There are so many reasons!
I made a short list of the biggest reasons why I am passionate about opening a new play cafe and I can’t wait to share my “why” with the community.
I’m a Hampton Roads native, born and raised in Virginia Beach. Like so many in the area, I became a part of a military family and spent quite a bit of time bouncing around from station to station hoping for the best in each new place.
Years later, I was fortunate enough to be able to return to my hometown area, and we settled in Chesapeake in 2022. I loved being back near my family, but with my toddler in tow, I really yearned for a way to meet new friends and find a social outlet for myself and my youngest daughter. I couldn’t figure out how to make those connections while being a stay-at-home parent, and I wanted my daughter to have a chance to play and practice social skills as well. It turns out, I’m not the only person yearning for this – and I knew exactly what I wanted to do about it!
I want to do everything I can to help my community build connections and supportive networks – and I want it to be FUN! The play cafe is one way I plan to provide opportunities for amazing things to happen for children and their parents and caregivers!
And now I want to share the 6 “pillars” of The Town Square Play Cafe!
Everything is Magical
As a mom, I love encouraging the discovery of magic in daily life. It’s not a bowl, sticks and flowers – it’s a fairy house! It’s not a laundry basket – it’s a carnival ride! I believe children learn SO much through activating their imagination and having a chance to explore the world around them. I have learned through the years to increase my patience and decrease my worries. You know – don’t sweat the small stuff, yada yada yada.
Extend the Sense of Wonder
My youngest child is enjoying a different version of childhood than my older children did because I am much more open to parenting outside of the box than I was before, and part of opening the play cafe is extending that magical and messy sense of wonder into the community for others to enjoy.
Imagine. Play. Discover.
I want our kiddos to have access to all the things! I want them to be able to experience new things and discover the fantastic world we live in. I don’t want them to just think that they can be anything they want to be – I want them to KNOW it. I want their dreams and aspirations to be boundless!
Open Doors and Remove Limitations
My home, however, is not boundless. There are some things that are just not practical for the average family to have at home. There are some things that I don’t want at home. And honestly, getting out of the house and engaging in social interactions is amazing for kids (and adults)! This is the place where all of that can happen.
Parent Identity Matters
I also believe that parents and caregivers (moms in particular) should not have to lose their identity in order to raise awesome little humans. I want a place where my preschooler is completely entertained and stimulated, but also where I can hold a conversation with a friend – or meet a new friend! I want a place where I can caffeine up, grab a snack, and sit comfortably while my little scientist conducts experiments in the lab playhouse. I want a place where I can knock out some work on the laptop while my little chef is serving up treats from the cafe playhouse. And I want to not worry about the heat, rain, or nearby roadway while my budding adventure guide is scaling a play structure.
The Best For Them
In short, I want the best for my kiddo- and it’s a total bonus if it’s also great for me. That’s what I’m creating here. I want The Town Square to be the best for YOUR kiddo – and I intend to make it great for you too!
