Best Child Play Patterns Podcasts (2025)

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The Parenting Roles We Play Matter - Choose Wisely! 10:43

Play Pause

7h ago10:43

10:43

Every parent plays "roles". Some play the hero, some play the doormat, some play the drill sergeant. Other play the role of homework nagger, reminder, or social chair. Some play good cop... and others play bad cop. The problem? Sometime we choose poor roles! Most parents don’t even realize the role they’re stuck in—and their kids and the connection…

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050 Create a Connected, Calm, and Joy-Filled Christmas with Your Child 20:56

22h ago20:56

20:56

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 presen…

1
How To Stop Being a Reactionary Parent 13:30

1d ago13:30

13:30

If you’re tired of snapping, yelling, or punishing on autopilot—this episode is your wake-up call. Reactionary parenting doesn’t make you strong; it makes you predictable. Your kids know exactly how to push your buttons, and you’re giving away the steering wheel every time you blow up. Sean breaks down why parents get stuck in reaction mode, what i…

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Season 3 Ep 58: ASKED & ANSWERED - I'm scared to tell potential clients we aren't taking new projects right now. What do I do? 20:39

3d ago20:39

20:39

Every designer has run into this situation before—the panic of too many projects, too little time, and clients who “need it done now.” Your timelines aren’t the enemy; but poor planning is. When you managed your schedule with purpose instead of panic it means you are understanding your own process. This means before you promise anyone else a date, …

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Beyond "I'm Sorry" - Guiding Your Child Toward True Responsibility and Genuine Apologies | With Jordan 1:09:14

5d ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Most kids toss out “I’m sorry” just to end the conflict—but that doesn’t mean they’ve actually taken responsibility. In this episode, Sean goes beyond the empty words and shows parents how to guide their kids into true accountability. Learn practical tools to teach your child what real responsibility looks like, how to repair relationships after co…

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Tips for How To Parent CHALLENGING Kids! 14:55

7d ago14:55

14:55

Let’s be real—some kids push every button. They argue, explode, ignore, and wear you down until you feel like giving up. In this episode, Sean calls it like it is and gives parents straight-up strategies for surviving and thriving with the most challenging kids. No sugarcoating. No fluffy advice. Just raw, proven tools to stop the chaos, reclaim yo…

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049 Connect Before You Correct: Parenting Neurodiverse Kids with Compassion 33:54

8d ago33:54

33:54

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 s…

1
How to Use Consequences - So They Stick! 28:58

8d ago28:58

28:58

Consequences don’t have to be a battle—or a punishment that leaves everyone feeling worse. In this episode, Sean shows parents how to use consequences the right way, so they actually work. With the right approach, consequences become tools that teach, guide, and help kids grow into wiser, more responsible people. You’ll walk away with practical ste…

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School-Issued ChromeBooks and Your Family | With Jordan 52:15

9d ago52:15

52:15

Sean pulls no punches in this episode: School-issued Chromebooks are NOT helping our kids — they’re hurting them. From constant distractions, late-night screen battles, and the toxic pull of the online world, these laptops can wreck focus, fuel conflict, and damage family connection. Sean shares why parents are right to be frustrated, how these dev…

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People Pleasing and More with Diane Sorensen 27:47

13d ago27:47

27:47

For more information, go to alanacarvalho.com.By diane sorensen, alana carvalho

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Signs You are Growing as a Parent! 15:33

15d ago15:33

15:33

Parenting isn’t about being perfect—and in this episode Sean unpacks the life-signs that you’re making progress as a parent. Sean shows you how to recognize the small victories that add up to big transformation. Whether you’re in the thick of tantrums, teenage pushback, or just daily parenting stress, this episode will inspire you to celebrate your…

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048 Dinovember, Dinosaurs & Play Schemas: Turning Toddler Chaos into Connection 10:36

16d ago10:36

10:36

Discover the Magic of Dino-vember, and the Hidden Learning in Your Child’s Play! What if your child’s love of dinosaurs could actually help you understand why they play the way they do? In this fun and insightful episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe dives into Dino-vember, that magical month where toy dinosaurs mysteriously come alive …

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Stop Your Old Patterns and Do THIS! 24:20

16d ago24:20

24:20

So many parents get stuck repeating the same old patterns—yelling, bribing, shutting down, or giving in. In this episode of The Sean Donohue Show, Sean reveals why those patterns keep showing up and what you can do instead to break free from them. If you’re ready to stop repeating what isn’t working and start building a new legacy for your family, …

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Parenting With a Very Difficult/Different Spouse | With Jordan 54:34

