Think Fast! Fun Q’s with the Charmspring Team

Charmspring works for families because it’s made by parents and caregivers like you. Get to know the three behind the Springboard (and helpful parenting content you’re reading here) with this “Think Fast!” rapid-fire Q+A with the founding team. 

Get to know Steph

How many kids do you have? Two daughters, Lily (4) and Ava (2). 

Easiest meal you make for the family? A packet of oatmeal with peanut butter and banana.

What’s something you tell your kids to get some quiet time? As my older daughter dropped her nap, we created a “quiet-time bin” with special toys she can only use during that same hour of the day. It’s her special time alone built into our daily routine, and she loves it! It’s a good recharge time for everyone.  

What’s something you never need to hear or listen to again as a parent? A sentence that should end in “please” ending with the word “now.” Like, “Mom, can I have milk now?”

Funniest thing your kids have done during a Zoom meeting from home? “Um, Mommy we’re having a pool party and you need to come… now!” 

Game-changing purchase for you as a parent? The Hatch Dream Machine. Kids can’t tell time so the lights help them know it’s morning when it turns green and still nighttime when it’s red. Also the Super Smalls Bead Kits. It’s the biggest hit during playdates or rainy days.

What’s your favorite thing about your kids? That they say whatever pops into their head. It’s so refreshing, and they do it all day long. 

Get to know Jennie

How many kids do you have? Two daughters, Tess (6) and Nell (4). 

Do your kids give you nicknames? “Mamoo.” I can’t remember how I got it, but it’s a positive calling they use for help or to get my attention. 

What’s something you tell your kids to get some quiet time? “It’s time to calm our bodies.” We set up a bin with soap and water and wash our dolls, do anything water related, or go outside. 

What’s something you never need to hear or listen to again as a parent? “Baby Shark” !!!

One thing you’d bring if you were stranded on a desert island with your kids? Playdough. Its uses are endless! They can collect shells and make impressions. It’s calming and even fun for grown ups. It’s my go-to on road trips and vacations. 

Funniest thing your kids have done during a Zoom meeting from home? One of them peed on my lap once and I kind of had to pretend nothing happened. [Laughs]

Game-changing purchase for you as a parent? Skylight calendar! It’s a digital calendar for parents that combines their Google calendars on a physical screen you can put up at home. 

What’s your favorite thing about your kids? Their endless imaginations. 

Get to know Allie

How many kids do you have? One son, Xander (2).

Any fur babies? No but, he would love a dachshund!

Does your kid give you nicknames? He thinks it’s funny to say my full name, “Allie Klein,” when he wants something. 

What’s something you tell your kids to get some quiet time? I set up independent play invitations for him every afternoon with blocks and other toys. It’s 20-25 minutes to ease out of nap time. 

What’s something you never need to hear or listen to again as a parent? The Moana soundtrack! It’s great but I could use a break. 

Game-changing purchase for you as a parent? For us, it was the Doona 2-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller. For Xander, it was the Nugget Play Couch. He can move the cushions to be a fort or anything he wants. It’s life-changing for rainy days or when he can’t be outside. 

What’s your favorite thing about your kid? That’s an impossible question! I love his curiosity, his warmth, how he’s so present, how he wants to snuggle. 

If you want to learn more about the team, read about Steph, Jennie, and Allie’s individual journeys where all roads lead to Charmsping.