Jillybeans

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there, with a special shoutout to Rae’s Dada, !

Matt is not big on Instagram, but he deserves a special post anyway. He is truly the most genuinely kind person I’ve ever known. And I see so much of his kindness and sensitivity in Rae.

We love you!❤️

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I shared this story in stories earlier this week and felt it was worthy of a permanent place on my feed.

“What parents teach is themselves, as models of what is human - by their moods, their reactions, their facial expressions and actions. These are the real things parents need to be aware of, and of how they affect their children. Allow them to know you, and it might become easier for them to learn about themselves.”- Magda Ge**er

That quote has always stuck with me.

Our children are always watching us, picking up on things they see. Often, what they see speaks even louder than what we say.

How can we really expect them to manage difficult, frustrating things when they come up and find a way forward if we don’t model that ourselves?

We won’t be able to protect our children (or ourselves) from frustration and disappointment, big and small. We won’t always show up perfectly, nor should we. All of that is a part of life. But we can teach and model coping skills. We can teach and model problem solving skills to improve difficult situations. We can make space for feelings and remind our children (and ourselves) that they will pass.

If this post resonated with you, if this is the type of culture you want in your home, but you need support creating it, I can help you with that in my Three Month Private Coaching Package.
 
You get 12 weeks of my support every step of the way as we walk together through the trenches of parenting, troubleshooting as things come up so you can finally have the peaceful & playful home you always dreamed of.

DM me COACH ME to learn more.

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Hi FB friends. I wanted to share an exciting announcement if you have children or grandchildren 0-6 years old in your life. I recently launched a monthly membership! You'll receive tons of simple play ideas every month, that will have children playing for longer periods of time. All the ideas take just a few minutes to set up, use things you likely have around already, and can be enjoyed by a range or ages and stages— so perfect for siblings.

Here’s what’s included:

· Monthly play plans with new play ideas/prompts to try
· A monthly class on a play/parenting/development topic
· Live monthly Q+A
· Private FB community to connect with other like-minded parents and grandparents

PLUS access to classes and play plans from previous months.

I’m so excited to take the guesswork out of play, and help your family see more engagement, more joy, and more connection. Click the link below to join and please feel free to share with anyone else who may be interested! And of course, message me if you have any questions!

Playful Parenting Membership Checkout page for Playful Parenting Membership.

This is it— the last day of my introductory offer on the Playful Parenting Membership. 
 
Enroll today and get locked into the introductory price of just 5 bucks/month!!
 
At 8 PM EST tonight 5/24, the membership pricing will go back up to its regular rate, so you don’t want to miss this deal.

Comment PLAY to get the link to join!

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You asked and it’s FINALLY here!

Introducing the Playful Parenting Monthly Membership. You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, and feel less burnt out and overwhelmed.
 
Here’s what’s included:
 
·      Monthly play plans with new play ideas/prompts to try (geared toward children 0-6 years old)
·      A monthly class on a play/parenting/development topic
·       Live monthly Q+A
·       Private FB community to connect with other like-minded parents

PLUS access to classes and play plans from previous months
 
And when you enroll in the membership before May 24th, you’ll get locked into introductory pricing of $5/month!

Comment PLAY and I’ll send you the link to join!
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This Earth Day, I’m reminded how incredibly special our planet is. Swipe ➡️ for three simple ways to celebrate our planet with your child today:

-What seems like trash can really be a treasure!
Save those pouch caps from applesauce & yogurt: they have SO many play possibilities! They’re great for sorting games, building, & make awesome loose parts for playdough exploration.

Peels from fruit & vegetables can be great for taste-safe sensory play.

A used cardboard box can easily become the perfect canvas.

-Go on a nature scavenger hunt!
We got this scavenger hunt pad from Hazel Baby + Kids and it is great across all ages. Rae is not reading yet, but could easily identify what to look for from the pictures! This is perfect for the park, a hike, even the backyard! A nature walk is one of my favorite easy ways to engage outdoors.

-Do some yoga together!
Whether you’re inside or outside, yoga is a great way to connect with the nature and the world around you. We love the Happy Hearts board game which combines things like expressing gratitude, regulating & calming through deep breathing, & yoga poses & movement with silly, joyful moments like making funny faces.

There are beautiful possibilities for play & creativity all around us. And if you’re looking for more simple ideas that use things you already have, you’ll definitely want to sign up for my Playful Parenting Membership.

Click the link in my bio to get on the waitlist and be the first to know when it launches.

