Pause & Play

A weekly pause for Sioux Falls parents raising wild little hearts

Author

Kyle Nelson
May 03, 2025

Hey there,

Welcome to Play & Pause.

We created this newsletter for the moments between the mayhem—the quiet cup of coffee, the scroll while your kid builds a block tower, the few deep breaths after bedtime.

Each week, we’ll bring you local play ideas, calming parent picks, and tiny reminders that you’re doing just fine—even when your living room looks like a plastic explosion.

We’re so glad you’re here.

Play

Local Lowdown: Brandon Loyalty Day Parade

Free, low-key, and refreshingly analog—this weekly drop-in event lets your kids build, dig, splash, and explore nature without a screen in sight. Staffed by pros, loved by kids. No RSVP needed.

When: Friday 1pm-2:30 p.m.

Where: Parade will travel from the Brandon Valley High School down Holly Blvd. to the VFW on Main St.

Bring: It’s going to be warm and sunny. Sunscreen! Spring is here.

❝

Love seeing everything new and it grows every year - local mom

Play Pick of the Week: HOTOR Trunk Organizer for Car- $19.99

No more rogue goldfish crackers, mystery socks, or the car toy graveyard. This foldable trunk organizer keeps your backseat chaos in check—wipes clean, holds everything, and collapses when you need space for a grocery run or a stroller wrestle.

Toss it in your trunk, fill it with snacks, spare clothes, and a toy or two—and reclaim your car from the toddler tornado.

Pause

Bean Break

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your kid… is sit down. Let them play. Let the mess happen. Let yourself not hustle for a minute.

(Yes, even with dishes in the sink.)

You’re still doing the work—even when you’re on the couch.

The Pause Point - Grounding Practice

The 5-Second reset for Kids

Feeling a meltdown coming? Try this:

  • 5 things you see

  • 4 you can touch

  • 3 you can hear

  • 2 you smell

  • 1 you taste

Simple. Grounding. Works like magic.

Parent Pick of the week:  UPFLICK Bamboo Water Bottle Insulated Tea Tumbler $25.79

When it is tea time every where.

Insulated, cute, and toddler-knockover-proof. Comes in calming colors like Fog and Agave. Find it Here —>

Cafe Corner

We’re getting closer!

Future Menu Item: Lavender Oat Cold Foam on any iced drink.

Currently on track with opening Wenter ‘25.

Want to share the calm?

Forward this to a fellow parent and help us grow the Play & Pause circle.

With love and (hopefully hot) coffee,

Gin & Evie

Branch & Bean