You all know who makes this community hum, right? It's the ones who show up consistently, ask thoughtful questions, and spark conversations that keep us all thinking and growing. I want to give a great big thank you to @Paulette Ng for bringing creative energy and genuine connection to every thread. @Jen Staniforth who brings two decades of expertise and warmth that lifts everyone around her. @Sandy Chong shows up with curiosity and courage as a fellow baker. @Chanie Twersky creates space for real, meaningful dialogue and play. @Anna Murrietta brings wisdom from years of big-picture thinking and her grandparenting experience. @Brenda Chilstrom generously shares her expertise with such care. @Auli Takala bridges worlds and brings perspective from across the globe. And @Lyndal P shows up consistently to add thoughtfulness to our conversations. If you've been reading along, I invite you to jump in with a comment and join the magic.

Last week, I shared a simple homemade ice cream recipe and asked for your favorite flavors. I also teased we'd have something more in-depth and here we are. For the full activity, along with variations by age go to the Curious Kitchen Lab in the classroom and select #Ice Cream Magic Ice alone is cold, but ice mixed with salt becomes even colder. That extra drop in temperature is enough to turn a sweet liquid into creamy homemade ice cream. Gather Your Gear: Ice Cream Mixture - 120 mL (½ cup) milk, half-and-half, or a combination - 15 mL (1 tablespoon) sugar - 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) vanilla extract Freezing Mixture - About 700 g (3 cups) ice - 75 g (⅓ cup) table salt or coarse salt Supplies - 1 small zip-top bag - 1 large zip-top bag - Kitchen towel or oven mitts - Measuring cups and spoons - Bowls and spoons - My Science Notebook (optional) Optional toppings - Cooled caramel from From Sugar to Caramel - Sugar crystals from Crystal Makers, if prepared using food-safe materials Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Check both bags carefully for holes before beginning. Steps 1. Combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla in the small zip-top bag. Press out excess air and seal tightly. 2. Fill the large zip-top bag with the ice and sprinkle the salt evenly over it. 3. Place the sealed small bag inside the large bag and seal the large bag tightly. 4. Wrap the bag in a towel or use oven mitts. The outside will become very cold. 5. Shake, roll, and gently turn the bag for 5 to 10 minutes. 6. Check the ice cream. Continue shaking until it becomes thick and creamy. 7. Remove the small bag and wipe away any salty water before opening it. 8. Scoop the ice cream into bowls. Add optional toppings if desired. 9. Watch how your ice cream changes as it begins to warm.

Take a minute and swing with your kid. Those meetings can wait.

Hello, Unplug and Play Community! I’m Celia Kibler, and I’m so excited to be joining @Mary Nunaley for a conversation about the incredible power of hands-on play. Play has been part of my life and work for as long as I can remember. In 1987, I co-founded Funfit® Family Fitness to help children and families connect, learn, move, and grow through play. I’m also the co-author of the Funfit® Games Book, filled with 125 active games and activities families can enjoy together. As a mom of five, stepmom, grandmother of nine, and family coach, I have always incorporated play into my own parenting and the work I do with families. It is also an important part of my Be A Better Parent LAB community, where I help parents create calmer, more connected, and more cooperative families. Hands-on play is so much more than entertainment. It builds confidence, strengthens relationships, encourages creativity, reduces stress, teaches lifelong skills, and gives children what screens simply cannot. I can’t wait to talk with Mary, share some of what I’ve learned from a lifetime of playing with children, and hopefully inspire you to bring even more movement, laughter, connection, and hands-on fun into your family. I look forward to meeting you at the summit! Comment below with what you think the acronym for P.L.A.Y. might stand for. The person who guesses closest can win a copy of my Games book.

Hello all! I just wanted to introduce myself to the group. My name is Kayla, and I’m a licensed mental health therapist, mom to a 2-year-old, adjunct psychology professor, and presenter at the upcoming summit! My session, “Good Enough: The Science of Secure Attachment,” will be pre-recorded so you can watch it whenever you have a free moment, which I know can be few and far between when you have little ones! 😊 I’m so passionate about attachment theory and understanding the ways our early experiences shape how we relate to ourselves and others. I’m especially passionate about making this information practical and approachable, because understanding why we do what we do can be such a powerful first step toward creating change. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share something I care so deeply about with all of you. I hope the session gives you some insight, encouragement, and maybe even a few “aha!” moments as you think about your own relationships and parenting journey. I’m looking forward to being part of the summit and connecting with you all! ❤️