hi there, I’m Esther.
It all started in 2021 when I was crying on my husband’s schoulder on the playground because my 4 year old couldn’t play with other kids. She hadn’t played with anyone in a year.
So when she went to kindergarten I was terrified she would struggle to make friends. Now I grew up in a military family and we moved often, so being able to make friends was as important as breathing or ice cream. That’s all I wanted for my children.
Months went by where she said she had no friends at school. It felt like an eternity of lonely lunchboxes and playground frowns before my kindergartener finally burst through the door, eyes shining. “I want a playdate with Faith!” she declared. I was thrilled she finally made a friend.
My excitement quickly became panic. Suddenly I was asking myself, “How the hell am I even gonna do that? Tracking down the parents' contact info, the endless texting trying to compare calendars, figuring out where to go... It’s like coordinating drinks with your busiest friend through two 5 year old intermediaries. Impossible!
together, we dreamed every child had a friend.
Two years later, that same neurodivergent child and I sat down to draw the plans for Time to Play. Together, we dreamed of a world where every child is included and has equal access to friendship. Through playdates, they develop those crucial social skills and connections that set the foundation for self-confidence and well-being. And because neurodivergence, childhood anxiety, and isolation are on the rise, these friendships are more critical than they have ever been.
Kids thrive when Time to Play is adopted school-wide, creating a real culture of inclusion. We partner with PTAs and school leadership for successful implementation. Your intro to the PTA leader, school social worker, or SEL lead at your school would be invaluable, helping ensure every child builds crucial social skills and lasting friendships.
Get started by filling out the Launch My School form.
are you with us?
Photo credit: holly strebel photography