Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas

• 016 Make Memories: Play & Quality Time Tips!

  Send us a textEver feel like your child is constantly throwing, spinning, or building the same thing over and over—and you’re not quite sure why? Or maybe you’re wondering how to give your child the quality time they crave without adding more to your already packed schedule? You’re not alone! In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re unlocking the magic behind play schemas and how they connect with the love language of Quality Time—helping you build stronger bonds with your child through their natural way of playing.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What are play schemas? Discover why your child repeats certain play behaviours and what it tells you about their development. ✔️ Why Quality Time matters—especially for children who seek undivided attention from parents. ✔️ 10 easy ways to turn play into meaningful connection, tailored to your child’s unique play interests. ✔️ How to make time for Quality Time (even when life is busy!).Many childhood behaviours—like throwing objects, hiding under blankets, or endlessly lining up toys—aren’t random at all! They’re part of play schemas, the natural way children explore and make sense of the world. When you understand these patterns, you can join in their play in a way that feels natural, fun, and deeply connecting.And if your child’s primary love language is Quality Time, they don’t just want you to watch them play—they want you to play with them! But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to set aside hours of elaborate playtime. Even small, everyday moments can make a big impact!Practical Ideas You Can Try Today!🌟 Trajectory Play (throwing, dropping, running): Instead of saying "Stop throwing!", turn it into a game—play catch, race toy cars, or explore water play together. 🌟 Rotation Play (spinning, turning things): Join your child in stirring, mixing, or riding bikes—simple, everyday moments that fill their love tank. 🌟 Enclosure Play (building forts, climbing into spaces): Snuggle inside a homemade fort for cosy, screen-free Quality Time. 🌟 Positioning Play (lining things up, arranging objects): Set the table together or sort coloured toys—simple, mindful moments that strengthen your connection.✨ Even just 10 minutes of focused, undistracted play can make your child feel seen, valued, and deeply loved!Too Busy? Here’s How to Fit It In!We get it—parents are BUSY! But Quality Time doesn’t mean grand outings or hours of play. Here are simple ways to make connection part of your daily routine: ✔️ Pre-bedtime snuggles – A perfect, distraction-free way to end the day. ✔️ Car time chats – Use car rides for fun conversations instead of screens. ✔️ Cooking together – Let them help mix, pour, or taste-test while you chat. ✔️ Set a timer – Just 10–15 minutes of full attention can make all the difference!🎁 Giveaway Alert! Sign up to our email list before March 31, 2025, for a chance to win a copy of The 5 Love Languages of Children! → Join Here: playschemas.com🔗 Don’t miss out! Follow us on Instagram @play_schemas for more practical play tips!Support the showIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review! I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.Facebook and Instagram @[email protected]

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• 015 Why Your Words Matter: Affirmation in Play

  Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of child play through the lens of play schemas and the powerful impact of words of affirmation. Understanding why children engage in particular play patterns allows us to connect with them on a deeper level and support their growth more effectively. These schemas are not simply repetitive behaviors; they serve as gateways to developing essential skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness.We discuss how to frame our communication to not only encourage our children but also help them understand the value of their efforts. Words hold tremendous power; hence, using affirmations thoughtfully can have a lasting impact on their self-esteem and overall development. Through concrete examples, we explore how to apply praise thoughtfully, nurturing your child’s sense of self regardless of the situation.As we navigate the complexities of parenting, we recognize the importance of our energy and positivity in our interactions. Listening to your child’s play and responding with affirmation is key to fostering a supportive learning environment. This conversation focuses on practical, actionable insights for parents to implement at home, enhancing connections with your children while encouraging their unique paths to learning and exploration. What You’ll Discover in This Episode:✔️ The 10 Play Schemas – How children explore the world through play✔️ Why Play Schemas Matter – Reduce frustration and support learning✔️ Words That Empower – Practical scripts to affirm and encourage your child✔️ The Hidden Power of Praise – How to uplift without over-praising✔️ Avoiding Common Pitfalls – The impact of sarcasm, tone, and empty praiseJoin us for a warm, engaging discussion that encourages deeper understanding and nurturing connections in your parenting journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us reach even more families!Support the showIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review! I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.Facebook and Instagram @[email protected]

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• 014 Play Schemas & The Love Language of Physical Touch | Understanding Your Child’s Needs

