Hey friends -
I hope you’re soaking up the last few days of summer. Here in NYC, it’s feeling like the season is winding down—sadly. So, how was my summer, you ask? Honestly, it was fantastic. I traveled, spent quality time with friends and family, and even picked up a few unexpected life lessons along the way.
After a week with my little nephew, I came back home feeling incredibly inspired. Naturally, being the nerd that I am, I Googled “what can we learn from a two-year-old?” and you know what? Google didn’t have much to offer. Sorry Google, but on this one, we’ll have to agree to disagree.
I’m convinced that two-year-olds have a thing or two to teach us about life.
For that whole week, I left my adult worries behind and dove headfirst into his world of pure imagination. We danced in pretend rain, turned a cardboard box into an airplane, and transformed a clothespin into a fish. I felt more creative, free, and energized than I have in a long time. It made me question—when did we get too busy to play? Why do we lose that sense of wonder?
Maybe it’s us adults who need the lessons—how to play, live in the moment, and see the world with endless possibilities. Two-year-olds seem to have it all figured out when it comes to living fully and freely.
And play isn’t just for kids—it’s crucial for adults too. We’re hardwired to play. Did you know it’s one of the main ways our brains develop when we’re young? There’s solid research showing that play helps us tap into creativity, reduce stress, build resilience, and improve flexibility and adaptability. (Side note: doesn’t “Play Researcher” sound like an awesome job title? I might have just found my new dream gig 😄).
Now, I totally get that as a non-parent, I had the luxury of being the “fun aunt.” For those of you who are parents or primary caregivers, I know it’s not always that simple. You’re juggling so much! Adding more play might feel like just one more thing on an already long to-do list. But what if we looked at play not just as something for the kids, but as a way for us to reset and reconnect, too?
In this minisode, I’m sharing my experience and what I believe we can learn from two-year-olds. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest, silliest moments can be the most magical and rejuvenating. Let’s see how we can bring a little more of that playfulness into our grown-up lives.
Until next time, let’s all try to play a little more and stress a little less.
Cheers,
M.
Resources:
Playing for All Kinds of Possibilities - The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/science/zeal-for-play-may-have-propelled-human-evolution.html
Do You Play Enough? Science Says It's Critical to Your Health and Well-Being - Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/2023/07/28/do-you-play-enough-science-says-its-critical-your-health-well-being-1813808.html
Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain - Huberman Lab: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-play-to-rewire-and-improve-your-brain
Minisode: What Can We Learn From Two-Year-Olds?