Modern parenting is no walk in the park — and no one knows this better than Gen Muir, mum of four boys, parent educator, author, and the founder of Connected Parenting. Her latest creation, High, Low, Buffalo, is a beautifully simple tool designed to bring calm, connection, and even a little laughter to busy family life.

In a world where families are stretched thin — emotionally, financially, and logistically — finding time to truly connect has become harder than ever. A recent survey found that nearly one in five Australian parents can’t find even a minute for themselves each day, and over 30% have less than 30 minutes of personal time total (News Corp Great Australian Parent Survey).

High, Low, Buffalo was born from Gen’s belief that connection doesn’t have to mean hours of quality time or perfect parenting. “It’s about the small stuff,” she says. “Ten minutes in the car. A chat before bed. A game at the dinner table. These are the moments that fill our kids' cups.”

The card set includes conversation starters and playful prompts grouped into four categories:

• High (celebrations and wins),
• Low (struggles and emotional honesty),
• Buffalo (random, silly and imaginative),
• and Wild (mindfulness, movement, and calming resets).

Designed for use in the car, at dinner, or during wind-down time, the cards help kids feel seen, supported, and safe — without the pressure of a big ‘sit-down talk.’

Science backs it up: meaningful connection and play have been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), boost emotional regulation, and improve long-term mental health outcomes for children and adults alike (UNICEF, Wellnite).

“These cards aren’t about fixing kids. They’re about being with them. That’s where the real magic happens.” — Gen Muir