Fun: why we've lost it, why it matters and how to get it back

If you miss the lighter, sillier version of yourself you used to be, this episode will help you find her again — even in the chaos of family life. Across thousands of conversations in the Motherkind community, one theme comes up again and again: fun quietly disappears for so many of us. Playfulness slips away. And most mothers aren’t even sure how to begin getting it back. In this uplifting and deeply reassuring episode, I sit down with play researcher and writer Emma Worrollo to explore why fun matters far more than we realise, not as something extra on the to-do list, but as a powerful support for resilience, regulation and connection. Emma explains how we slowly train playfulness out of ourselves as adults, why that leaves us feeling flat or overwhelmed, and what happens when we start to bring back even the tiniest moments of joy. Her “1% rule” is one of my favourite tools, a gentle, doable way to shift your mood without needing more time, childcare or energy. This conversation is your reminder that joy isn’t frivolous. It’s essential. And you absolutely deserve moments of lightness, even in the seasons that feel heavy. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why fun disappears in motherhood — and how to bring it back The simple shift from play to playfulness that changes everything How playfulness strengthens resilience, regulation and connection Small 1% tweaks that make everyday life feel lighter Remember to subscribe to Motherkind — it helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing. If you liked this episode, listen to a 2021 episode with Emma Worrollo next: The Power of Play Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’ This Motherkind episode is sponsored by: Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply. For a £100 sponsored job credit, visit Indeed.com/ Motherkind Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/motherkind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices