Reflecting on Freeplay in 2025 & Stepping Into 2026
As 2025 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what this year has meant for Freeplay, for my family, and for the direction this platform is growing into.
This year wasn’t about rushing or doing everything perfectly.
It was about building a strong foundation.
2025: Building the Foundations of Freeplay
2025 was very much a foundation year for Freeplay.
It was the year I learned how the online world works — from running an online store and creating content, to figuring out how to show up authentically on social media. And if you know me in real life, you’ll know that online platforms are not my natural strength.
That’s why the support of family and friends has meant so much. Every shared post, message of encouragement, bit of advice, or helping hand has been deeply appreciated 🤍
Behind the scenes, there has been a lot of learning, trial and error, and slow growth — all done with heart.
Freeplay has grown into more than just an online store. It has become a platform for learning about play — growing alongside my own journey as an early childhood teacher and lifelong learner.
My Biggest Achievement of 2025
While Freeplay continued to grow, my biggest achievement this year happened offline.
In July, I welcomed my beautiful baby girl 🤍
Becoming a mum to five children while continuing to build Freeplay has been both challenging and incredibly grounding.
This season has strengthened my belief in free play and open-ended resources. I see every day how powerful play is — how it supports creativity, emotional development, problem-solving, and connection.
Play is not something extra.
It is how children learn.
Why Freeplay Exists
Freeplay exists to support families and educators to better understand play urges and what drives children’s play.
My vision is to create a platform where people can:
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Learn about play urges and schemas
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Choose resources that grow with their child
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Feel confident following the child’s lead
This is why I’m intentionally developing play urge kits that align with the Freeplay philosophy.
Not every child is the same.
And no kit should ever be one-size-fits-all.
These kits will continue to evolve over time, just as children do.
Stepping Into 2026: Returning to Early Childhood Teaching
As we move into 2026, I’m returning to early childhood teaching — stepping back into environments where I can practice what I preach every day.
Being alongside children, observing their play, and responding to their needs keeps Freeplay grounded in real experiences, not trends.
I’ll continue building Freeplay slowly and intentionally, while staying deeply connected to what matters most: children, play, and relationships.
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
Thank you for being here — whether you’ve quietly followed along, supported Freeplay through a purchase, helped behind the scenes, or taken the time to learn more about play.
Freeplay is growing alongside my family and alongside people who genuinely care about childhood, play, and connection.
If Freeplay has resonated with you, it means so much when you share it with other teachers, parents, families, or friends. Every conversation, message, and recommendation helps this space grow — not just as a business, but as a community where we can learn from one another and deepen our understanding of play together.
I’m stepping into 2026 with a full heart, clarity, and deep gratitude — trusting the journey, the children who guide us, and the community growing alongside Freeplay.
— Paige 🤍