Raising Healthy Kid Brains: Recent Episodes
Amy Nielson
Raising Healthy Kid Brains helps moms and teachers understand how children’s brains work and what they can do to set them up for success. Discover the critical elements of supporting a child’s healthy brain development, psychological factors that influence emotional development, and simple suggestions to encourage the creativity and curiosity of life-long learners.
Join your host, Amy Nielson, Founder of Planning Playtime, a provider of game-changing educational programs and resources to moms and teachers, as she and her guests discuss the importance of understanding child development.
This is the show for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
Am I communicating effectively with my child? How can I build a bonding experience with my child? What exactly are the structures, limits, and boundaries for children? Why are good parent-teacher relationships important? *What benchmarks should I focus on in early childhood?
To learn more, visit planningplaytime.com
Your baby hasn't started walking yet, but your friend's child is already running around. That familiar worry creeps in - is something wrong?
I'm joined today by licensed speech-language pathologist Jordyn Gorman and founder of Eat Play Say, a network of experts on childhood development milestones.
In this episode, Jordyn and I dig into the truth behind milestone charts: what they actually measure, what they don't, and why hitting every milestone "on time" isn't the full story.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/114
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In a world where every kindergartner has access to an iPad, does handwriting still matter?
The answer, according to handwriting expert Holly Britton, is yes – and it's not just a penmanship issue; it's a thinking issue. In this episode, Holly explains why the way we teach handwriting is critical for young learners.
We dive into why handwriting is such a powerful tool for cognitive development and why, without it, kids are missing out on vital brain connections. As more classrooms move toward digital devices, Holly makes the case that handwriting is still the key to unlocking deeper learning and success in all areas.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/113
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Sleep struggles in families create a cascading effect. When children can't sleep, parents don't sleep, and everyone's mood, health, and ability to function suffers.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, author of Beyond Tired and a triple board-certified sleep physician who transformed her own family's sleep crisis into a mission to help others. Drawing from both her medical expertise and personal experience with a reflux baby who wouldn't sleep, Dr. Brown is here to uncover the complex relationship between sleep and behavior.
Join us this week to learn the three categories of sleep issues and how to identify which one your child is dealing with. Dr. Brown shares why sleep hygiene matters, the surprising connection between ADHD and sleep disorders, and her CREATE framework for better sleep. Whether you're dealing with a toddler who won't stay in bed or your own 3 a.m. wake-ups, you'll walk away with actionable tools to help your entire family get the restorative sleep you need.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/112
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Does your child struggle to sit still or focus during learning time? What if the problem isn’t that they’re not paying attention, but that their brain actually learns best through movement, touch, and sensory input?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Christina Bretz, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience and senior professional learning manager at Learning Without Tears.
Join us to learn how surprise, play, and touch help children retain information and engage socially, while also supporting sensory sensitivities in a developmentally appropriate way.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/111
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Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a parenting storm, desperately trying to keep your cool while your child is melting down?
I'm talking with Dr. Alissa Jerud, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety and emotion regulation, and author of Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection. She brings a unique perspective that combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with the messy reality of parenting, and shares a revolutionary approach to handling both our children's emotions and our own.
Join us this week to discover practical strategies for when emotions run high (both yours and your child’s).
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/110
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Today I’m talking with Dr. Hokehe Eko, a board-certified integrative pediatrician, whose work focuses on the powerful connection between gut health and brain function – especially in children with autism and ADHD.
Through stories of children who went from aggressive to calm, from constipated to regular, and from non-verbal to speaking their first words, you’ll discover practical dietary changes that can improve your child’s quality of life.
While these interventions don’t cure autism or ADHD, they can significantly enhance therapy outcomes and family dynamics by addressing the underlying inflammation that may be driving challenging behaviors.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/109
When your child answers “good” to your question about their day, it might feel like the conversation ends there. But they’re actually telling you a story. You just need the tools to uncover it.
In this episode, listening expert Christine Miles and I explore how to teach kids the language of listening, helping them – and you – tune in to the full story behind every conversation.
Through her Listening Path framework, Christine offers a practical way to turn listening into a skill kids can learn and use. You’ll discover how to ask the right questions to uncover stories and help your kids build deeper connections with the people in their lives.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/108
The traditional education model we’ve been using since the 1940s was designed for assembly line workers. But this system is failing to prepare kids for real life.
This week, I’m talking to Dr. Linda Hopper, a former business coach turned classroom teacher, who turned the system upside down by bringing coaching principles into the classroom. After spending 14 years in the classroom, Dr. Hopper found that asking the right questions - rather than just giving the right answers - is the key to helping kids grow and learn.
Join us today as Dr. Hopper shows us how we, as educators and parents, can empower kids to become experts on themselves. Her approach shifts the focus away from standardized tests and helps students build skills that last a lifetime.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/107
This week, I’m talking with Stefanie Adler, a functional diagnostic nutritionist who transformed her own childhood of chronic digestive issues into a mission to help families heal through food.
After being told at age 12 that she'd have to live with IBS forever, Stefanie changed her diet against medical advice and watched symptoms she'd had for 13 years disappear within months. Now she helps parents decode their children's symptoms by addressing root causes rather than masking problems.
