About Mieke

Hi, I’m Mieke (pronounced Meek-uh) — a preschool teacher of 26 years, a Michigan girl at heart, and someone who believes childhood is meant to be lived, not watched on a screen.

I grew up in Houston, Texas, moved to Traverse City, Michigan at 16, and have called the Ann Arbor area home for the past five years. I’m married to my wonderful husband (since 2023!), and together we have a full and happy life that includes my 16-year-old daughter, my bonus daughter from a previous marriage, and her little boy — who I proudly consider my grandson.

A childhood worth remembering

I was born in 1977, which means I got to grow up in what I consider the golden era of childhood. We played outside from morning until dark, roamed the neighborhood with boundaries that felt enormous, and entertained ourselves without anyone telling us what to do. My mom was a stay-at-home mom who had the wisdom to step back and let us figure things out on our own.

We built (attempted) campfires in the backyard. Yes, we played with matches. We survived.

I spent hours pretending to be Laura Ingalls Wilder, playing school with imaginary students, and doing absolutely nothing — which, it turns out, is one of the most valuable things a child can do. We watched TV too, but screens weren’t everywhere. Boredom was normal, and creativity grew out of it naturally.

My mom didn’t hover. She didn’t entertain us. She trusted us — and that gift shaped who I am today.

26 years in the classroom

After more than two decades of teaching preschool in a hands-on, Montessori-based classroom — where there are zero screens for children — I’ve seen firsthand what children are capable of when they’re given real materials, real experiences, and real freedom to explore.

I’ve also seen the other side. Over the years, it has become increasingly clear which children are spending most of their time outside of school in front of a screen. The difference in their ability to play independently, tolerate boredom, solve problems, and connect with others is striking.

What concerns me most isn’t what’s happening in my classroom — it’s what I see out in the world. Kids at restaurants, grocery stores, and waiting rooms, faces buried in screens instead of looking around, asking questions, or simply being present. Screens have become the automatic solution to keeping children entertained, and I think we’re losing something important because of it.

Balance, not perfection

I want to be clear — this site is not about guilt, and it’s not about eliminating screens entirely. My husband and I watch TV. We go to the movies. We live in the real world too.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me in our vegetable garden, taking walks and hikes, camping, swimming in our backyard pool, or traveling with my husband. I try every day to live a more balanced life — and that’s exactly what I want to help you do too.

The Intentional Childhood exists because I believe every child deserves a childhood worth remembering. And I believe you — as a parent, grandparent, or caregiver — already have everything you need to give them one.

I’m so glad you’re here.

— Mieke