Inside the World of Kristen from @spire.kids: An Interview with a Play-Based Learning Pioneer
Meet Kristen, the creative force behind the popular Instagram page @spire.kids. As a mom of four, Kristen has become a go-to source for innovative ideas, toys, and crafts designed to help children learn through play. Her account, filled with practical and playful solutions, has captured the hearts of many parents looking for inspiration in their own homes. Recently, Kristen welcomed twins into her growing family and chose our Retro Cribs and Cali 6-Drawer Dresser with metal pulls for their nursery. We caught up with her to discuss her journey, her nursery setup, and her invaluable advice for other parents. Here’s what she had to say:
1. Your online community is dedicated to play-based learning. How did you build that following?
“My husband was deployed for an entire year during the pandemic, right when my kids were almost one and three. To stay connected with friends and family during our many isolations, I started this account to document our playtime activities. What began as a small project quickly grew beyond my expectations. It’s turned into an amazing creative outlet for our family—my kids eagerly help brainstorm new activities every week.”
Our Retro Crib is present in this special moment of Kristen and her family’s life
2. How is life with twins and two older children? What were the biggest changes during your pregnancy and the newborn phase?
“Managing life with twins and two other young kids is definitely chaotic. The pregnancy slowed me down much more than I anticipated, which was frustrating but unavoidable. The newborn phase has been humbling—I sometimes feel like a brand-new mom. With twins, it’s a balancing act deciding which baby to attend to first when they’re both crying. I’ve had to keep meticulous notes on who was last held or fed, which feels like a social experiment in itself!”
3. What inspired the theme for the twins’ nursery? Was it a DIY project, or did you hire professionals?
“The nursery was a fun DIY project that kept me busy, even late into my pregnancy. My husband is a US Navy pilot, and we’ve accumulated a lot of aviation and travel-themed decor over the years. With our new home lacking a proper place for these items, we decided to repurpose them for the nursery. It was a joy to go through his old gear with the kids and share the stories and significance behind each piece.”
Lots of space and functionality with our Cali 6-Drawer Dresser and Cali Changing Tray
4. Why did you choose Simply Nursery’s furniture for the twins?
“I was drawn to Simply Nursery’s furniture because of its design, mission, and quality. We had purchased a different brand for our younger daughter, but Simply Nursery’s solid wood construction has proven far more durable. We wanted to repurpose what we already had for the twins and add to the set that we knew would last. The Cali 6 Drawer Dresser was the perfect addition, matching well with our existing furniture and offering longevity for future use.”
A classic and timeless mid-century design: Retro Convertible Crib
5. What advice would you give to moms expecting twins?
“It’s a whirlwind from pregnancy through the early months, but time flies by. I’ve had to remind myself of this during those long nights when neither baby sleeps well. Pushing your boundaries as a parent—both emotionally and physically—really helps you prioritize what’s important in your life. I’ve always been quite organized, but I’ve had to adapt recently. The house might be a bit messier, dinners might be more thrown together, and we might run a few minutes late. It’s all temporary, and our definition of what’s challenging will evolve over time.”
Simply Nursery’s collections are all non-toxic, eco-friendly and build to last
Don’t forget to follow Kristen on Instagram at @spire.kids for more inspiring content and creative ideas. If you enjoyed this interview, feel free to share it or leave a comment below! 😊
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