👋 Meet Miz — Early Childhood Teacher, Montessori Mum, and Play Advocate
At Frankie & Leo, we believe some of the best play insights come from the families in the thick of it. So we sat down with Miz — a Montessori-aligned early childhood teacher and mum to two-year-old Richard — to talk about screen-free play, following the child’s lead, and how she keeps playtime meaningful (even on the busiest days).
🎙️ Frankie & Leo: Miz, tell us a bit about your home life with Richard.
Miz:
We’re a pretty active little duo. I work part-time as an early childhood teacher, and the rest of the week I’m home with Richard. He’s two and very curious — into puzzles, climbing, pulling things apart, and trying to put them back together again. I try to keep our home environment calm and predictable, especially around play. That doesn’t mean quiet — but it means he knows where things go and what’s available to him.
🎙️ How does your Montessori background influence how you play at home?
Miz:
Honestly, it’s made me slow down a lot. As a teacher, you learn that children really do best when they lead. So at home, I try to follow Richard’s rhythm — not rush him. If he wants to do the same puzzle five times in a row, that’s what we do. I might sit beside him and name the pieces or just observe quietly.
It’s less about what we’re playing and more about how we’re engaging.
🎙️ What’s your approach to setting up the play space?
Miz:
Simple is best. We have a low shelf with a few chosen toys — things like wooden puzzles, stacking cups, a posting box. I rotate them every week or two depending on what Richard’s interested in. Right now, he’s into matching and sorting, so I’ve put out our shape puzzle and a basket of colour cards.
The goal isn’t to entertain him, it’s to give him tools to explore with purpose.
🎙️ How do you make time for play when life is busy?
Miz:
I think we need to shift our idea of “making time.” It’s not about hours — it’s about presence. Sometimes we only get 15 minutes after a long day, but if I put my phone away, sit on the floor, and just be with him, that’s enough.
And honestly, those small moments often turn into the most meaningful ones.
🎙️ Do you have a favourite activity to share together?
Miz:
Puzzles, always. I love how they slow him down. They ask for focus, but without pressure. We often do them side-by-side — I’ll take a puzzle and do it next to him, and he’ll do his. Sometimes he copies me, sometimes he does his own thing.
We also talk a lot during play. I describe what he’s doing, name shapes or colours. It turns into a kind of rhythm — and that rhythm feels really grounding for both of us.
🎙️ Any advice for other parents trying to create calmer, more connected playtime?
Miz:
Start small. Clear one shelf. Put out a puzzle or two. Follow your child’s interest, and try not to interrupt too quickly. And remember — there’s no “perfect” play. Just your presence, your patience, and a little bit of trust that they know what they need.
💡 Final Thought
Miz reminds us that play doesn’t need to be perfect — just present. Whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour, when we slow down and follow our child’s lead, we create the space for connection, confidence, and joy.
Looking to start your own calm play routine? Explore Frankie & Leo’s growing collection of puzzles designed for quiet, focused play that grows with your child.