Join us today as Stefanie shares practical strategies for building your child's immune system through protective foods, simple swaps for common household toxins, and ways to make real food appealing even when everyone else has packaged snacks.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/106
This week, I’m joined by Alisha from Rainbow Sky Creations, a passionate educator who's spent years transforming how children experience mathematics in the classroom. She shares how, when children can touch, manipulate, and physically interact with mathematical concepts, something remarkable happens in their brains that traditional paper-and-pencil methods simply can't replicate.
Join us to hear the compelling research that shows how students using concrete materials develop stronger neural pathways for abstract thinking, leading to 30 to 50% faster learning and a staggering 90% increase in engagement.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/105
A simple tweak in how we talk to kids about emotions can transform those frustrating moments into genuine connection.
When children lack the vocabulary for their emotions, they face the same barrier as trying to communicate in a foreign language. Kristina Lucia, an award-winning author and illustrator who creates books about feelings, discovered firsthand how learning to name and express emotions changed her relationships.
Join us this week to discover why vulnerability isn't weakness, how to meet children at their level (literally and figuratively), and practical ways to expand emotional vocabulary for the whole family. Most importantly, you'll learn how small adjustments in communication create space for deeper understanding and stronger connections.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/104
Finding the balance between gentle parenting and building resilience in our kids is a huge challenge, often resulting in unintentional perfectionism on our part as parents. But could this perfectionism be having a deeper impact on your child’s development?
I’m speaking to Lisa Chan, a former pediatric occupational therapist turned parent coach, to explore how we can support our children's emotional development without falling into the perfectionism trap. Lisa brings over a decade of experience working with kids who have autism, ADHD, and sensory challenges, and she shares why she made the shift from therapy to parent coaching.
Tune in this week as Lisa shares practical strategies for understanding your child's unique needs, whether it's sensory input, executive functioning challenges, or emotional regulation struggles.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/103
How do we help our young children with their handwriting? And in this digital age where everyone’s learning on an iPad, is it even necessary for children to be practicing their handwriting skills?
School-based occupational therapist Dr. Christina Bretz believes handwriting remains a crucial skill for children’s cognitive development, even in our digital age.
Listen in this week to learn the research that proves the importance of children learning handwriting, and practical strategies for teaching handwriting.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/102
My guest today is Dr. Aditya Nagrath, who holds a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science. With over 30 years of industry experience as a software engineer, author, and entrepreneur, he's worked on everything from atomic clocks to Amazon's Kindle Fire. As founder of Elephant Head Math software and the Elephant Learning Math Academy, he's developed an online system that helps children learn about a year and a half of math in just 10 weeks when used 30 minutes per week.
In our conversation, Dr. Nagrath outlines three distinct steps to master new math concepts – define, recognize, and produce. He explains the crucial "language gap" in mathematics, and explores the difference between recognizing math symbols on paper versus truly understanding and applying mathematical concepts. Most importantly, we discuss math anxiety and what children need to overcome it.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/101
Have you ever felt caught in the crossfire between gentle parenting and raising resilient kids?
As a parent in today's world, I constantly wrestle with how to validate my children's emotions while still helping them develop the strength to face life's inevitable challenges. This tension between empathy and resilience represents one of the most significant parenting dilemmas of our time.
In this special 100th episode, I'm diving into a concept that has transformed my approach to parenting: preparing the child for the road, not the road for the child. Join me this week as I introduce you to the concept of antifragile children—those who don't just bounce back from challenges but actually grow stronger because of them. I share three practical strategies to foster this quality in your children, helping them develop the emotional equivalent of "stress wood" that will enable them to stand tall through life's inevitable storms.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/100
Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries while still being a kind, gentle person? Today's conversation might just transform your approach to parenting and relationships.
In this episode, I'm diving into the world of boundaries with Amy Armstrong, a pioneer in conflict resolution who brings her expertise from high-conflict divorce situations into practical advice for everyday parenting. She introduces a revolutionary approach to boundaries that allows us to maintain our warmth and kindness while still protecting our needs and teaching our children valuable life skills.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/99
Have you ever had one of those moments where you discover something so important, you can't believe no one told you sooner? That's exactly how I felt recording this episode. If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, grinds their teeth, has ADHD symptoms, gets frequent cavities, or even wets the bed - these could all be signs of pediatric sleep apnea. The most shocking part? Unlike adult sleep apnea, the solution for children can be remarkably simple. Dr. Kalli Hale, a dentist specializing in sleep dentistry, shares how airway-centered dental care and how proper intervention in childhood can prevent a lifetime of sleep-disordered breathing issues. This information could literally change your child's life - it's that important.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/98
What if your child told you their school wasn't teaching them to read properly?
Would you believe them?
In this week's episode, we dive deep into a story that's unfortunately all too common in our education system. Dr. Irene Daria shares her journey from being a concerned mother to becoming a developmental psychologist specializing in teaching children how to read.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/97
I’m joined by education blogger, children’s book expert, and former teacher, Melissa Taylor. Melissa is the creator behind Imagination Soup: a blog where parents, grandparents, librarians, and teachers can find great children’s books as well as educational learning ideas, resources, and community.
We dive into the world of nonfiction and explore why it's such an essential part of a balanced reading diet for kids. Throughout the episode, Melissa shares practical tips and strategies for incorporating more nonfiction into your child's reading routine. From book talks and read-alouds to hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises, you'll come away with a toolbox full of ideas for making nonfiction fun and accessible for kids of all ages.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/96
Anna Rita is the Regional Managing Director of Green Ivy International School and Interim Head of School at Pine Street School. As an expert in multilingual education, we explore the incredible power of learning languages in childhood. Anna Rita shares why the ages of 0-6 are a critical window for language acquisition, how bilingualism enhances executive function and cultural understanding, and the long-term cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages.
