How much can ten minutes of intentional play change your relationship with your child? In this episode of Your Cup of Joy, I sit down with Chris Mannino, parenting coach and author of Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play. Chris brings such a refreshing perspective on parenting, one that moves away from rigid rules and behaviour strategies and instead focuses on connection, imagination, and joy. With a background in theatre and years of experience as both a teacher and stay-at-home dad, Chris has discovered how simple shifts in play can transform relationships between parents and their children.

We talk about the power of saying “yes” to our kids’ ideas, the magic of improv in everyday parenting, and how even a few minutes of intentional play can build memories that last for years. Chris also opens up about his own journey of navigating disconnection, burnout, and the pressures of parenthood, and how his “anchor technique” helps parents find calm in the middle of the chaos.

If this conversation filled your cup, please leave a review and pass this conversation along to the fellow parents in your life. Don’t forget to connect with Chris and support his work using the links below. Now go out and play with your kids!

Connect with Chris:
Website: https://www.christophermannino.com/
More on Chris’ new book, Making it Up: https://www.christophermannino.com/miu.html
Instagram: @christophermannino
TikTok: @parentingandbooks

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie