We love introducing our Stapelstein® community to people who inspire. Our community is brimming with motivating stories from homeschool parents using their elements to spark creativity and learning inventive ways the Original rainbow set helps prevent the education slide during breaks. As we kick off the New Year focusing on family wellness, we’re thrilled to spotlight Marina Rae Trejo. A lifelong advocate of movement and holistic health, Marina blends her expertise in Pilates, yoga, and wellness with a passion for education and community. As a parent of two, Marina brings a fresh perspective to family life, using playful practices to nurture connection, balance, and joy. 

While resolutions often evolve, we value the tips and practices Marina integrates into her life and family. Here are a few key insights she’s shared: 

 

Teach Kids Simple Breathwork for Calm and Focus 

It’s never too early to introduce kids to simple breathwork and meditation exercises! These practices are easy to do together and can even become a fun game. One of our favorites is box breathing, a technique that’s versatile enough to use anywhere—whether at home, during bath time, or while walking hand in hand. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Inhale through your nose for 4 counts. 

• Hold your breath for 4 counts. 

• Exhale out through your mouth for 4 counts. 

Start with three repetitions and build from there. It’s a wonderful way to begin or wind down the day. It’s also an incredibly helpful tool for pre-homework focus or for “resetting” when moodiness or sticky emotional states take over. 

Short, powerful, and effective, this simple exercise gives kids a way to self-regulate and find calm, all while spending mindful moments together as a family. 

Make Connecting Fun 

Our dear family friends introduced us to a delightful game called High, Low, Buffalo. The idea is simple yet profound: each person takes a turn sharing their “high” (the best part of their day), their “low” (the not-so-great part), and their “buffalo” (a wild card—something random, magical, funny, or downright nonsensical). 

It’s a wonderful way to pause and reflect, offering everyone a chance to share, empathize, and connect. The best part? You don’t have to limit it to the dinner table. This practice works just as well during bath time, bedtime tuck-ins, or even while driving home at the end of the day. 

We don’t manage to do it every day—life gets busy, and routines slip—but when we do, it feels like such a gift. These moments are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt conversation, reminding us how meaningful it is to truly listen to one another. It’s a small ritual with a big impact.  

Create Family Playlists for Every Mood 

As my kids have gotten older and developed their own taste in music, we’ve embraced a fun and collaborative activity: creating playlists together on Spotify or Apple Music for different family moods. This way, it’s not just “their” music or “our” music—we all get a say. 

We’ve come up with playlists for pizza nights, mellow evenings cooking dinner, and even wild dance-offs. I let them take the lead, and it’s become a playful challenge to find the most random, unique songs or artists that no one else in the family knows. 

This little tradition not only sparks creativity but also gives them a constructive way to use the computer. Plus, it’s something we can all get genuinely excited about—whether it’s discovering a hidden gem or grooving to a shared favorite. 

Leading with Integrity: Balancing Family Life with Joy and Honesty 

I truly believe that the happiest kids are those with parents who are happy and invested in themselves. With that in mind, I try to strike a balance between taking care of my own needs and supporting my family as both a team player and an individual. 

For me, this means prioritizing healthy eating habits and maintaining consistent lifestyle choices that combine practicality with aspiration. I also aim to “lead by example,” showing my kids that self-care and self-growth are essential parts of life. Recently, I took a break from social media, and it was eye-opening to realize how much time it frees up for the small, meaningful moments I often miss when I’m glued to a screen. 

I’m also very open with my kids—maybe too open sometimes—about my personal journey. I talk with them about going to therapy every week and navigating the emotional complexities of life and family dynamics. I want them to see that it’s okay to struggle and, more importantly, to persevere. 

One recent shift my husband and I made was agreeing not to argue in front of our kids anymore. It’s something I wish we had prioritized years ago, but it’s never too late to start, right? Parenting, like life, is a learning curve. 

At the end of the day, I remind myself that we’re all just doing the best we can. By continuing to “do the work,” having honest conversations, and leading with love and integrity, I hope to create a foundation of joy and resilience for my family.