Whether you're considering language immersion school, learning a heritage language at home, or simply want to give your child's brain a boost, this episode will open your eyes to the world of possibilities in multilingual learning. Get ready to be inspired to help your child become a global citizen!
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/95
I sit down with Dr. Sara Delano Moore, a fourth-generation educator and expert in mathematics education, to discuss strategies for fostering a love of math in our children. Dr. Sara shares her insights on how kids' attitudes towards math are heavily influenced by the adults in their lives.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Sara offers practical tips and real-life examples of how we can incorporate math into everyday activities and conversations with our kids. Join me for this informative and inspiring discussion on nurturing a love of math in our children!
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/94
I sit down with Leslie Cole, Director of School Solutions at eLuma, to explore practical strategies for fostering educator well-being. Leslie brings a wealth of experience as a school psychologist, district administrator, and MTSS coordinator, and she's on a mission to promote student success by supporting the adults who serve them.
Get ready to discover actionable tips for open communication, healthy boundaries, and a culture of respect in our schools. Whether you're an administrator looking to prevent teacher burnout or a parent wanting to partner with your child's teacher, this episode will equip you with the tools you need to make a positive impact. Let's dive in!
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/93
In this episode, I talk with Anna Housley Juster, an expert in early childhood education, psychology, and clinical social work. Anna has done incredible things in her career, including serving as a content director for Sesame Street. She recently published a children's book called How to Train Your Amygdala that explains how this part of the brain works in a fun, engaging way.
Our conversation covers the brain-body connection, practical ways to help children practice mindfulness and breathing, and the critical importance of play. Anna shares tips for implementing playful activities into your daily routine, even if you only have 10 minutes to spare. Learn how to help your child - and yourself - better understand and manage the brain's threat response system.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/92
I'm joined by Katy Wells, a nationally renowned decluttering expert, mom of two, and host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast. Katy shares her personal journey of how a life-changing car accident led her to take control of her physical environment and the powerful impact it had on her mental well-being.
Throughout our conversation, Katy provides practical tips and strategies for decluttering your home in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. She emphasizes the importance of grace and progress over perfection, and shares how involving your kids in the process can teach them valuable life skills. If you're ready to release the stress and shame around clutter and bring more clarity and calm into your home, this episode is for you.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/91
I talk with Nellie Harden, a wife, mother of four daughters, former worth chaser, trauma survivor, author, and speaker in the space of family life and leadership. Nellie is here to share her insights on how we can strategically build a foundation for worth, esteem, and confidence in our children from a young age.
Nellie breaks down the five pillars of self-worth that every human needs, and how parents can model these pillars and help their children internalize them. She walks us through the importance of being students of our children and involving them in family responsibilities to help them develop a strong sense of self.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/90
I talk with the founder of Knightlamp Consulting and child trauma specialist, Stephan Friedrich, about the misconceptions around developmental trauma and what actually happens in early childhood that can lead to lasting impacts. Knightlamp is Australia’s leading consultancy in trauma-informed practice and uses their expertise to effect healing, change, and an improved life trajectory for children, young people, and adults.
Stephan explains how the brain develops in the first few years of life, why traditional parenting approaches using rewards and consequences often fail with traumatized children, and the importance of focusing on physiological regulation and creating a sense of safety to help these children heal and thrive. He also offers actionable strategies you can begin implementing right away to support the children in your life who may be affected by childhood trauma.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/89
This week, I’m joined by Siris Raquel Rivas-Verdejo for a fascinating conversation about the deep connection between language, communication, and our bodies. As a coach, speech-language pathologist, learning behavioral specialist, and therapeutic energy worker, Siris brings a unique perspective to helping children build language skills and improve their quality of life.
Join us in this episode as Siris breaks down the three key components of communication and offers her top tips for helping parents become better communicators and advocates for our children. Siris guides us through a powerful exercise to identify our body's "yes" and "no" responses, and how this tool can help parents understand their child's needs before they have the verbal skills to express them.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/88
This week, I’m joined by school counselor and Peaceful Parent Coach Kristina Manning who is on a mission to help overwhelmed parents stop yelling at their kids. She breaks down the principles of peaceful parenting, highlights the science behind why yelling ultimately doesn’t work, and what we can do instead to teach our kids emotional regulation skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
If you want to break the cycle of yelling and build a stronger, more respectful relationship with your children, this episode is for you. Kristina offers practical tips and a helpful framework for responding to your children in a calm, intentional way, and sheds light on the biggest difference between peaceful parenting and permissive parenting.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/87
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ali Navidi, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of GI Psychology. He specializes in innovative treatments for GI disorders using clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy. With his expertise, we dive deep into the brain-gut connection and explore why so many children experience stomach discomfort related to stress and anxiety.
If your child suffers from regular stomach discomfort or has been diagnosed with IBS without any specific problem that doctors can find in their stomach, this episode is for you. Dr. Navidi breaks down the four-step progression of stomach pain related to stress and anxiety and offers hope for parents who have been struggling to find answers.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/86
Dr. Simone Alicia noticed that many of the children and adults she worked with struggled with self-esteem issues. She realized that there was a need for a new approach to help people feel good about themselves from the inside out. By combining her background in education, modeling, and later studying neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and divinity, Dr. Simone developed powerful tools for boosting self-esteem.
