Best Child Play Patterns Podcasts (2025)

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One Size Fits One: Derek Crager on Diagnosis, Design, and Doing Different 48:07

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4d ago48:07

48:07

Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. We Also Cover: How r…

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046 How Play Builds Language: The Secret Link Every Parent Should Know 23:45

4d ago23:45

23:45

Did you know your toddler’s everyday play is secretly building the foundations for language and communication? If you’ve ever worried about whether your child is talking “enough,” or wondered how you can best support their speech and confidence, this episode will give you the reassurance and practical strategies you’ve been searching for. As parent…

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How Generational Trauma Shapes Your Life w/ Anu Dayal-Gulati 44:50

11d ago44:50

44:50

Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent mi…

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045 Everyday Moments Matter: Turning Daily Routines Into Language-Rich Opportunities 22:09

12d ago22:09

22:09

How does play shape your child’s speech and language? If you’ve ever wondered whether those endless games of peek-a-boo, block towers, or toy tea parties actually do anything for your child’s speech development, you’re not alone. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re unpacking the fascinating connection between play and…

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Season 3 Ep 56: ASKED AND ANSWERED - My client is finding everything going wrong & I can’t get ahead of it, help me before I fire her! 25:22

14d ago25:22

25:22

One of the the biggest challenges designers face with managing client expectations is how to stop overpromising and start being intentional with your process. After a recent coaching call with one of our designers, Liz had the idea to create this podcast based on why intentionality is more than just “showing up with a good attitude”. Instead, you s…

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The Art of Being Kind to Yourself w/ Diana Stelin 47:28

18d ago47:28

47:28

Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence. We A…

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044 From Mess to Meaning: Baking and Child Development with Play Schemas 11:41

19d ago11:41

11:41

Ever felt like baking with your toddler is more mess than magic? You’re not alone. But what if I told you that the flour on the floor and the endless stirring are actually signs of learning in action? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I share the 10 main play schemas and how they show up while baking gingerbread with your little one. Fr…

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Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardea 1:03:23

25d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change. We Also Cover: Brid…

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043 Baking with Kids Made Easy: Create Memories, Not Stress 15:54

25d ago15:54

15:54

Ever thought about baking with your toddler but stopped yourself because of the mess, the chaos, or the fear it’ll all go wrong? You’re not alone. Many parents love the idea of baking with their kids but find the reality overwhelming. Flour on the floor, sticky fingers everywhere, and a kitchen that looks like a tornado hit... sound familiar? Bakin…

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Season 3 Ep 55: ASKED AND ANSWERED - I am losing leads. What am I doing wrong? 16:00

27d ago16:00

16:00

Liz is going solo again and giving you her expertise into the art of handling new lead calls with intention and strategy. Liz handles our discovery calls at In Detail and we do a great job at converting our prospective clients because it is not about rattling off your services or rushing into pricing—it’s about active listening. By asking the right…

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Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting. We Also Cover: ADHD and specialized schooling Feeling “less than,” comparison,…

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042 Five things I wish I knew about Birth and Postpartum with Jade from Your Mama Journey 24:08

1M ago24:08

24:08

Feeling overwhelmed after birth? You’re not alone. In this week’s episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I’m joined by Jade from Your Mama Journey. A mum, an accredited mental health social worker, and the creator of beautiful guided journals designed to help women reflect on their birth and postpartum journeys. Like many of us, Jade expected her bi…

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Beyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Look at Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves 37:49

1M ago37:49

37:49

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis …

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041 Do Twins Really Need to Share Everything? 5 Insights for Twin Parents 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

Parenting twins is a beautiful gift but, it can also feel overwhelming. From double nappies to double tantrums, everything feels doubled. And when it comes to sharing, many parents wonder: Should twins always share? What if they’re constantly fighting over the same toy? How do I teach fairness without endless meltdowns? In this episode of Demystify…

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Season 3 Ep 54: Are You Afraid to Define Your Value? 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

Little did we know our Pricing and Salary Survey results were going to give us great nuggets of information that we could share for many future podcasts to come! One of the biggest challenges we found designers face is defining their product. Too often, “full-service design” means something different to every designer—and that inconsistency makes i…

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Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz 53:20

2M ago53:20

53:20

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or …

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040 5 Messy Play Tips Every Parent Needs with Sam from Messy Mates 14:20

2M ago14:20

14:20

Messy play can feel like chaos… but what if it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your child’s learning, confidence, and connection? In this episode, I sit down with Sam, founder of Messy Mates, to talk about the hidden magic of messy play and how parents can make it easier (and less stressful!) to bring into everyday life. What we co…

