Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas

• 053 Water Play + Play Schemas: 10 Ways Kids Learn Through Splashing, Pouring & Play

  Why is your toddler obsessed with pouring, tipping, splashing, and carrying cups of water around the house?In this episode, Shelly from HapiTap and I dive into the world of water play through the lens of play schemas, so you can finally understand what your child is learning every time they head straight for the tap, bath, or puddle.If you’ve ever wondered “Is this normal?” or “Why does water play keep them so focused?”, this episode breaks it all down in a way that feels reassuring, practical, and totally doable for busy parents. You’ll learn what water play looks like from 1–5 years, why it holds such power for early learning, and how simple setups at home can support your child’s confidence, curiosity, and brain development.We’ll explore: • How the top 10 play schemas are visible in water play • Why messy play supports problem-solving, early science concepts, and sensory regulation • Easy, low-prep ways to offer water play (yes, even indoors!) • Helpful phrases you can use to guide, validate, and extend your child’s play • How understanding schemas can reduce behaviour battles and boost cooperationWhether you love water play or quietly dread the mess, this episode will help you see it with fresh eyes and feel confident saying “yes” more often.If this episode supports you, hit follow, share it with another parent, or send me your child’s favourite water play setup. I love hearing from you!Want to find out more about the HapiTap? Head to @HapiTap_OfficalSend us a textIf you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.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] and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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• 052 A Playful Christmas: Understanding Your Child’s Play for Calm, Joyful Holidays

  Is your toddler more interested in the box than the toy this Christmas? You’re not alone, and there’s a reason behind it!In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re kicking off our festive three-part miniseries, A Playful Christmas, exploring how understanding play schemas can bring more calm, confidence, and connection into your holiday season. If you’ve ever wondered why your child throws, spins, hides, or moves things around, this episode explains exactly what’s happening in their brain and why it matters for their learning and development.Ruth Vercoe shares practical tips for matching toys to your child’s natural play style, simple ideas for using everyday items creatively, and strategies to manage toy overload so your home stays playful, not chaotic. You’ll discover how to choose gifts that truly support your child’s growth, boost their independence, and make play more meaningful for both of you.Tune in to transform the way you approach Christmas playtime, reduce stress, and celebrate the joy of play. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow parents, and check out show notes and free guides at playschemas.com/blog and playschemas.com/free.Send us a textIf you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.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] and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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• 051 Nourishing Nutrition for Mums: Preconception to Postpartum with Hannah Eriksen

  How can mums nourish themselves through conception, pregnancy, and beyond? NZ dietitian Hannah Ericksen from oh Goodness Nutrition joins Ruth Vercoe to unpack nutrition for mums , the real, practical kind. From the “first thousand days” to postpartum recovery, discover how small changes can make a lifelong impact for you and your baby.You’ll learn:Why the first thousand days are so important for baby’s lifelong healthThe 3 food groups every mum needs more of (and how to make it easy)How to eat well postpartum without the guiltThe truth about “bouncing back” and what your body really needsSimple ways to show compassion for yourself as a mumPlus, Hannah shares practical, doable strategies for fuelling your body, like stocking up on frozen veggies, leaning on your support network, and remembering that you deserve the same nourishment you give your whānau.Learn more & connect:Read the full blog: playschemas.com/blogFollow on Instagram: @play_schemasFind Hannah: ohgoodnessnutrition.co.nzSubscribe for weekly parenting & play insights!Send us a textIf you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.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] and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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• 050 Create a Connected, Calm, and Joy-Filled Christmas with Your Child

   What Your Child Really Wants for Christmas (It’s Not What’s Under the Tree)This week on Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe is joined by Linda from The Thriving Home and The Connection Couple to explore what truly makes Christmas magical... connection. If you’ve ever felt torn between creating a picture-perfect holiday and actually being present with your kids, this episode will help you slow down, simplify, and reconnect.Linda shares her and her husband Matt’s Connection First Parenting approach, a practical, research-backed framework built around four key pillars: connection, repair, responsibility, and developmental awareness. Together, they unpack how these ideas can transform the way families experience the festive season.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why connection is at the heart of all positive parenting, especially at Christmas.How to plan for connection (not perfection) with simple, stress-free ideas.The neuroscience behind why your child remembers moments, not gifts.How the Thriving Advent Calendar turns December into 24 days of meaningful family connection.Simple ways to slow down and make space for presence over pressure.Whether you’re baking cookies, decorating the tree, or wrapping presents, this episode reminds you that your child’s most cherished memories come from how it felt to be with you.Listen in, breathe out, and rediscover the joy of a slower, more connected Christmas.🔗 Show notes & links: Find all the resources mentioned at playschemas.com/blog If this episode resonates, please subscribe, share, or leave a review, it helps more parents find calm and connection this Christmas.Send us a textIf you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.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] and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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• 049 Connect Before You Correct: Parenting Neurodiverse Kids with Compassion

  Ever wondered how to truly connect with your neurodiverse child, especially when life feels like one long guessing game? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, host Ruth Vercoe welcomes Sarah from We Are Equal — a mum of four, early childhood teacher, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity, to share the five powerful lessons she wishes she’d known going into parenting her autistic son.  From navigating “safe foods” and understanding sensory overload to handling social pressures, stimming, and affection in ways that honour your child’s needs, Sarah’s real-life stories offer empathy, relief, and practical wisdom. You’ll learn why connection before correction can transform those challenging moments into opportunities for growth, for both you and your child.  Whether you’re parenting a neurodiverse or neurotypical child, this episode is a gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down, give yourself grace, and focus on what truly matters: connection, understanding, and love.  Tune in, learn alongside us, and share this episode with a friend who could use some reassurance that they’re doing an amazing job.Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode that helps you parent with confidence and heart!Send us a textIf you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.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] and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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