Join us this week as Dr. Simone, a.k.a The Self-Esteem Doctor, gives us a clear definition of what self-esteem entails and how we can nurture it in our children. Hear her brilliant ice cream cone analogy for helping kids understand they are in charge of building their self-esteem, and her top tips for guiding our kids as they cultivate a confident inner dialogue.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/85
This week, I’m joined by early childhood interventionist, Jill Urbane, as she shares her expertise on toddler speech development. Jill has been working with families for over 25 years, and in that time, she has created a comprehensive system that gives parents the tools they need to encourage their child’s development and set a strong foundation for learning and success.
Listen in to hear Jill break down the five foundational language skills all children need to develop, and her top tips for parents supporting their child’s speech at home. Learn how imitation of gestures and sounds helps with speech development, the role music and play can have in boosting your child’s speech, and Jill’s advice for making learning a joyful experience for your child.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/84
As recent data shows that a staggering 67% of fourth graders in the United States have fallen behind in reading, Valerie and Amanda are on the front lines combating this crisis. Through the Elite Reading Coach Academy, they have gained the skills and tools to teach children to read using engaging, play-based methods that deliver real results.
Hear how Valerie and Amanda took the leap and became Elite Reading Coaches, starting their own businesses. They share the challenges they've overcome along the way, as well as the immense pride and fulfillment they feel in seeing their students gain confidence and fall in love with reading.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/83
This week, I sit down with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel Warsh to discuss his balanced approach to raising resilient kids. While he shares eye-opening data on the state of children's health today, Dr. Warsh focuses on small, gradual changes busy parents can make to nourish their families—no extreme lifestyle overhaul required.
Discover how reading labels, cooking one extra meal at home per week, and curating a more positive social media feed can have a profound ripple effect on your child's long-term wellness. Dr. Warsh walks you through simple micro-upgrades you can start implementing today to raise resilient kids, and arms you with wisdom that will help you think like a pediatrician as you parent at your child’s unique pace.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/82
Celia Kibler is a parenting expert with over 45 years of experience. She’s also a bestselling author, international speaker, and founder of the International Day of Calm. Her acclaimed 21 Days to Stop Yelling course is designed to guide you through a journey of self-reflection and practical skill-building to help you replace yelling with constructive and compassionate communication, and she’s sharing her insights with us on this episode.
If you’re ready to stop yelling and start connecting with your kids on a deeper level, listen in. Celia shares her secret to getting kids to cooperate without resorting to yelling, doable tips that will transform your parenting, and the importance of play, both for you and your kids, in fostering a peaceful household.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/81
Anthony Delauney has been a financial planner for two decades and calls himself the Financial Dadvisor for kids and families. He is the author of five children’s books that focus on financial literacy, with a sixth releasing soon, and is a huge advocate for teaching children the financial know-how they need to make informed decisions now and in the future.
Anthony shares his insights on the importance of kids understanding finances from an early age and how parents and educators can start them young. We’re exploring why the lessons laid out in his books are about so much more than just money, what happens when kids take ownership of their decisions, and how money lessons can prepare them for all of life’s challenges.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/80
Bryn Lottig is an educator who uses the wilderness and adventure as a medium to teach children character development. Written for educators, parents, and leaders, her book, No Child Left Inside: Transforming the Next Generation Through Experiential Learning, explores how we can create an experiential learning cycle for kids where they can develop skills and safely explore personal strengths as well as limitations.
Bryn walks us through the concept of the experiential learning cycle and how leading kids through immersive outdoor experiences amplifies their social, emotional, and communication skills. We’re also exploring the importance of giving our children autonomy and choice, why kids need to engage in healthy risk-taking behaviors, and what happens when you make stressful patterns predictable, moderate, and controlled.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/79
Welcome to my first co-hosted podcast episode with my dear friend, Kelsey Sorenson. Kelsey is a former teacher, current homeschool mom to three kids, founder of Educate & Rejuvenate, and a certified life coach. She's also the host of the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference: the virtual education event of the year that will have you ready to take on the next school year with joy and ease, and we’re inviting you along.
Kelsey and I are diving into what you can expect from the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference 2024 happening in July, and how we’re on a mission to create a win-win-win for all parents, educators, and kids by reaching more people.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/78
My guest this week is legendary children’s musician and global troubadour, Raffi. In addition to his five-decade-long career as the most popular children’s entertainer in the English-speaking world, Raffi has started a global movement called the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, where he shares his philosophy on valuing and respecting children. He’s here to give us a brief introduction to his work.
Raffi shares his insights on the importance of respectful love and his nine guiding principles of child honoring. We’re discussing the beauty of treating our children with respect, how it grows our compassion in challenging moments, and Raffi’s tips for cultivating a safe, caring community for your children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/77
Karen DeLoach grew up directing plays on the playground with no idea that one day she’d make her own independent films and teach others how to do the same. As both a university instructor and a homeschool teacher, Karen has seen how art can impact both physical and mental health firsthand. She also shares some really powerful stories about how art has changed lives.
