Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, 'Why is my child doing that?'—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone. Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold ...
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Is My Child A Monster? A brand new parenting therapy podcast. You get to be a fly on the wall in Leslie Cohen-Rubury’s office and listen in as she sits with parents who share their stories in therapy sessions recorded live.
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This podcast features free audio guitar lessons taught by Desi Serna, author of Fretboard Theory and Guitar Theory For Dummies. Learn how scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more get applied to the fretboard and familiar songs. Hear how to best get your playing skills in order. Begin to improvise and compose. Understand why your favorite songs sound so good. ➝ What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website to get FREE custom v ...
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The Codependent Perfectionist is a series on the dynamics of codependency and perfectionism. Alana self identifies as the Codependent Perfectionist, giving you a mix of psychoeducation and anecdotes from her own work as a therapist to understand how these issues play out in everyday life. Contact Alana: [email protected], alanacarvalho.com or following on Instagram thecodependentperfectionist for any questions or comments!
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Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take ...
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026 Why Imperfection Matters in Parenting - with Sophie Moskowitz
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23:13Send us a text 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 b…
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Nicky & AJ Part 4 of 4: When Rewards and Punishments No Longer Work
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38:30Parents often go to therapy when the rewards and punishment no longer work because trying to get your child to do what you need them to do can be very challenging. And when the parent’s anxiety gets added to that mix, the result is frustrating and overwhelming for everyone. This is the final session with Nicky and AJ as they discuss getting their 1…
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Ep174 Recreating Iconic 80s Tones For Kemper and Helix with Matt Reviere
1:36:47
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1:36:47In episode 174 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I chat with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere about recreating classic 80s guitar tones for the Kemper Profiling Amplifier and Line 6 Helix using the new Inspired by the 80s pack from Tone Junkie. We discuss his workflow for analyzing songs, dialing in tones, and jamming on iconic riffs from …
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Bonus Episode: Making Hard Conversations Easier with the DEAR MAN Skill
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22:06Making requests, saying no, and having hard conversations is part of all relationships. And it's rather easy to see how common misunderstandings and conflict ensues in our interpersonal relationships. That's because we are not born with accurate and effective communications skills. This mini bonus episode is about learning and practicing the DBT sk…
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025 Parenting Hacks: Master ‘When’ & ‘Then’ Magic!
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8:40Send us a text The Two Words That Will Transform Your Parenting — “When” and “Then” Are you tired of endless toddler negotiations, meltdowns during transitions, or repeating yourself a hundred times a day? You’re not alone — and there is a gentle, effective way forward. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe introduces two simple…
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Season 2 Ep 47: ASKED AND ANSWERED - There is no one right way--but there is a better way
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12:05There’s no one right way to run a design business—but there is often a better way. This is not to say if something is working for you—great. Keep going. But if you're stuck or wondering why the same problems keep popping up? It might be time to challenge the models you’re using. How can you challenge the traditional business models, such as cost pl…
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Nicky & AJ Part 3 of 4: When Shame Gets In The Way
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47:00We take you “behind the scenes” of what happened before the session officially started. This episode with Nicky and AJ begins with a communication breakdown. We all struggle at times communicating with our kids, our partners or other family members. You will learn what happens when shame is in the drivers seat of your life and when shame runs in th…
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024 Part 1 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier
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17:13Send us a text Part 1 of 2 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas. Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningfu…
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024 Part 2 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier
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19:17Send us a text Part 2 of 2 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas. Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningfu…
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Nicky & AJ Part 2 of 4: Stopping Generational Trauma
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47:01How do you deal with your child’s anger and defiant behaviors? One place to start is to look at what you as parents bring to the table and how that impacts your child. This is the second session with Nicky and AJ who are seeking help for their 11 year old daughter Lily. We cover a wide range of topics from the emotional topics of trauma and anger t…
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Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn
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1:21:20In episode 173 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I sit down with Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn to talk about the art of recording and producing music. Jason shares his journey from singer and songwriter to becoming a sought-after producer helping both aspiring artists and hobbyist songwriters bring their music to life. We discuss what…
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023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do About It with Heather Schalk
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34:59Send us a text Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose? You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind…
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Nicky & AJ Part 1 of 4: When Your Child's Defiance is Confusing
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46:42Parents often wonder why their children won’t do what they ask them to do. This often creates conflict and disrespect in the family system. And for the parent, it's very confusing and irritating when you “couldn’t get away with that” when you were a child. In this episode, Nicky and AJ share their concerns, frustrations and fears regarding their 11…
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Season 2 Ep 46: The Best Marketing Tool Hiding in Plain Sight
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35:02Social proof from your clients is important for building trust and credibility in a business. Reviews and testimonials from happy clients, while also being mindful of how and when, can be used to showcase the success and unique offerings of your business. This not only helps attract the right clients, but also addresses common pain points and frequ…
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022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play Schemas & Child Development
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21:17Send us a text What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your li…
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Why Your Child's Play Is Essential Communication with Special Guest Jennifer Sims
