Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rahela Rajh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rahela, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From as far back as I can remember, children have been my compass. As a little girl in Croatia, I found joy in helping classmates with homework, inventing games from scraps of paper, and turning everyday items into little worlds of play. Those early sparks grew into a calling.
I completed my degree in Early Childhood Education and began my professional journey in Croatia. Over time, my dedication to bringing value and innovation to the classroom was recognized, and I was promoted to the title of Mentor by the Ministry of Education and ETTA.
My life’s calling gained a new depth when I moved to the UAE — a bold step into a multicultural environment where classrooms are filled with children from all over the world. A strong inner drive awoke in me to create learning experiences that transcend language, culture, and background, connecting children with nature and encouraging them to learn by doing, without relying on plastic toys. I began to see the learning potential in everyday objects — a spray bottle becomes a gripping tool, a measuring cup turns into a counting game. Children love to explore these items through play, naturally building skills in coordination, problem-solving, and curiosity. That’s when I realized that my work was not just about teaching, but also about connecting — building bridges among children through play and shared discovery of the world. It became my mission to help families and educators replace worksheets and screens with meaningful, hands-on experiences.
That mission led to my book, Discovering Joys of Childhood Through Play—a 5-star Amazon bestseller endorsed by respected health psychologist Dr. Jihane Ghorayeb. It offers over 80 screen-free, practical “play recipes” using everyday household materials, empowering parents and educators to nurture childhood development naturally and joyfully. Beyond the book, I deliver workshops for families and educators and advise early years settings on creating play-based curriculums with both a clear framework and actionable “how-to” guidance.
For me, this work is more than a career—it’s a lifelong mission to ease motherhood, enrich learning environments, and help children thrive across cultures.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
What excites me most about my work is witnessing transformation in real time—whether it’s a shy child finding their voice through a simple game, or an overwhelmed parent realizing they don’t need expensive toys or endless activities to truly connect with their child.
No two days are ever the same. Some mornings I’m on the floor with toddlers, testing a new play idea; other days I’m in a training room, helping educators reimagine their classrooms as spaces that spark curiosity and creativity. I also work closely with schools and nurseries, guiding them in designing play-rich curriculums and early years pedagogy that truly meet children where they are. Alongside this, I lead workshops for parents and educators to ignite play-activated learning, and I speak at conferences about the power of play, curriculum innovation, and nurturing the whole child.
Right now, I’m focused on deepening my collaborations with early years settings, creating tailored frameworks that work in real classrooms with real challenges. I’m also developing interactive sessions for moms with toddlers, where we co-create play ideas that fit their children’s interests and their family’s rhythms.
For me, it’s never just about teaching the value of play—it’s about giving people the confidence, inspiration, and practical tools to weave it effortlessly into daily life. That’s where the magic happens.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Deep Observation
Children communicate in countless subtle ways. Learning to slow down and observe with intention has been crucial in designing play experiences that truly meet their developmental needs.
2. Courage to Start
Over
Moving to a new country alone pushed me to embrace uncertainty and lead with purpose even without a clear roadmap. That courage to start fresh became a catalyst for my growth and vision.
3. Play-Based Developmental Expertise
Understanding how play shapes children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development is the foundation of my work. I believe simple, purposeful play builds essential life skills that last a lifetime.
Advice: Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with children, reflect regularly, and never stop learning from their unique perspectives—they are your best teachers.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents created a nurturing, warm, and safe environment that allowed me to grow into my authentic self. They valued the whole child—not just achievements—but my well-being and curiosity. Their consistent kindness, deep listening, and belief in my potential gave me the freedom to explore, try, and grow in my own way. These values inspire every aspect of my work today, and I strive to help families and educators create that same foundation of trust and presence for children everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joysofchildhood.com
- Instagram: @joysofchild
- Linkedin: Rahela Rajh
Image Credits
Goran Matijasec
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