Join us for a wonderful conversation about discovering new ways to get creative, finding our ability to express ourselves through art, and the science behind what art can do for our kids—and for us! We discuss how the right and left brain are different, how art helps people who are neurodiverse, and what you can do to support your kids and their love for art.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/76
Michelle Steiner is a writer, speaker, and photographer who writes about living with an invisible disability. She believes knowledge is what helps us all be more supportive of one another, and she’s on the show this week to shed light on identifying invisible disabilities in children. Whether you know someone with a learning disability or are wondering what to look out for in your own children, this is going to be a super helpful conversation to keep coming back to.
Michelle shares her experience of getting diagnosed as a child and why she feels empowered by her disability rather than held back by it. We’re exploring the pros and cons of labeling someone with a disability, when it might be time to seek professional help, and how you can best empower your children if they have an invisible disability.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/75
April Rehrig is a mom, school psychologist, and teacher whose collaborative approach combines special education advocacy with real-world strategies that work. She decided to take parents behind the scenes In the world of special education through online workshops and IEP coaching so they can make informed decisions for their children, and she’s here today to walk us through the world of special education.
April lifts the veil on IEPs and 504s so you can develop a solid action plan for your child. Learn how to identify when to seek out an IEP or 504 plan for your child, the pros and cons of getting a special education assessment through your child’s school versus going private, and April’s top tips for preparing yourself for an IEP meeting.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/74
Claire Heffron is a pediatric occupational therapist and the co-founder of The Inspired Treehouse where she helps parents and professionals conquer the common developmental roadblocks that come up for kids. Claire is on the podcast this week to help us understand the world of sensory processing.
Listen as Claire explains the three lesser-known sensory systems and why understanding them matters. We’re exploring sensory processing concerns, what certain aversions to sensory inputs can look like, and how having this understanding can build connections that lead to more cooperation.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/73
There’s so much in the practice of yoga that parents and teachers can use to help kids have amazing experiences. This week, I’m speaking to Giselle Shardlow, an elementary teacher, yoga instructor, and founder of Kids Yoga Stories, to introduce us to the world of yoga for children.
Join us as Giselle walks us through the five C’s of kids yoga, and why play and yoga work so well together. She’s showing us how yoga empowers children of all ages to self-regulate and manage big emotions, and some of the biggest benefits that come from practicing yoga and mindfulness.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/72
What does it take for kids to become passionate about learning? How can we as parents encourage this process at home? My guest this week, Neil Rosen, has a forthcoming book called Rediscovering the Village: Classic Strategies to Help Children Develop a Lifelong Love of Learning, and he's joining me to share some smart strategies for creating a learning-centered home environment.
Join us this week to hear Neil's fascinating ideas on how to create a culture of kids who are passionate lifelong learners, the importance of developing strong family-school relationships, and how we can model this kind of behavior as parents.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/71
What is the correct way to talk to young children about sexual abuse? How do we prevent our children from being abuse victims? And how can we create a comfortable, shame-free environment for our kids to approach us openly about their experiences?
My guest this week is Rachelle Rutherford, the current Mrs World America and Mrs World America Fitness who is using her platform to defend the prevention of all forms of child abuse. As a survivor of child sexual abuse and a mother of a child who experienced abuse, she knows that terrible things can happen to our children, even with the most protective of parents, and she’s here to shed light on what we can do to be in conversation with our kids about abuse.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/70
Where do we begin when it comes to equipping our children with healthy emotional regulation skills? Like so many things, it begins with our ability to model the behavior ourselves. My guest on this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington, is a mom of three, neuroscientist, and expert on children’s emotional health, and she’s here to walk us through our role as parents in creating an emotionally regulated home for our children.
Listen in as Dr. Cindy walks us through the three-part model of parental socialization, how to embrace healthy conflict resolution within your household, and her top tips for modeling strong emotional regulation for your kids.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/69
What do you do when your kids are struggling with big emotions? This week, I'm exploring the topic of emotional regulation and I have the perfect guest to help me do it: Jeanne-Marie Paynel, conscious parenting expert and the host of The Art of Parenting Podcast.
Join Jeanne-Marie and me as we discuss why connecting before correcting matters, the importance of modeling self-regulation for your kids, and Jeanne-Marie’s favorite strategies for filling both your and your child’s emotional buckets together.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/68
Building our emotional literacy as parents and teachers can have a big impact on our kids, but it’s not always easy. This week, we’re exploring the tricky emotion of anger, and I’m taking tips from Brené Brown’s Altas of the Heart to help you understand how to talk to kids about their anger.
Listen in to learn Brené's philosophy on anger and how we have the opportunity to transform it into something life-giving. You’ll hear why anger isn’t a "bad" emotion, how the energy of anger can fuel change, and how to empower the kids you serve through their experience of anger.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/67
Recently, my nine-year-old started working on her speech at school, and seeing her progress made me reflect on the milestones we’re looking for in our children at different ages. Which speech milestones should your child be reaching between ages two and five? And how can we tell if those milestones are being hit? I’m sharing my insights with you this week.
Tune in to learn a general guideline for speech milestones in children between the ages of two and five, and my top tips for supporting your child in each growth phase. You’ll also hear why play is essential in building vocabulary and my favorite suggestions for integrating play as you help your child reach communication milestones.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/66
Personality assessments and temperament indicators are popular tools in the business world, and they can be powerful tools in parenting, too! This week, I'm speaking with Kate Mason, "Australia’s personality coach," who is sharing the benefits of deeply understanding our unique personalities and those of our children.