  Send us a text🎁 WIN A FREE BOOK!Love The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman? I’m giving away a FREE copy to one lucky listener!✅ How to enter: Join my mailing list before March 31, 2025, at 👉 playschemas.comDid you know that something as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a game of tag could be the key to your child feeling deeply loved and secure? In this episode, we’re exploring Physical Touch as a love language—how it shapes your child’s emotional development, why some kids crave it more than others, and how you can easily incorporate it into everyday moments of play.For many parents, physical touch comes naturally in the early years—rocking, holding, carrying—but as children grow, affectionate touch often fades into the background. And if your love language isn’t physical touch, you might find yourself wondering: “Am I giving my child what they need to feel truly loved?”💡 Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a “cuddly” parent to make this love language work. Physical touch isn’t just about hugs—it can be playful, fun, and part of your daily routines!Let’s start by addresing something important: body safety and consent. In a world where we’re constantly teaching our kids about personal space and “safe touch,” how do we also make sure they’re getting enough loving, appropriate, and secure physical connection? That’s why I’ve partnered with Victoria Barendsen from The Safe Kids Project, a registered psychologist specialising in childhood trauma and body safety. If you want to feel empowered in teaching your child about safe boundaries, check out her ‘Foundations of Body Safety’ course—and get a special discount just for listeners at https://thesafekidsproject.com/ and use the code playschemas10 at checkout for a 10% discount.🎧 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why Physical Touch Matters – The emotional and developmental benefits of affectionate touch✔️ How Play Naturally Encourages Physical Connection – Simple ways to build touch into your child’s day✔️ Age-Appropriate Ways to Use Physical Touch – From toddlers to tweens, what works best?✔️ Respecting Boundaries – Teaching consent without withdrawing affection✔️ Easy, Everyday Play Ideas for Connection – No extra effort required!🤹‍♀️ Using Play to Connect Through TouchPhysical touch doesn’t have to feel forced—it’s naturally woven into so many types of play! In this episode, I share:🎯 Rough-and-Tumble Games – Chase, tag, tickling, piggyback rides🎨 Sensory Play – Messy play with dough, mud, and textures🎵 Rhythmic Clapping & Hand Games – Fun ways to include gentle touch🎠 Swinging & Spinning – Playful movement that strengthens connection💡 Building Together – Snuggle in a fort, sit closely while crafting, or create hand-linked towers👉 Want a FREE Play Schema Guide? Grab yours at playschemas.com/free!📲 Follow along on Instagram: @play_schemas for daily parenting tips!💬 Join the conversation: What’s your child’s favourite physical play activity? Comment below or DM me!BecausSupport the showIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review! I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.Facebook and Instagram @[email protected]

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• 013 Play Schemas and Love Languages - a Match Made in Heaven

  Send us a textLOVE to a Child is Spelt TIME: Understanding the 5 Love Languages of Children💡 Want a chance to win ‘The 5 Love Languages of Children’ book?Join my mailing list at playschemas.com—you’ll be in the draw to win, no matter where in the world you are!💛 Do you ever wonder if your child truly feels loved? You tell them “I love you” a hundred times a day, but sometimes, their behaviour suggests they need more. The secret? Kids don’t just hear love—they experience it. And every child has their own way of receiving love.In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive into Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages of Children and how you can use play to meet your child’s emotional needs in a way that makes sense to them. Whether your little one thrives on cuddles, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, or small acts of kindness, understanding how they receive love can transform your relationship and strengthen their emotional security.🎙️ Inside This Episode, You’ll Discover:✅ The 5 Love Languages of Children—and why toddlers need all of them!✅ Why love is the foundation of all child development (without it, nothing else sticks!)✅ How your child’s play behaviour gives clues about their emotional needs✅ Why kids’ love languages change—especially before age 5✅ How big life changes (like a new sibling) can shift how they seek connection✅ Practical ways to show love through play—based on your child’s play schema✨ A Full Emotional Tank = A Happy, Secure ChildChildren don’t always have the words to say, "I need love right now." Instead, they show us through clinging, meltdowns, defiance, or attention-seeking behaviour. In this episode, we unpack how to spot the signs of an empty emotional tank—and how to fill it up again in a way that truly resonates with your child.🚀 What’s Coming Next?This episode is just the beginning! Over the next few weeks, we’ll deep dive into each love language and explore how you can nurture it through play.💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!🔗 Read the blog & show notes: playschemas.com/013📲 Follow on Instagram: @play_schemas💬 Join the Facebook community: facebook.com/playschemas💖 If this episode resonated with you, please:👍 Follow & rate the podcast to help others find it!💬 Share your thoughts—what’s your child’s favourite way to receive love?Because at the end of the day, love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we show. ❤️Support the showIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review! I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.Facebook and Instagram @[email protected]

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• 012 Engage your little helpers at home through Play!

  Send us a textPlay Schemas at Home: Turning Play Into ProductivityHow to Encourage Your Child to Help Around the House—Through Play!FREE list of play and helping around the home ideas - head to playschemas.com/free!Does it feel like you’re constantly cleaning up after your little one while they seem more interested in making a mess? What if, instead of working against their natural play instincts, you worked with them?Children explore the world through play schemas—repetitive patterns of behaviour that help them make sense of their surroundings. Understanding these schemas can turn everyday chores into engaging activities, helping you get things done while fostering their development.Today you’ll discover:How play schemas influence your child’s behaviour.Practical, play-based ways to get your child involved in household tasks.Simple activities that turn playtime into productive time.What Are Play Schemas?Play schemas are the natural ways children explore and understand their world. When you match everyday activities to these schemas, you make chores feel like play—encouraging your child to participate instead of resist.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review! I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.Facebook and Instagram @[email protected]

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