17d ago54:34

54:34

What happens when you and your spouse see parenting completely differently? One of you is stricter, the other more laid back. One wants structure, the other wants freedom. In this episode, Sean dives into the challenges and opportunities of raising kids with a partner whose parenting style is VERY different from yours. He shares practical strategie…

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Season 3 Ep 57: Should we, just because we can? 49:29

21d ago49:29

49:29

Just because you can take on another project doesn’t mean you should. In this episode, Cheryl and Liz unpack what it really takes to manage your firm’s capacity—not just your time, but your energy, your team, and your profitability. There must be a level of discipline to say no, even if they are a great lead because saying yes to every project is n…

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Parent Yourself. Be Great....Here's How 13:00

22d ago13:00

13:00

Sean flips the script and challenges parents to look inward. Parenting isn’t just about raising kids; it’s about raising yourself. Sean unpacks what it means to “parent yourself”—to heal, grow, and lead with emotional maturity so you can show up as the best version of yourself for your family. With practical tools, personal stories, and Sean’s sign…

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047 Why Knowing Your “Normal” Could Save Your Life 17:50

24d ago17:50

17:50

What if prioritising your own health could be the most important thing you ever do for your children? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation on Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe talks with Tamara Milne, a radiographer and mum who was just 33 and weeks away from welcoming her second baby when she received a life-changing diagnosis: bre…

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The 3 Biggest MISTAKES Parents Make... 14:05

23d ago14:05

14:05

In a caring and helpful way, today Sean will dive into the three most common mistakes parents make without even realizing it. These patterns/slip-ups can quietly damage connection, increase conflict, and leave kids feeling misunderstood. Sean unpacks each mistake with honesty, humor, and real-life stories, showing parents why these patterns show up…

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Parenting Hall of Fame Top 5 Things! | With Jordan 33:22

24d ago33:22

33:22

In this fun episode, Sean and Jordan count down their personal Top 5 Parenting Hall of Fame Things ! What does this even mean? It means they will each share the TOP 5 Things/People/Stores/Items/Ideas that make parenting and family life good..better...easier...smoother....best! Listen and hear what every mom and dad secretly (or not so secretly) rel…

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

1M 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/When To Intervene When My Child Is Not Doing Well 10:16

30d ago10:16

10:16

By Sean Donohue

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How to Thrive With Homework BATTLES | With Jordan 52:12

1M ago52:12

52:12

By Sean Donohue

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The BEST Parenting ROLE You Can Play 17:33

1M ago17:33

17:33

Every parent plays "roles" in their child’s life—but not all roles are created equal. In this episode, Sean unpacks different “parenting roles” moms and dads often slip into. Some are good and some are not... (like the enforcer, the rescuer, the nagger, the savior, the caver, the pep-talker, or the fixer) In this episode, Sean reveals the one role …

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

1M 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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A Tool To Transform Your Family Into Being Positive and Loving! 22:46

1M ago22:46

22:46

Sean introduces parents to a powerful yet simple tool that can completely transform the atmosphere in their homes. If your family has been stuck in cycles of negativity, criticism, or conflict, this episode will show you how to shift into a culture of encouragement, connection, and love. Listen in as Sean explains how parents can use this tool to m…

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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

1M 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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Gentle Parenting Confusion: How To Solve It! | With Jordan 57:09

1M ago57:09

57:09

Sean and Jordan tackle the growing confusion (and FRUSTRATION) around gentle parenting. Some parents feel it’s made their kids entitled and disrespectful. Others are overwhelmed by the mixed messages—and many couples even find themselves at odds over it. Sean breaks down what gentle parenting really is (and isn’t), why so many families are struggli…

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

2M 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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This Parenting Mindset Will Change Your Life Forever! 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

Sean reveals a POWERFUL mindset shift every parent needs to raise confident, respectful, and emotionally healthy kids. This isn’t about tricks, hacks, or quick fixes—it’s about transforming how you see your role as a parent and how your kids experience you every single day. You’ll discover: The mindset that instantly reduces power struggles and fru…

1
These Emotional Consequences Help Create Great Kids 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

In this episode of The Sean Donohue Show, Sean dives into one of the most overlooked parenting tools: emotional consequences. Forget punishments that break trust or lectures that go nowhere—Sean shows how real, thoughtful emotional consequences not only teach accountability but also build character, empathy, and wisdom in kids. Listeners will disco…

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3 Tools For CHALLENGING Kids 19:29

2M ago19:29

19:29

Sean shares three proven tools every parent needs for navigating challenging behavior with confidence and calm. Whether your child is defiant, emotional, or simply testing boundaries, these strategies will help you guide them with respect, set clear limits, and strengthen your connection —without yelling, threats, or power struggles. Go deeper with…

