Embracing the Holiday Chaos (and Finding the Magic in Play)

Hello Mamas,

Happy (?) break-up week!

If you’re anything like me, you’re currently in a state of beautiful, chaotic contradiction. There's the longing for slower mornings, fewer school runs, and a much-needed break from the hurry of extra-murals. But that also means facing the ultimate challenge: becoming the primary source of entertainment for your kiddos while still trying to navigate the work-home juggle. 

Before we dive into surviving (and thriving in) the holidays, I wanted to properly introduce myself.

I'm Ames, and I live in gloriously humid Durban with my husband, Kyle (we’re coming up on 10 years married!), and our two incredible boys: Benji (6) and Tommy (5).

My journey to becoming the founder of Kiddo wasn’t a straight path. It was paved with love, resilience, and a lot of playtime. Benji, a fighter from his early arrival at 31 weeks, has walked a therapy-heavy road that included play therapy, physio, occupational therapy (OT), and speech sessions.

Accompanying him through these sessions forced me, as an adult, to re-learn how to play. What I discovered was a treasure trove of profound learning, connection, and healing that happens when we truly engage in imaginative and developmental play.

And that, Mamas, is how Kiddo was born.

Kiddo is more than just a brand; it’s a passion project birthed for the benefit of children across South Africa. It’s for every parent who sees the value in storytelling, imagination, and developmental play - the kind of play that builds brains, strengthens bonds, and creates childhood magic.

I have great big dreams for this space and this brand, and I plan to be here for the long haul to share the journey with you.

In the meantime enjoy a few insightful links and thoughts from my week. I'd love to hear yours in the comments!

• Dying to invest in my boys’ rooms, and I cannot stop dreaming about this Munks and Me wallpaper. The Circus Stripe has me drooling!

  
  

• What a brand! Mondvol, I am truly inspired by their mission.

• Any Christmas gift ideas for soccer-obsessed boy Mamas? My boys are glued to the pitch!

• Where is your go-to coffee spot? On weekdays, Propa hits the spot on the way up to the office. Weekend? Plato, for sure! Share yours - I am always on the lookout for a good cuppa.

  
  

My wish for you this week? A good cup of coffee in a quiet spot with your kids, while they are happily lost dreaming up stories from their wildest imaginations. Don’t forget to get your Once Upon a Story prompt cards, or Wild Minds journal orders in soon. We have limited stock in time for Christmas. 

Until next time,

Ames