tailor play to her developmental stage, interests, and abilities, fostering independence and confidence. By understanding how your child learns and plays, you’ll create opportunities for deep engagement that feel effortless.

Patterns in Play

Understand the hidden forces that guide your toddler's play.

What's your toddler's schema?

Schemas are the hidden patterns in your child’s play, like stacking, transporting, or enclosing objects. Understanding these natural tendencies helps you provide the right materials and activities to support her growth. With Patterns in Play, you’ll learn how to nurture skills like problem-solving, creativity, and focus through your child’s unique interests.

The Play Tools

Simple strategies to get back to play when things fall apart

Try your first Play Tool

The Play Tools combine psychological insights with physical activities to build essential skills like self-regulation, perseverance, and creativity. These quick, easy-to-implement strategies empower your child to become an independent, self-directed learner, capable of tackling challenges and finding joy in purposeful play.

Best of the blog

Join for free

There's lots to read on Play with Purpose. You can get lost for hours. But if you'd like to leave a comment or read members-only posts, you can get free access by joining The Play Circle.

Get The Guide to Playful Playspaces

Looking for a quick intro to all things Play with Purpose? Download your copy of the free guide and discover the effortless ways you can get back to play.