If you’ve ever wondered how other parents create calmer, more intentional play experiences—or simply want to bring a little more joy into your family rhythm—this guide is for you.
At Cub & Fox, we’re big believers in the magic of open-ended play. Whether you’re new to our world or a long-time member of our community, we’ve gathered some of our favourite tools, voices, and ideas to support you on your journey. Consider this your parenting inspiration cheat sheet.
Podcasts That Inspire and Ground
Add these to your playlist and press play during nap time, the school run, or your own quiet moment of reflection.
Unruffled by Janet Lansbury
Respectful, grounded parenting advice that cuts through the noise and brings clarity to everyday challenges.
Parenting & You with Dr. Shefali
Conscious parenting wisdom that invites you to grow alongside your child, not just guide them.
Raising Good Humans
Warm, real, and packed with practical tools for parents who want to raise thoughtful, emotionally aware children.
Waldorfy
Explore the Waldorf approach and spark inspiration for more rhythm, creativity, and connection in your home.
Books That Shift Perspectives
Need a mindset refresh? These reads offer gentle but profound shifts in how we approach parenting.
Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn
This one challenges everything you thought you knew about motivation and rewards. A powerful reminder to raise intrinsically guided children.
The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali
A beautifully honest look at how parenting is as much about our own growth as it is about nurturing our children.
Creators We're Currently Loving
Here are a few Instagram accounts worth a follow if you’re craving daily doses of inspiration for slow, creative, values-led living.
@sasha__dube
Motherhood, slow living, and poetic captions that feel like a deep breath. Her content is a beautiful reminder to find meaning in the moments-in-between.
@storiesofplay
Packed with practical play ideas and rooted in early childhood learning. A go-to resource for fostering creativity, resilience, and self-driven learning.
@thermaland.oaks
An earth-led family sanctuary sharing handcrafted living, outdoor rituals, and a simpler, more intentional way of raising children close to nature.
Rooted in Creativity, Connection, and Calm
No matter where you are in the world—whether you’re heading into cosy winter days or sun-drenched summer afternoons—open-ended play is a beautifully adaptable tool to ground your little ones in connection and imagination.
At Cub & Fox, we’re here to support that journey with tools like the Magic Canvas, a reusable, mess-free art surface that invites hours of creativity—without the clean-up.
P.S. We made this list with love—for your five-minute tea break, the end-of-day scroll, and the late-night “am I doing this right?” moment. Save it or pass it on to a parent who might need it.
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