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34:06In this episode, Leslie and special guest Jen Sims, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist, talk about the importance of play. Jen explains that play is the language of children, allowing them to express emotions and experiences. She specializes in Non-directive Play Therapy, which involves creating an environment where chi…
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021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play Schemas
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13:35Send us a text Free download available! Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free Feeling overwhelmed by all the Easter hype—and wondering how to make it meaningful for your toddler? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re…
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Season 2 Ep 45: ASKED AND ANSWERED - Why cleaning the toilet might help your creativity more than you think
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16:43You can't lead clients from survival mode---well you can, but not well and not for extended periods of time. how How you feel directly impacts how you lead, sell, and scale. The mindset shift I have to use is to keep my business steady is the "attitude of gratitude." This "Asked and Answered" topic this week is slightly more personal but a question…
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Jean & Alex Part 3 of 3: When You Want to Get Unstuck
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48:39It's not unusual to feel stuck or trapped as a parent. Having options is the antidote to that feeling. You have options for how you think, how you behave, how you deal with emotions. And those options put you in the drivers seat…you get to see and feel the choices you have and you get to choose! This episode is the third and final episode with Jean…
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Chronic Pain & Codependency with Dr. Tawny Kross
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18:12In this episode, we're exploring the connection between chronic pain, people pleasing, and perfectionism.By tawny kross, alana carvalho
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020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents with Victoria Barendsen
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28:25Send us a text Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.com As parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start? How do we talk about it in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering? And how do we navigate such an important convers…
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Jean & Alex Part 2 of 3: When Your Child Wants a Lot of Your Attention
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46:21Parents get exhausted because parenting is exhausting. Parents also can get exhausted because they are in essence tripping over their own feet. Have you ever thought that your worry thoughts are the thing that is contributing to your exhaustion? Whether it's your child or yourself, worry makes people uncomfortable. In this episode, we talk about te…
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Bonus Episode: Understanding Problematic Thinking Patterns
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16:51This is the third mini bonus episode that looks at rigid thinking which is quite common in both adults and children. It often leads to frustration and even conflict within yourself and in your relationships. In this episode, we explain problematic thinking patterns, identify lots of examples and how to catch and change your thinking to help you liv…
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019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in Parenting
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11:04Send us a text Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your Child Do you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding play schemas and love languages can completely transform the way you interact with your little one—maki…
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Season 2 Ep 44: ASKED AND ANSWERED - The most damaging thing you can do in your business
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16:34This week we are answering questions from our audience--first up is one of my FAVORITE hills to die on and what I consider one of the most damaging things you can do for your business. It is not a smart business practice to sell blocks of time as a designer because this is not an effective way to market and value creative brilliance. Selling based …
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Jean & Alex Part 1 of 3: When Your Kid Can't Handle Needles or Bandaids
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41:09Children need to feel safe and capable as they venture out into the world. Jean and Alex are parents who came to me for help with their 6 year old daughter’s challenging behavior when she didn’t feel safe or capable. Ellie is a highly sensitive child for whom getting a shot and then taking off the bandaid have turned doctor visits into scary events…
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Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music
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1:04:30In episode 172 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about playing styles, overcoming physical limitations, key changes in songs, barre chord techniques, music theory exercises, slowing down music, and more. Riff Rockers Zoom class details: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/riff-rockers-zoom-class/ Enroll in a free video c…
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Send us a text Unlock the Secrets of Your Child’s Play: Play Schemas & Acts of Service in Parenting! Have you ever wondered why your child insists on lining up their toys, spinning in circles, or moving objects from place to place? It might seem random (or even frustrating!), but these repetitive behaviours are actually part of their natural learni…
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When To Give In and When To Stand Firm with Special Guest Amy Kalasunas
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39:03One of the more common questions parents ask is when do I give in and when do I stand firm. Todays special guest speaker is an expert on this question. Amy Kalasunas is a board certified Dialectic Behavior Therapist who, among other things, provides interventions for parents of struggling and complex young adults using DBT and SPACE, which stands f…
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This is the second mini bonus episode where we will focus on understanding shame. In this bonus episode we discuss the difference between shame and guilt, the beliefs and myths associated with shame and an effective skill to deal with shame. Shame was present in the third session with Sarah in its many forms. Our children can feel shame even when w…
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017 Loving your child through gifts and play
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15:17Send us a text Support the show If 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 @play_schem…
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Season 2 Ep 43: The Hidden Mindset Mistakes Killing Your Team’s Momentum
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53:59Sometimes the simplest of truths is what is going to move the needle and this begins with understanding who you are and your own weaknesses. We all have them right?? If you have a team, or even if you are a solopreneur, you are still consistently working with others and there are always going to be challenges of working together. However, being abl…
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Sarah Part 3 of 3: When Parents and Kids Feel Shame
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55:09Shame is a common emotion but a painful one as well. In this episode we talk about shame and its many forms. Children feel shame, parents feel shame and we can unintentionally pass down shame to our children. This is my third and final session with Sarah, a mom of two boys James, 12 yrs old and Noah 15 yrs old. Sarah and her husband are both ex-mil…
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016 Make Memories: Play & Quality Time Tips!