Happy Earth Day!
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🌎

“Just hope you don’t have to have a C-section.” Surprisingly, I heard this & similar sentiments throughout my pregnancy. I was terrified when I found out I was having one.
 
At 36 weeks, I found out that Rae was breech. As unlikely as it was for her to still be breech so late in pregnancy, it was that much MORE unlikely that she’d turn. I tried to get Rae to move, laying upside down on the ironing board 3X a day. But each week, when I got my ultrasound, there was no change.
 
Both my sister & I were C-Section babies. Many people I know delivered that way. Why was I feeling so emotional about this? I think part of it was letting go of what I thought my delivery was going to be. We’d written a birth plan & now none of it was going to happen. I wanted the surprise. Now I’d know exactly when she’d be here. I’d never had surgery before. I was scared. But it was also the comments I’d heard in the past: that it isn’t REAL birth, that the recovery would be horrible, & the worst one: that I wouldn’t be as bonded to my baby as I would be if I delivered vaginally.
 
At my 39 week appointment, my fluid levels dropped. I’d be having the baby within a few hours, days before my scheduled delivery. Turns out we got that element of surprise after all! Perhaps I’ll share more details at another time, but here’s the main takeaway. The OR was sterile & cold, but everyone in it was warm & kind. I felt pressure, but no pain. And in what felt like no time at all, there was a tiny baby with a full head of hair held up over the blue curtain. In an instant, everything changed. We were a family of 3.
 
It’s  . I don’t know why the narrative around C-Sections can be so negative, but we need to try to change that. Rae’s arrival might have looked different than I initially imagined. Like most things in parenting, it was not as planned. But it was every bit as beautiful as it would’ve been had I given birth differently. Sending lots of love to all the mamas out there. Your story is yours. You brought life into the world & you are incredible. 

Life lately 🌸❤️🌸

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If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard me talking about my three month private coaching package this week & how it can support you on your parenting journey.

It’s the last day of my introductory offer on private coaching & you don’t want to miss it!! Take advantage of 35% off regular pricing & the customized bonus play package before it disappears tonight 4/5 at 8 PM EST by using the LINK IN BIO.

If you’re still gathering information to help you decide, I totally get it. It’s a big investment, so I want to make sure you have all your questions answered so you can make the right decision for you.

Here are some of the most common questions I’ve received about my three-month private coaching package:

1. How is this different from a play consultations?
My private coaching package not a one-off consultation or another parenting course to take. This is having my expertise in your back pocket for 12 weeks straight, supporting you every step of the way as we walk together through the trenches of parenting & troubleshooting as things come up.

Play is just one piece of what we’ll cover. With an environment built on playfulness, empathy, creativity, respect &connection, I’ve watched amazing things happen. Working together in this capacity is the most impactful way to make that happen.

2. What does the package include?
• Comprehensive + customized play plans for your child
• 6 biweekly 1 hour Zoom calls for private coaching and ongoing strategizing as new behaviors, or other challenges, come up
• 12 weeks of Voxer support (a walkie talkie app on your phone) so you can have my support in real time when you need it most

3. What if I have more than one child?
This package is perfect for that, as it’s designed to support you wholly in parenting. That includes sibling dynamics, and all the things that come with it!

4. Do you have a payment plan available?
Yes! Payments can be made in three monthly installments instead of just one.

DM me if you have any questions! And thank you for all the love and support!

Spring is here, and if you’re like me, that means spring cleaning. (I did a deep dive into Rae’s books this weekend and it felt so good!) Here are five questions to ask yourself when you’re deciding whether or not a toy should stay or head to the donation pile. Make sure to scroll all the way through and save this post for when you need it. If the answer to most of these questions is YES, keep the play material around for longer. If not, it’s time to say goodbye.

If you wish you could not feel so inundated with clutter and toys that don’t get played with and just end up being an eyesore of a mess and yet ANOTHER thing on your never-ending list of things to get rid of, I get it. This is one of many things I support families with in private coaching package. And if you enroll before April 5th, you’ll receive introductory pricing (at 35% off!) and a bonus play package with customized play materials for your child. All the details are at the link in my bio or comment COACH ME and I’ll shoot it right to you.