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Parenting Through the Courts: Special Needs, Divorce, and Justice w/ Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price 56:05

2M ago56:05

56:05

Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small cha…

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039 New Baby, New Balance: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Your Baby 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

Bringing a new baby into the world is magical, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, adjusting to life as a bigger family, and trying to find time for yourself, it’s easy for mums to feel stretched thin. That’s why this week, I’m joined by Ally from @EntwinedParenting, who shares her 5 top tips for welcoming a newborn into th…

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Season 3 Ep 53: Why Selling Yourself Short in K&B Costs You Big 57:15

2M ago57:15

57:15

Kitchen and bath design must be treated — and priced — as the high-level specialty it is. These are not "just another room" — instead, they are some of the most complex, high-stakes, and profitable part of your business if you treat it that way. Too many designers undervalue their skills, we discuss how flat fees protect both your expertise and you…

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High Functioning Codependents with Terri Cole 32:17

2M ago32:17

32:17

In this episode, Alana Carvalho, The Codependent Perfectionist, is discussing High Functioning Codependents (HFC) with Terri Cole - how to identify if you are one and steps you can take towards healing.By terri cole, alana carvalho

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Restless Minds, Clear Patterns w/ Priya Chanduraj 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel, and the freedom that comes from finding what you're good at. We A…

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038 Welcoming a New Baby? Help Your Toddler Adjust with Less Stress & More Connection 10:54

2M ago10:54

10:54

If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler and you’ve got a newborn on the way, you already know it’s about to be a season of big feelings, big changes, and a whole lot less sleep. Between preparing the cot, stocking up on nappies, and navigating your own emotions, it’s easy to wonder: How will my little one cope when the baby arrives? In this …

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Knowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singleton 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional …

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037 Sibling Conflict & Play Schemas: A Guide for Parents of Toddlers 8:39

2M ago8:39

8:39

Is your home filled with cries of “Muuuum, he took my toy!” or “She wrecked it again!”? If so, you’re definitely not alone and you’re absolutely in the right place. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play Through Play Schemas, we’re diving deep into a topic every parent of more than one young child knows all too well: sibling conflict. But ins…

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Season 3 Ep 52: ASKED AND ANSWERED - I Like Hourly, Why Should I Charge Flat Fees? 8:29

2M ago8:29

8:29

In this Ask and Answered episode, we break down the real reasons flat fees can transform your business—and why hourly billing might be keeping you small. The mindset shift designers need to make is to stop thinking like a technician and start pricing like a CEO. Flat fees protect your time, boost your authority, and create a better experience for y…

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Late-Realized, Loud and Leading w/ LaToya Hinton, PhD. 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authentic…

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036 You Can Always Make More Memories, But You Can’t Make More Time 8:41

2M ago8:41

8:41

If you’re a parent of toddlers or preschoolers, you’ll know that feeling all too well—time seems to slip through your fingers. One moment your baby is crawling, the next they’re racing across the playground with fearless determination. The days feel long, but the years pass quickly, and it can leave us wondering: Am I making the most of this time w…

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Your Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneux 51:57

3M ago51:57

51:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or wor…

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035 Throwback Episode: The Magic Behind Repetitive Play | Episode 002 20:06

3M ago20:06

20:06

“Why is my toddler always dropping things, spinning, or hiding under the table?” If you’ve ever found yourself asking this (or wondering if it’s normal)... this episode is for you. Hi, I’m Ruth from The Play Schemas Collective, and I help parents make sense of their child’s play, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the magic of toddl…

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REPLAY! How to Make Money Selling Project Management - Top Fave of 2025! 38:41

3M ago38:41

38:41

How can you be team player without giving up your own rights? Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all…

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Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman 50:11

3M ago50:11

50:11

Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practic…

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034 Why Is My Toddler Always Throwing Things? Understanding the Trajectory Schema 8:50

3M ago8:50

8:50

Ever wondered why your toddler throws their food, launches toys off the couch, or can’t stop running back and forth? It’s not just chaos - it’s science in action. In this episode, I’m giving you exclusive access to one of the most-loved modules from The Play Schemas Collective - all about trajectory play. You’ll learn to spot the everyday signs tha…

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Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude a…

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033 Getting Outside as a Family with Guest Adiva 15:01