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18:25Send us a text Ever 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 unl…
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Sarah Part 2 of 3: When Parents Struggle with Control
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41:31Kids are not the only ones who are controlling and trying to get what they want. As parents we do the same thing. We really want what we want and we act in controlling ways to achieve those ends. This is the second session with Sarah, mother of 2 boys, 12 year old James and 15 year old Noah where we explore topics, including when one sibling tries …
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Bonus Episode: Understanding Why a Good Parent-Child Fit Matters
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17:10Welcome to the first mini-bonus episode where I focus on one or two key concepts or skills in a conversation with my producer Alletta Cooper. Every once in a while we will add one of these bonus episodes to further explain a concept/skill that came up in the previous session. In this episode I explore and explain what the parent-child fit is and wh…
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015 Why Your Words Matter: Affirmation in Play
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14:33Send us a text In 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 rep…
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Sarah Part 1 of 3: When your Teen is a Great Negotiator
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41:54Welcome to Season 3! We start this season off with a family from Australia. Sarah is a mom of 2 boys- James is 12, Noah is 15, Sarah and her husband are both ex-military personnel which has a direct impact on their parenting. In today’s episode we discuss how Sarah’s parenting style matches with James who has been recently diagnosed with ADHD, Auti…
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Season 2 Ep 42: How to Stop Wasting Time on Marketing that doesn't Work
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39:45Your marketing dollars are important. There are many elements to successful marketing and it starts with becoming part of the DNA of your business. This week we met with Denise Grothouse, the founder and CEO of Perfect Six Marketing, a company specializing in marketing strategies for the kitchen and bath design industry. In this episode we discuss …
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014 Play Schemas & The Love Language of Physical Touch | Understanding Your Child’s Needs
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22:04Send 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.com Did 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…
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Ep171 Q&A Practice Plan-Joe-Bonamassa Rhythm-Take On Me Chords-Numbering Modes-G Chord Fingerings-Best Practice Amp
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1:00:53In episode 171 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions on a variety of guitar topics, including: 🎸 Assessing your guitar practice plan🎸 Joe Bonamassa’s rhythm guitar playing 🎸 Breaking down the key to "Take on Me" by A-ha 🎸 Understanding mode numbering 🎸 Different ways to finger a G chord and which one is best for you 🎸 Choo…
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013 Play Schemas and Love Languages - a Match Made in Heaven
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14:08Send us a text LOVE 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 hu…
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012 Engage your little helpers at home through Play!
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14:04Send us a text Play Schemas at Home: Turning Play Into Productivity How 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, in…
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REPLAY of Season 1 Ep 10: What is the Cost of Doing Business? (Re-Release of top 5 episodes!)
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45:14Optics matter. Client's trusting you know how to manage money--matters. Understanding there is no free lunch--matters. Here is the drum roll take away. It takes money to make money. Ta da! Professional designers understand that it costs money to travel to market to learn about the products they specify ( and usually sell for a profit) -- or how imp…
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011 Playing Together – How Adults Can Join the Fun Without Taking Over
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10:44Send us a text Playing Together – How to Join the Fun Without Taking Over Have you ever found yourself ‘playing’ with your child, only to realise that you’re the one in charge? One moment you’re happily stacking blocks, and the next, you’re directing the entire build like an overzealous project manager. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! In this epi…
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010 Play Schemas and Siblings – How to Make Schemas Work for (Not Against!) You
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13:01Send us a text 🎙️ Play Schemas and Siblings – How to Make Schemas Work for (Not Against!) You! 👧👦 Do your kids constantly clash over toys, fight over space, or seem to have completely different play styles? You’re not alone! Sibling play can be tricky—one child wants to build, while the other wants to knock things down. One loves to throw, while th…
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009 The Power of Independent Play – Nurturing Confident and Creative Kids
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14:27Send us a text Episode 9: The Power of Independent Play – Nurturing Confident and Creative Kids Do you dream of guilt-free moments to enjoy a hot drink while it’s still hot—without hearing a desperate “Muuum!” every two minutes? What if those moments didn’t just give you a breather but also helped your child grow into a confident, creative problem …
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Help us Shape Season 3 of Is My Child A Monster? A Parenting Skills Podcast
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1:22Help us shape Season 3 of Is My Child A Monster?! For the first time ever we’re doing a listener survey. You have the opportunity to tell us what you love —or would love less of — on Is My Child A Monster! The anonymous survey should take less than 10 minutes, and you’re welcome to answer as much or as little as you like. We’d love your thoughts ev…
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REPLAY! of Season 1 Ep 14 Passion Rules, Mediocrity Sucks ( ALL TIME FAVE RERELEASED!)
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54:17I am PASSIONATE--and if you have gotten my weekly newsletter the past two weeks then you would know all those years ago in college my young professor's advice stuck. So we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes and trying to reignite the flame in those that may feel it dwindling! Are you giving clients the yearning for more? Showing pass…
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008 Kickstart 2025 with Play: Unlock Joyful Parenting Through Play Schemas!
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14:52Send us a text Ready to make 2025 the best year yet for your family? Dive into this exciting episode of Demystifying Child’s Play as we explore how understanding and embracing play schemas can transform your parenting journey. Whether you’re a returning listener or new to the podcast, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to h…
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