Join us this week as we chat to Dr Shelly Newstead, practitioner, trainer, author, editor, publisher and researcher with over 30 years of experience in the playwork field, and the creator of the PARS model of playwork practice.

In the episode, we chat about what PARS is, how it was developed and how pracitioners can start their journey with PARS. We also discuss the importance of creating a relaxed play environment, how practitioners can navigate boundaries and freedom in play, and much more...

We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 29 May.

Chapters

(0:00-01:35) Introduction to Shelly

(01:35-4:00) What is the PARS model?

(4:00-6:40) What made Shelly passionate about PARS

(6:40-10:05) Why it's important for children to play without adult intervention

(10:05-17:27) Navigating boundaries vs. stepping back when adapting PARS

(17:27-18:24) Ad break

(18:24-22:12) Deciding if PARS is for you with level 1-4 PARS courses

(22:12-25:50) The crossover and differences between PARS and other approaches to play

(25:50-31:48) Measuring the approach's success

(31:48-34:20) Playwork Mirror Theory and creating a relaxed environment

(34:20-40:05) Building in more freedom into your practice - reflexive practice and necessary 'adulteration'

(40:05-44:25) Wearing different hats when navigating the PARS model and family life

(44:25-45:35) Ad break

(45:35-50:12) Putting on a PARS hat on when dealing with other adults

(50:12-54:00) Managing differing opinions on approaches and challenges to the PARS method

(54:00-57:45) Why the model translates so well to different settings globally

(57:45-59:05) Final notes and goodbye

Want to hear more about PARS?

Website: https://www.parsplaywork.com/

More support and publications: https://www.commonthreads.org.uk

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