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Do you wish you could…
 
-Simply cherish these precious, fleeting years of early childhood but instead are finding yourself wondering “What am I supposed to do with this kid all day?”
-See your child experience less screen time it’s the only way you can get anything done these days
-Not feel so inundated with toys that don’t get played with & just end up being another thing on your never-ending list of things to get rid of
-Understand how to manage your child’s behavior because it’s affecting yours & it’s not pretty
 
You’re frustrated because what you’re doing is not sustainable & you just want to feel like yourself again.
 
If you’re 🙋🏼‍♀️ I have something exciting to share with you:
 
Introducing my Three Month Private Coaching Package!
 
This is not a one-off consultation or another parenting course to take. This is having my expertise in your back pocket for 12 weeks straight, supporting you every step of the way as we walk together through the trenches of parenting & troubleshooting as things come up.
 
Together we can…
 
Spend less time scrolling for ideas and strategies and spend more time connecting
Create a calm, joyful, and connected environment at home in a way that’s simple, fun & totally doable
Get creative with what you’ve got
Help you become your own parenting expert by becoming intimate with the foundational developmental concepts about behavior in the early years: why it happens & how to support it
 
Here’s what’s included:
Comprehensive + customized play plans for your child
6 biweekly 1 hour Zoom calls for private coaching & ongoing strategizing as new behaviors, or other challenges, come up
12 weeks of Voxer support (a walkie talkie app on your phone so you can message & have support when you need it most)
 
And when you enroll in private coaching before April 5th, you’ll receive introductory pricing at 35% off the regular price PLUS a personalized play package of play materials customized for your child!
 
With an environment built on playfulness, empathy, creativity, respect & connection, I’ve watched amazing things happen.
 
And I want the same for you.
 
DM me COACH ME or click the link in my bio to get started!

I’ve really been loving this trend and it’s made me feel so seen and feel closer to many others on here. But I was debating hopping on it myself to be honest.

Social media can be an incredible resource— a place that allows you to share and to connect. But it can also make you compare yourself to others and feel inadequate.

That’s why it’s so important to me that I share the difficult and challenging moments too, not just the joy, the fun, the tips, and ideas. No one has it together all of the time. No one has a perfect life. No one knows everything. No one is a perfect parent.

I hope that by sharing things that I struggle with sometimes, you feel less alone.

Can you relate to any of these? Share in the comments!

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Thankful ❤️🦃🍁

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This is 3. Something about three years old has felt particularly emotional for me— it really feels like the end of one chapter in parenting and the beginning of a new one. My baby isn’t a baby anymore.

Rae, you radiate and spread joy everywhere you go. You are kind and loving toward others. I’m in awe of your determination and your confidence. How you feel things deeply and you’re unafraid to express those feelings. How you appreciate and find joy in the little things—like spotting “the moon in the sky and it’s daytime” or “beautiful rocks and sticks” or “a car that’s just like ours!” on the street.

You teach me so much and I know I have so much more to learn from you. I love experiencing the world with you. I love learning more about who you are and who you will become.

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Protect the bay at all costs 🛟

Somehow we caught a few pictures while chasing this candy-fueled toddler through the streets 🫠🫠 Hope you had a fun and safe Halloween!

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Fall has always been my favorite season. In recent years, it feels like we only get about a week of it, so attempting to soak up what we can 🍏🍁🍎

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I missed yesterday, but better late than never, right? So to my daughter, who challenges me to be a better version of myself, who teaches me something new every day, and inspires me. I love being your mama.❤️

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Soaking up the last days of summer ☀️

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Swipe for life lately 🏖️☀️

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Weekend vibes ☀️ 🏊‍♀️ 🕶️

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Starting school is a huge transition, and it can feel incredibly overwhelming for both your child and you. As a preschool teacher, I spent many years helping families navigate this, but I am now experiencing this transition as a parent and it is easy to feel nervous and helpless. How can you help or comfort your child if you’re not with them?

Join me on Tuesday August 15th at 1:30 PM EST for the Starting School Strategies class!

This class will provide you with the key tools and strategies you need so you can make the transition into the start of school as smooth as possible, so your child and you can feel prepared and excited about it! We’ll go over preparation for school, separation (what to say and do and what to avoid), setting expectations, and so much more! DM me to reserve your spot!

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Matt deleted all social media from his phone. But I’m writing this sappy birthday post anyway because he deserves it. 😂 I remember once reading something about how a dad sets the standard against which his daughter will judge all men. Matthew, you’ve set the bar really high.

