Guided by Giggles

Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Jolene, currently surviving life with tiny humans who can’t wipe their own noses but somehow have a sixth sense for the exact moment I sit down to eat. This season is full of diapers, goldfish crumbs, and love so big it makes your chest ache. It’s chaotic, exhausting, ridiculous… and somehow the most beautiful kind of wonderful.

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I’m just a parent navigating the wild, messy, hilarious, sometimes tear-filled world of raising tiny humans. Just me, trying to keep the house from burning down (figuratively… mostly), fold a fitted sheet without losing my sanity, and remember where I hid the snacks, from the kids and from myself.

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Parenting has been the most beautiful and chaotic adventure of my life. Some days feel like small victories, getting everyone out the door on time or finding a matching pair of socks. Other days are full-blown circus acts where no one is the ringmaster and everyone is crying (including me). In the middle of it all, I try to sneak in self-care. Sometimes that’s a walk or a pedicure. More often, it’s locking the bathroom door for five whole minutes of silence.

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Beyond the crumbs and chaos, I’m also a children’s author and a creator of digital and printable learning tools. With a background in counseling, I design resources that gently support social-emotional growth,  things like emotional regulation, confidence-building, and coping skills,  while also creating engaging materials that support early learning. I even create dramatic play kits, because I wholeheartedly believe in the power of play. Play isn’t “just play.” It builds problem-solving skills, strengthens communication, nurtures creativity, and gives kids a safe space to work through big feelings in ways that feel natural and joyful.

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I started this blog to share the unfiltered moments, the ones we laugh about later, cry about now, or just need to say out loud to remember we’re not alone. If you’ve ever hidden in the pantry to eat chocolate, negotiated with a toddler like they’re a tiny hostage negotiator, or wondered if “tired” is your new personality… you’re in the right place.

This space isn’t about perfection. It’s about being real, finding humor in the mess, celebrating the small wins, and holding space for the hard stuff. I’m still learning every single day, and if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you are too.

So grab that reheated coffee, pull up a laundry pile to sit on, and stay awhile. We’re all in this together.

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And if you’d like to know a little more about me and what I create, be sure to check out my “About Me” page.