How much can ten minutes of intentional play change your relationship with your child? In this episode of Your Cup of Joy, I sit down with Chris Mannino, parenting coach and author of Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play. Chris brings such a refreshing perspective on parenting, one that moves away from rigid rules and behaviour strategies and instead focuses on connection, imagination, and joy. With a background in theatre and years of experience as both a teacher and stay-at-home dad, Chris has discovered how simple shifts in play can transform relationships between parents and their children.

We talk about the power of saying “yes” to our kids’ ideas, the magic of improv in everyday parenting, and how even a few minutes of intentional play can build memories that last for years. Chris also opens up about his own journey of navigating disconnection, burnout, and the pressures of parenthood, and how his “anchor technique” helps parents find calm in the middle of the chaos.

If this conversation filled your cup, please leave a review and pass this conversation along to the fellow parents in your life. Don’t forget to connect with Chris and support his work using the links below. Now go out and play with your kids!

Connect with Chris:
Website: https://www.christophermannino.com/
More on Chris’ new book, Making it Up: https://www.christophermannino.com/miu.html
Instagram: @christophermannino
TikTok: @parentingandbooks

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

Today on Your Cup of Joy, I’m welcoming back my dear friend, Marissa Teeter, executive coach, business advisor, and former senior wealth executive, for her second time on the show. Our last conversation was so rich that I knew we had to do it again, and this time we’re diving deep into a topic that so many of us avoid: money.

I’ll be the first to admit that finances have always felt a little uncomfortable for me, and maybe you feel the same way. But in this episode, Marissa makes the topic approachable, empowering, and inspiring. We talk about why money is still such a taboo subject, how women can start building healthier relationships with it, and why open conversations are the key to creating more freedom and opportunity in our lives. Marissa shares practical advice on budgeting, saving, and negotiating, and she reminds us that financial well-being isn’t just about investing, it’s about aligning money with your values, relationships, and goals. We also dive into how we can model better money habits for our kids, the importance of generosity, and the power of women supporting women by sharing their financial experiences openly.

Money touches every part of our lives and the more we talk about it, the more confident we all become. Please leave a review and pass this episode along to someone in your circle so we can keep building a community of women who lead with openness and confidence.

Connect with Marissa:
Website: https://www.marissateeter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa.m.teeter
Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/teetertalks
Check out Marissa’s previous episode on the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363173/episodes/16032671

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie

The start of September always feels like a shift, and this year it’s marked by big changes as I notice my kids step into new stages of independence. It’s a mix of emotions, and today I’m reflecting on the start of this new season, from back-to-school routines, the surprising ways community has been showing up in my life, and the little rituals that remind me to keep filling my own cup, too.

I share stories of our first real bus rides, the little but impactful ways neighbours have become friends, and how something as simple as baking with another mom turned into a joyful new ritual. I also dive into the gentle balance of routines, why they matter, how they’ve reshaped my days, and how they’ve given me space to rediscover the things I love doing and want to do more of.

Think of this episode as your seasonal check-in, a reminder to slow down and notice the small, precious moments that often get lost in the chaos. Like me, you might find yourself needing the permission to step back and ask: what truly brings me joy and how can I choose more of it?

Thank you so much for tuning in today. If this episode encouraged you, it would mean so much if you rated, reviewed, and subscribed to Your Cup of Joy. Share it with someone who’s also in the back-to-school season, and come connect with me on Instagram. I would love to hear how you’re filling your cup right now. Until next time!

Ariana's Links:
Website
Instagram: @‌ArianaJoyChristie
@YourCupofJoyPodcast
TikTok: @‌ArianaChristie