3M ago15:01

15:01

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your kids out the door for a walk or a play at the park? You’re not alone. But what if those muddy puddles, long car rides, and slow wanders were actually building blocks for your child’s development? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I am joined by Adiva, founder of @LittleTrailsNZ and mum of …

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Season 3 Ep 51: ASKED AND ANSWERED - I'm so busy, I don't have time to answer every lead. Do I really need to? 11:56

3M ago11:56

11:56

We have another asked and answered topic this week! We are talking about reframing what many designers see as “wasted” discovery calls. Just because a lead isn’t a fit for full service doesn’t mean it’s a dead end. Consider this as a chance to position your firm as a resource, build brand equity, and generate revenue—especially when you offer varie…

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Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network) 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental h…

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032 Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Now & Play Freely With Your Kids | Guest Caren 27:22

3M ago27:22

27:22

Is your pelvic floor holding you back from truly enjoying play with your kids?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to help. Whether it’s needing to cross your legs when you sneeze, quietly avoiding playing chase the backyard... not to even mention the fear of hearing 'Mum's turn' when it comes to the trampoline. Pelvic floor issues are incre…

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Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles 50:58

4M ago50:58

50:58

Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his vo…

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031 “I Can’t Play With My Kids”: Why It Feels So Hard and What Actually Helps 15:09

4M ago15:09

15:09

Ever feel like you should be playing with your child… but you just can’t bring yourself to do it? Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you feel silly or awkward. Maybe you’re not even sure how to play anymore. If this sounds familiar, you are so not alone. In fact, many loving, involved parents feel exactly the same. And in this episode, we’re pulling bac…

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Season 2 Ep 50: How to Get Press: The secret door to getting your interior design work published with Alex Abramian 44:24

4M ago44:24

44:24

Public relations isn’t just about getting published—it’s about what you do after the feature goes live. We thrilled to welcome our special guest who we have been working with for over a year. Alex Abramian, founder of The PR Collaborative, talks with us about the evolving landscape of PR for interior designers. With years of experience as a writer …

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Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth 40:35

4M ago40:35

40:35

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine soun…

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030 Play, Not Pressure: How Everyday Play Builds Your Child’s Literacy Foundation with Alex Weehuizen 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

Worried your toddler isn’t “school ready”? Feel like you should be doing flashcards, worksheets, or alphabet drills — but it just doesn’t sit right? This episode is your deep breath and warm reassurance. We’re busting the myth that early literacy needs to look like formal learning and showing you how play, movement, and everyday conversations are a…

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Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, …

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029 Why Play Builds Connection With Your Child 11:45

4M ago11:45

11:45

Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You Think Is your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours are actually your child’s way of connecting with you? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into…

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Season 2 Ep 49: ASKED AND ANSWERED - My client is nit-picking. What am I doing wrong? 12:04

4M ago12:04

12:04

Another Asked & Answered segment today and our very own Liz going solo! One of the biggest balancing acts designers face is pairing creativity with structure. Your vision is what SELLS the client, but your process is what DELIVERS on that promise. Clients remember the feeling, not the portal or the lists or the emails—but having strong systems behi…

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028 Unlock Your Child's Learning Through Play: Join 'The Play Schemas Collective' BETA 7:32

4M ago7:32

7:32

Apply to Join the BETA Test Group – Spaces Are Limited! Applications close 26 June 2025. Only 5 spots available. For more information and to apply now, head to https://playschemas.com/beta Or flick me a DM on Instagram: @Play_Schemas Get FREE access during the BETA round Enjoy a FREE first month once we officially launch Book a personalised 1:1 coa…

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027 Why I Still Say “Be Careful” Even Though I Love Risky Play 13:50

5M ago13:50

13:50

Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Be careful!” — even when you’re trying to let your child take healthy risks? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack one of the biggest tensions many parents face: wanting to support our children confidence and independence, while still keeping them…

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Season 2 Ep 48: Why your "welcome packet" isn't very welcoming 36:08

5M ago36:08

36:08

We believe one of the most underrated parts of a client journey is the intake process. This isn’t about a boring list of preferences like if they prefer black over blue or which kitchen they like best. Instead, it's about asking the right questions to uncover how clients live, communicate, and make decisions. Our unique and customized client questi…

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026 Why Imperfection Matters in Parenting - with Sophie Moskowitz 23:36

5M ago23:36

23:36

Ever feel like you’re the only one dropping the ball as a parent? Spoiler alert: you’re not, you're not alone in feeling this... and this episode might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re joined by Sophie Moskowitz from Imperfect Parents, who brings a powerfu…