Happy birthday to the most genuinely kind person I’ve ever known. There’s no one else I’d rather do life with. We love you so much ❤️

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A lot of rain, a lot of burgers, a lot of sugar, a lot of fun❤️🤍💙

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🇺🇸

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there, with a special shoutout to Rae’s Dada, , who deserves to have his praises sung here, even if he did delete all social media from his phone. Rae is so lucky to have a dad who is fun, patient, and has the biggest heart- truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. There is no one I would rather parent with. ❤️

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Fri-yay! 😎

We made it guys. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
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Let’s talk potty. Learning to use the potty can be a really stressful experience, for both your toddler and you.

Toddlers often fight this process because they are trying to assert themselves and maintain control. And it makes sense right? They want to be their own people. So when you tell them you want them to do something, it can backfire and tap into that impulse for them to want to do the opposite. Cue a whole lot of frustration for both your child and you.

So is there any way to make the process less stressful? For one, ensuring that your child is ready to start.

Here are three important things to look for to know your child may be ready for the potty:

1. Are they physically ready? There are a number of physical readiness skills you’ll want to look for while deciding whether or not your child may be ready for potty use. Is your child aware and in touch with his/her body ie: telling you they have to go to the bathroom or that they just went while wearing a diaper? Can he/she pull down his/her pants independently?
2. Are they interested in the process? Maybe your child likes following you into the bathroom, asks questions about underwear, or is interested in books about the potty. These are definitely signs that he/she may be ready!
3. What else is going on right now? Zoom out and look at the full picture. Is a new sibling on the way? Did you just move into a new home? It’s hard to find a “perfect” time to start, but additional transitions can make things more complicated.

Be sure to look out for potty post part two, where I’ll share how we approached this process. What part of the potty process feels most stressful to you? Share in the comments!

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Life this weekend 🍓❤️🎠

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The work, both the visible and the invisible, do not just go away because it’s Mother’s Day.

But that work, those everyday occurrences, are always coupled with little magical moments. 💫

There are few things more challenging or rewarding than being a parent. It shows you a capacity for love you never knew existed.

However your Mother’s Day was, whatever your plans were or weren’t, know that your family is so lucky to have you.

It is an honor and a privilege to walk with you on this journey of motherhood in some small way. Thank you for everything you do for your families. Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for being here. ❤️

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MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY

Mama, your family is so lucky to have you. You are showing up, doing your best, & you deserve to be celebrated! Which is why I’m so excited to be partnering with some of my favorite mom-owned brands for a Mother’s Day giveaway!

Prizes valued at $350 including:
-Gift Card from Ave Lumi ($100 value)
-Classic Size Blue Chamomile Multipurpose Balm and Mini Size Original Multipurpose Balm from Ranger Balm ($83 value)
-Diffuser and Candle from Lit Lab Co ($75 value)
-1:1 Play Consultation with Jill Lerman of Jillybeans NYC ($99 value)

HOW TO ENTER:
-Follow
-Like this post
-Tag another deserving mama in the comments

FOR BONUS ENTRIES:
Share this post in your stories with all 4 accounts tagged!

*Must live in US to enter*

The giveaway will be open to enter until end of day on Thursday 5/11. I’ll be randomly selecting & announcing the winning mama on Friday 5/12, so be sure to turn on post notifications!

I’ll be sharing more about these amazing ladies & their businesses throughout the week.

Good luck! You deserve to be spoiled this Mother’s Day!

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Lots of new faces here in the last few weeks, so I wanted to say hi and welcome you! 👋🏻

I’m Jill, and I’m a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, play expert, & mom to a toddler. I empower overwhelmed  parents & caretakers to connect & engage with their little ones through simple invitations to play & create to help make parenting feel more joyful & manageable.

For years, play & working with families have been my passion. As a teacher, I’ve seen how important play is for children & I believe it’s our best tool to support their growth.

But when I had my daughter, everything I was passionate about from my teaching days took on a whole new importance in our lives. As a parent, I began to understand more than ever how difficult getting through the day can feel. You need stretches of independent, child-led play to give you some time back for yourself & to fulfill your own needs. You need simple play ideas that are easy to set up & ideally work towards supporting all the exciting development happening in your child’s early years. You need to make the most of the space & materials you have around you.  

Parenting can be an incredibly hard and lonely journey. But it doesn’t need to feel that way. I recognize how much support & community matters. This is what Jillybeans is all about! I’ve created this space for parents and caretakers everywhere. So happy you’re here! If we haven’t yet connected formally, I’d love if you told me a little more about yourself in the comments!

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