Hello there!
I’m Amy - a lifelong advocate for helping kids move, play, and grow with confidence. In my world—whether I’m guiding a little one through a tumbling activity or supporting a parent through their child’s milestones—play is more than just fun. It’s transformative.
For more than two decades, I've had the privilege of working with thousands of children and families, helping them discover the incredible power of movement and play. Because when kids are moving, they’re not just building strength—they’re wiring their brains, growing confidence, and learning how to connect with the world around them.
That's why I’m deeply committed to promoting early positive movement experiences for children. I fiercely believe in the transformative power of learning through play. And by play, I mean active, playful movement—whether it’s climbing forts made from safely stacked cushions and mats at home, engaging in energetic roughhousing, or participating in more structured fitness and physical education activities.
For me, it’s not just about movement. I believe motor skills are fundamental to a child’s development — because without the ability to move toward something, they can’t truly explore it. Movement is how children reach, discover, and engage with their world. Along the way, they engage in motor planning, problem-solving, strategizing, and risk-taking — growing in ways that touch every part of their development. When this movement is joyful and playful, it builds a strong, lasting foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
HOW MY JOURNEY BEGAN
Years ago, I was handed a job posting for a prerschool and movement teacher. I felt curious enough to check it out. I went to observe a class and was instantly hooked.
It was both a joy and a surprise to see teachers creating rich opportunities for children to explore and move with their grown-ups — a reminder of how powerful those shared moments can be. That experience for me clicked something into place. Here was this magical mix of music, movement, early development, and real human connection... and I remember thinking, Wait a second—this is a job? That one class totally rerouted my career path—and honestly, I’ve never looked back.
Since then, I’ve worked with thousands of children and families, always with the same core belief: movement matters.
WHY I CREATED A LITTLE MORE PLAY
Over the years, I noticed something that stayed with me long after each class ended.
Parents would ask thoughtful, heartfelt questions:
"Is my child on track?"
"What activities can we do at home?"
"Do I need expensive toys?"
"Am I doing enough?"
I realized these weren't just questions about milestones—they were questions about confidence. Parents wanted trustworthy guidance that was practical, realistic, and grounded in child development, not another overwhelming list of things they "should" be doing.
That's why I created A Little More Play.
Everything you'll find on A Little More Play is built on two things: decades of hands-on experience working with children and families, and current evidence from child development and neuroscience. My goal is to bridge the gap between research and real life, turning the science into practical ideas that busy families can actually use.
WHY MOVEMENT AND PLAY?
Because it’s never just play.
Play is how kids explore, how they test their limits, and how they grow. Whether it’s crawling through a tunnel, balancing on cushions, or engaging in a full-body wiggle, active play helps children develop strength, coordination, confidence, and even emotional resilience.
Still, I’ve met plenty of people who’ve said, “This looks fun, but is it really learning?”
Today's research gives us a clear answer: yes. During active play, children aren't just exercising their bodies—they're building the neural pathways that support attention, language, executive functioning, self-regulation, problem-solving, and social-emotional development. Movement and play work together to strengthen the brain and body, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.
An engaged, active child is a learning child. The giggles, the curiosity, the determination to ‘try again’—that’s where real learning lives. Movement supports so much more than physical development. It helps with attention, emotional regulation, social skills, and lays the groundwork for a healthy and robust brain development.
HOW I HOPE TO HELP
This space was created for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to help children grow through movement and play. Whether you're looking for practical ideas, evidence-informed guidance, or simply a little reassurance, I hope you'll find resources that make everyday play feel meaningful, manageable, and fun.
As Jean Piaget famously said, "Play is the work of the child." I couldn't agree more. When we protect and prioritize play—especially active, movement-rich play—we're doing far more than keeping children entertained. We're giving them opportunities to build confidence, strengthen their bodies, develop their brains, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
My hope is simple.
That every parent feels confident enough to put down the pressure, get down on the floor, and discover that some of the most important learning happens through movement, laughter, curiosity, and play.
Because childhood doesn't need to be perfect.
It just needs a little more play.