Uploaded November 2019 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
How often do you show your playful side at home? This episode of The Parent Pep Talk is about the power of laughter and joy and how a simple improv game called “Yes And” can help parents reduce stress, improve relationships and better connect with their kids and partners. Plus, our kids panel talks about how they notice when parents are stressed out. And one dad “Takes One for the Team” by sharing how agreeing to jump from some rocks into a river finally broke the ice with his kids.
Jen Jurek
Jen has been working in theater professionally since 1999. Jen is the lead coach, director and founder of Hallet’s Cove Theater (TM) and Astoria Women’s Improv, which she started as a direct result of needing a place to reconnect to her community when she became a mom. Jen's work was recognized in BORO Magazine in March 2018 and continues its mission in bringing laughter and neighbor lovin’ to Queens and surrounding neighborhoods. This past summer, Jen has advised and worked with Harlem Hospital on an IRB approved study using improv to measure improvement in well being in patients suffering from chronic or severe mental disorders. She will be joining the team at the Expressive Therapies Summit to help in leading and explaining improv exercises to Mental health professionals. For more information please go to jenjurek.com
How often do you show your playful side at home? This episode of The Parent Pep Talk is about the power of laughter and joy and how a simple improv game called “Yes And” can help parents reduce stress, improve relationships and better connect with their kids and partners. Plus, our kids panel talks about how they notice when parents are stressed out. And one dad “Takes One for the Team” by sharing how agreeing to jump from some rocks into a river finally broke the ice with his kids.
Jen Jurek
Jen has been working in theater professionally since 1999. Jen is the lead coach, director and founder of Hallet’s Cove Theater (TM) and Astoria Women’s Improv, which she started as a direct result of needing a place to reconnect to her community when she became a mom. Jen's work was recognized in BORO Magazine in March 2018 and continues its mission in bringing laughter and neighbor lovin’ to Queens and surrounding neighborhoods. This past summer, Jen has advised and worked with Harlem Hospital on an IRB approved study using improv to measure improvement in well being in patients suffering from chronic or severe mental disorders. She will be joining the team at the Expressive Therapies Summit to help in leading and explaining improv exercises to Mental health professionals. For more information please go to jenjurek.com