Join us as Kate walks us through the four dichotomies of temperaments, what happens when we learn more about ourselves, and how feeling solid in who we are is the secret to confidently connecting with anyone in life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/65
Jayda Rivera is a teacher at Bloom Learning Center in New York, where the approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. This philosophy views children as active participants in their learning journey. Jayda takes us through what a day of preschool looks like in a Reggio Emilia and nature-based classroom.
Discover what happens in Jayda’s classroom based on that approach, how she structures her day, and how learning activities are conducted. Learn how the individualized notes she takes influence what she teaches the next day, and how she manages to spend one-on-one time with the children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/64
Human behavior is motivated by the desire to belong, but the challenge is we first need to belong to ourselves before we can ever experience true belonging in a group. To foster belonging, we need to develop a strong and secure sense of self. In this episode, I’m walking you through what this looks like for your children.
I unlock the ‘why’ behind fostering a sense of self in our kids and five key practices that you can implement into your daily life. I’m exploring what happens when our children develop an unwavering sense of self, the role of our sense of self in belonging, and some fun activity ideas for facilitating a strong sense of identity, family, and autonomy.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/63
In this episode, I’m discussing articles from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, all about Brain Architecture and a key concept called Serve and Return. It explores how, the more sensitive and responsive we are to a child’s ‘serve,’ the more we can provide a rich environment of ‘returns,’ and, as a result, build a sturdy foundation for healthy brain architecture.
Discover how Serve and Return interactions shape brain architecture, 5 key elements that help increase and strengthen neural pathways in children’s brains, and how you can add more of these brain-building tips into your everyday life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/62
Sukey Molloy was a professional modern dancer in New York City before an injury led her down a different path. She embarked on a career as an award-winning children’s music performer and recording artist, centering her work around movement and sensory play using the philosophy of Developmental Movement first coined by Garland O’Quinn. She’s joining me to share her insights on engaging children in movement that supports developing brains.
Discover what the framework of Developmental Movement entails, and Sukey’s top tips for inviting movement that calls children into their own bodies. Hear how movement helps the growth of a developing brain, what it means to become a magnet for children’s attention, and how to acknowledge children without judgment.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/61
Do we have the correct expectations when we ask our kids to do something? Are we expecting them to remember multiple things at once and to know the correct order? What are some strategies for timing communication, especially when there’s already tension? And how can we allow our kids to take ownership of certain tasks?
This week, I’m speaking to parenting coach Kathy Bowers on how we can improve our communication with our children. Kathy helps parents who are struggling with communication find solutions to improve their parenting skills and relationship with their children, and she’s here this week to walk us through her top tips around routines, boundaries, and expectations of our children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/60
Bree Nelson is a life coach for moms and children who is on a mission to create emotionally intelligent kids. She empowers them to create a life they love, and she’s here this week to offer a goal-setting practice that will transform the way you set goals for 2024.
Hear Bree’s top tips for setting and achieving your goals this year, and how these strategies can be applied to both you and your children. We’re exploring the importance of measuring your goals and including checkpoints, how to use the CTFAR model to set your goals, and why we must focus on determination rather than motivation to achieve them.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/59
You’re hearing my conversation with child psychologist and parent coach, Sarah Conway. Sarah empowers parents to ditch punitive tactics and embrace brain-based strategies that nurture emotional intelligence. She’s here to illuminate the power of doing emotional regulation work, and why it’s never too late to start.
Join us this week for a dose of hope and courage this Holiday season as Sarah shares her insights on all things emotional regulation. Learn how to build secure attachment with your children, how to avoid falling into dysregulation, and her top co-regulation strategies for supporting kids through big emotions.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/58
As we near the end of the year, I’m bringing together the Planning Playtime team to celebrate our amazing community. Steffani and Kara are joining me on this episode to dive into our favorite community stories that we’ve heard. They’ve both played a huge part in creating our programs and connecting with our members, and we’re here to honor the work our listeners have done.
Join us on this episode as Steffani, Kara and I come together for an end-of-year roundup to celebrate our Planning Playtime community! We’re each sharing our favorite stories that have touched our hearts to show you the power of our programs and the incredible work our members are committed to doing on their journey of teaching and learning.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/57
The Holiday season tends to be a time of extreme stress and anxiety for most of us. There are long to-do lists, full calendars, visitors, and activities, so it’s no surprise if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by it all. But did you know that anxiety is contagious and that you might be infecting your children with it?
Learn how to cultivate the feeling of calm, and why it’s just as infectious as anxiety. I’m sharing some of the unhelpful coping mechanisms we lean on to manage stress and anxiety, how to channel excitement when you’re feeling anxious, and questions to ask yourself that will help you access a sense of calm.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/56
Giving is a topic that’s top of mind for most of us as we head into the Holiday season, but it’s also a powerful skill that transcends the festivities. We want our kids to be kind and generous people who have the desire to give throughout their lives, and I’ve discovered some interesting research about teaching our kids how to love the act of giving.
Hear five steps for getting your children excited about giving. Learn how kids have a naturally strong propensity for generosity, the benefits of building a habit of giving, and tips for making giving a part of their identity.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/55
Internal Family Systems therapy suggests that we all have parts of us that aren’t necessarily our identity. Whether it’s sadness, anger, or anxiety, they aren’t really us, but they all have jobs that they’re doing and need to be heard.
