Someone said to me recently, “You’re always smiling in your photos.” And it made me pause… then smile even more. 😄 This photo was taken mid-transit, tired but happy, we turned them into Lego pictures, because it’s where my brain took me back to my childhood. The Lego pieces, the joy, the dosxe to think, create, imagine and have fun. It captures something I deeply believe in: playfulness isn’t just for children. It’s a mindset. A way of being. A reminder to hold joy close, even in the busiest or saddesed of moments. In Early Years, we talk a lot about play, how it supports learning, wellbeing, relationships, and development. But playfulness? That’s the secret ingredient. It’s what makes environments feel safe, warm, and alive. It’s what allows us as adults to connect, with children, to imagine, to care deeply and lead with love and nurture. So here’s my gentle nudge: Don’t lose your playfulness. Not in the policies. Not in the paperwork. Not in the pressure. It belongs in classrooms, corridors, and yes, even in airport queues. ✈️💛 PS: I even loved getting a sticker. Even if it did say Transit on it because we got lost so everyone knew we didn’t know where we were going. Loved it 🤣 #playmatters #earlyyears #playfulness #joyinlearning #letthemplay #eyfs #childhoodchampions #earlyyearsleadership #balancenotbattle