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

2M 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

2M 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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How To Create Kids Who Listen, Obey, and Keep Trust 9:36

2M ago9:36

9:36

Sean reveals powerful, real-world strategies for raising kids who truly listen, follow through, and maintain trust in the parent-child relationship. Discover how to build respect without fear, inspire obedience without yelling, and protect the deep trust that keeps your connection strong for life. This is essential listening for any parent who want…

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Sean Interviews a Teenager: Neel Anad 55:11

2M ago55:11

55:11

In this episode of The Sean Donohue Show, Sean sits down with 16-year-old Neel Anad, a thoughtful and well-spoken teenager who offers a rare, unfiltered look into the mind of today’s youth. From school pressures and friendships to family dynamics and the impact of social media, Neel shares his honest experiences and insights. This candid conversati…

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Feeling STUCK With Your Challenging Kid? Do THIS 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

If you’re exhausted, frustrated, and feel like nothing works with your challenging child—you’re not alone. In this no-nonsense episode of The Sean Donohue Show, Sean reveals the exact mindset shift and step-by-step approach that’s helped thousands of parents break free from power struggles, rebuild connection, and finally see progress. Go deeper wi…

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

2M 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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Life-Lessons on my 47th Birthday 10:04

2M ago10:04

10:04

After 25+ years of coaching parents—and 47 years of life—21 years of marriage---and 20 years of parenting Sean has learned a few things the hard way. In this personal episode of The Sean Donohue Show, Sean shares the powerful life-lessons that have shaped who he is today. From mindset patterns and thoughts that will change the way you see your kids…

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5 BIGGEST Mistakes Parents Make | With Jordan 52:30

2M ago52:30

52:30

Most parents don’t even know they’re doing it… until it’s too late. Sean and Jordan break down the 5 biggest parenting mistakes that quietly sabotage respect, destroy connection, and fuel endless battles at home. These are the hard truths no one tells you—but every parent needs to hear. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your a…

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

2M 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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Mindset Health For Parents 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

Parenting doesn’t just challenge your patience—it challenges your mindset. In this episode, Sean Donohue dives into the critical (but often overlooked) topic of mindset health for parents. He unpacks the internal patterns that shape how we react, lead, and love—and reveals how shifting your mindset can transform the way you parent. You’ll learn how…

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I Went Camping With 7 Families: How I Coached Kids Through Real-Drama | With Jordan 59:24

2M ago59:24

59:24

What happens when 7 families go camping together? With Sean? Chaos, conflict… and coaching opportunities. In this raw and funny episode, Sean shares three powerful, real-life stories from a weekend camping trip with a group of families + his wife and kids + other people's kids ages 4–16. When mistakes were made, kids acted out, things were sad, tem…

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

2M 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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7 Great Tools To STOP The Disrespect! 13:53

2M ago13:53

13:53

Disrespectful behavior driving you crazy? In this episode, Sean Donohue shares 7 powerful tools every parent needs to respond to backtalk, attitude, and defiance with confidence and emotional intelligence. Whether your child rolls their eyes, talks back, or flat-out ignores you, these tools will help you set respectful boundaries without yelling 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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How To Communicate with Your Kids - and Teach Them Be Great Communicators! 23:10

2M ago23:10

23:10

You talk to your kids—but do they really hear you? And when they talk back, is it honest, respectful, and open—or just silence, sass, or shutdowns? In this transformative episode, Sean reveals the secret to building two-way communication with your children—the kind that builds trust, emotional intelligence, and lifelong connection. This isn’t about…

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5 Alarming Signs and Signals Your Kid Is On a Bad Path 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

In this powerful episode, Sean Donohue breaks down the five red-flag behaviors that could mean your child is heading down a dangerous path—emotionally, socially, or behaviorally. These aren't just "phases." These are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. Whether your child is acting out, shutting down, or withdrawing from you completely, Sean helps y…

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How To STOP Power Struggles Using These Tools! 15:15

3M ago15:15

15:15

Power struggles are one of the most exhausting parts of parenting—but they can be transformed. In this episode, Sean Donohue breaks down why these conflicts escalate, the common mistakes parents make, and how to shift from chaos to calm. With a mix of real-life stories and actionable coaching, Sean shares FIVE powerful tools to help parents end the…

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

3M 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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2 Horrible Life-Events That Changed My Parenting Forever 15:26

3M ago15:26

15:26

In one of his most personal episodes yet, Sean Donohue opens up about two life-altering events that reshaped the way he parents—and the way he coaches thousands of families around the world. Through raw storytelling and honest reflection, Sean shares how pain became a powerful teacher, and how parents can use their own experiences—good or bad—to le…