To walk us through Internal Family Systems therapy and the practice of personifying our parts, I’m speaking to Bekkilyn Toone this week, a licensed marriage and family therapist who currently works with children, teenagers, and their families. Bekkilyn is sharing what happens when you allow space for all your parts, how this practice separates what we’re feeling from who we actually are, and her top tips and ideas for using this concept with your children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/54
Gratitude is a game-changing life skill that all of us can start and improve at any point in our lives. It is a beautiful gift you can give your children right now that will change the way they approach their lives forever, but it all starts with you modeling it for them first because kids learn from what we do more than what we say.
Hear what happens when we teach our children the practice of gratitude, and why it’s about so much more than just learning to say thank you. I’m sharing four steps to helping your children develop the habit of gratitude, and my top suggestions for modeling it with consistency so it becomes an automatic lifestyle choice for them.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/53
My guest this week is Hillary Ruprecht, a long-time member of our Planning Playtime community. She’s a mom of one who started homeschooling when her daughter was three and a half years old. Hillary felt inadequate and uncertain about her ability to teach her daughter how to read, and then she found Play to Read, and she’s here to tell us about her journey.
Hear Hillary’s experience of using the Play to Read program with her daughter as a homeschooling mom. She’s openly sharing some of the objections she initially had to using Play to Read, what changed her mind, and how the incorporation of play was a game-changer in her daughter’s love of reading.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/52
Dr. Victoria Waller is a creative child educator, rockstar tutor, and author of Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences. She’s got some amazing insights on helping children with learning differences harness their strengths and build an identity as a reader, and she's sharing them with us today.
Join us on this episode to hear Dr. Victoria Waller’s expertise on getting children to love reading and the value of starting as early as possible. She’s sharing the brilliance she’s witnessed in children with learning differences throughout her career, and how you can begin translating your children’s unique strengths into a love of reading.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/51
This week, I’m speaking to M.Ed Certified Parenting Coach, Michelle Kenney. Michelle is a mother of two girls and a former high school teacher and counselor who transitioned into a certified parenting instructor. After years of parenting using consequences, bribes, and gold stars, she completely reshaped the sacred relationship she shares with her daughters, and she credits connected parenting for it.
Hear Michelle’s insights on connected parenting and why difficult behaviors naturally fall into place when you focus on your relationship rather than on punishments and rewards. Learn why rewards don’t exemplify unconditional love, how connection increases cooperation, and her top tips for harnessing connection whenever your children are having a hard time, whether they're in adolescence or toddlerhood.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/50
Shannon Urquiola is the founder of Not Your Average Autism Mom, a non-profit organization that equips families raising children on the Autism spectrum with resources, trainings, coaching, and a sense of community. She entered the special education advocacy space after her own son was diagnosed with Autism, and she’s here to shed light on how to make this journey easier if you, too, are navigating parenting a special needs child.
Discover some of the early signs of Autism in young children and why early intervention is critical. Shannon is walking us through the options of evaluations that are available to you, the difference between various therapies, and her top tips for next steps if you receive an Autism diagnosis.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/49
A culture of learning can be a very organic, natural, and beautiful thing to create, and it doesn’t have to be hard. This week, I’m sharing what this culture can look like and how you can start creating one in your own kiddos’ environment. Discover the different types of curiosity and how curiosity plays a role in your child’s future success. I invite you to add a little bit of curiosity to your child’s learning so you can inspire them to gain more knowledge, gain more curiosity, and continue that loop as they age.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/48
I’m bringing you a conversation with Katie Kimball, the creator of Kids Cook Real Food and a trusted authority and advocate for children’s health. She is a former teacher, a two-time TEDx speaker, a writer, and a mother of four kids. Her Kids Cook Real Food course is recommended by the Wall Street Journal as the best online cooking class for kids, and she’s full of amazing tips and insightful advice for parenting picky eaters.
Discover how to tell if your kids are picky eaters. We’re discussing why it seems like picky eaters are increasingly common, how to stop your toddlers from becoming picky eaters, some basic steps parents can take to start reversing picky eating habits, and some general tips on how to assist your children in building a healthy relationship with food.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/47
Angela Mason was a teacher who is now teaching her own kids to read at home. She has been a member of our Planning Playtime community for a number of years now, and she's here to share her experience of using the Play to Read program with her children and why she has found stacking play with the science of reading to be a magical combination.
Hear how Angela is using the Play to Read program at home with her children, and how it helps kids want to read and love the learning process. She’s sharing her thoughts on how teachers can benefit from this program, how play helps grow the new brain connections necessary for reading, and why her kids love it.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/46
My guest this week is Jennifer Kolari, a clinical social worker, family therapist, board-certified hypnotherapist, and founder of Connected Parenting. She’s also a highly sought-after speaker, author, and podcaster, and she’s here to introduce us to her Connected Parenting methodology, and why it’s the medicine you and your child need to go from combat to connection.
Join us on this episode as Jennifer breaks down the science of language and the power of harnessing compassion, empathy and connection. You’ll hear what mirroring means, the difference between punishments and consequences, the benefits of using the calm technique, and how her philosophy brings infinite gifts that will help you connect with not only your child, but the rest of the world.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/45
Jeana Kinne is a veteran preschool teacher and director who has been working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for over 20 years. She’s also a published author whose first book, Soothing Sammy, offers sensory strategies to teach kids how to calm down and is currently being implemented in schools and homes all over the world.
Join us on this episode to learn 7 sensory strategies to help kids self-soothe. Hear how everyone, from infants to adults, can benefit from learning self-soothing techniques, how these strategies can be used either to stimulate or have a calming effect, and Jeana is offering her insights on two bonus sensory inputs you may not have heard of before.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/44
Teaching in themes is something we're very passionate about, and it's something we include in all of our curricula and Mommy & Me programs. Themes are inherently cute and fun for kids, but the value of teaching in themes runs much deeper than that, and I'll show you why.
Listen in this week to discover three reasons why teaching in themes is extremely powerful. I'm sharing the science behind using themes in preschool, how you can use this concept whether you're a teacher or a parent, and why themes support the vital skills preschool kids need to succeed throughout their lives.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/43
Kelli Caldwell, also known as Kelli Welli, is an award-winning songwriter and performer for kids and the people who love them. Her songs celebrate and honor all the parts of raising healthy little kids. At a time where we’re focused on trying to fix big issues in the world, Kelli believes there is tremendous value in including humor and silliness in her collection of songs, and she’s here today to show us why.
Join us on this episode as Kelli highlights how important humor is for your child’s brain development and mental health. She’s sharing her personal childhood experience and how humor played a vital part in navigating that, why laughter and levity in learning are powerful for both parents and children, and ways you can include humor into your daily life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/42
Dr. Beth Cilenti is a board-certified pediatrician and internist at NVA Family Practice who believes that a strong relationship between patients and their primary care physician is essential for good health. She provides care for people of all ages, especially families and kids, and she’s offering her expertise on how, as an expert on your child, you can create a collaborative partnership with your pediatrician.
Join us on this episode as Dr. Beth and I discuss how to get the most out of your pediatrician visits. Dr. Beth is shedding light on how to make sure every visit is a personalized one, what you should be addressing with your pediatrician, and her advice for any parent who’s worried about asking “dumb” questions regarding your child’s development.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/41
This week, I’m speaking to Beth Liebenberg who is a daycare provider in Canada. She understands how challenging it can be for working moms to get their children ready for kindergarten. Her mission is to make sure those kids aren’t at a disadvantage by getting them ready for school, not only to catch up with other kids, but to be ahead of their class. To do that, she’s been using our Play to Read program.
Beth offers her insights on using the Play to Read program and how it’s impacted the reading abilities of the children attending her daycare. She’s sharing her system for adapting it to each child, the exciting things she’s doing to make reading more fun, and her tips for encouraging children who are ready to start reading.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/40
Aly Young, the owner of The Learning Lab, a specialized tutoring center that focuses on academic remediation for kids with dyslexia and ADHD, is here today to clarify what dyslexia really is and how we, as parents and teachers, can support dyslexic learners.
If you are a parent navigating the world of dyslexia, tune in this week. Aly offers her insights on the early signs of dyslexia, busts the common myths about what dyslexia really entails, and shares her top tips for empowering our kids by helping them realize that there are superpowers embedded in our biggest challenges.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/39
I’m rounding out our mini-series on the science of reading this week by introducing you to the basics of language comprehension.
I share one of the models of the science of reading called Scarborough’s Rope, and what each strand of language comprehension entails. Hear how each strand plays a role in helping your child master reading, and my favorite strategies for making learning to read a whole lot of fun.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/38
Discover how the magic of play works so powerfully and beautifully with the science of reading. I’m diving into the three components of developing word recognition and my favorite exercises for building phonemic awareness.
Make sure to come back next week for the third installment of this series where I’ll introduce you to the final piece: language comprehension.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/37
The latest research in neuroscience around reading shows us that, with the right strategies, 95% of neurotypical students can learn to read by the end of first grade. To support our children, we need to understand the science.
Join me this week for the first in a three-part series on the science of reading. Hear what the science of reading entails, why you should care, what is happening in children’s brains as they learn to read, and what we can do to help our children become confident and proficient readers.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/36
Dayna Abraham is a national board-certified educator, best-selling author, and parent to three neurodivergent children. She has helped desperate parents around the world find peace and meet their children where they’re at when conventional parenting tools have failed them.
Hear Dayna’s framework for parents raising kids in the modern world. She’s sharing the power of taking imperfect action, how to shift your language when your child is demonstrating challenging behaviors, and her top tips for beginning to cultivate trust and collaboration with your children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/35
Janine Halloran is a licensed mental health counselor who has been working with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. After seeing the value of learning healthy coping skills early in life, she created Coping Skills for Kids: a place where parents can get products and resources to help their kids cope with the daily challenges of life.
Hear how to lead your child in expanding their emotional vocabulary and why this matters. Janine is sharing how it’s not the emotion that matters but rather what you do with it, why it’s worth striving for imperfection, and we’re swapping parenting stories of times we’ve unintentionally caused big emotions in our children and how we dealt with it.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/34
Have you always wanted to give your kids the gift of learning foreign languages? What’s stopping you? For lots of parents, they wonder how it’s even possible for them to teach a new language when they aren’t experts or fluent enough in it. That's where my guest this week comes in.
Shannon Kelly is an Australian mother of two and the founder of The Cultured Kid where she developed the Fast Track to Fluency™ Framework to help kids grow up loving learning new languages. Shannon shares her tips for leading your children even if you don’t have much language experience yourself, and the wide array of benefits that learning new languages offers, not just in terms of academic advantages but in creating a well-rounded child.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/33
Deborah McNelis is an author, speaker, and creator of Neuro-Nurturing: a framework that ensures all children receive the necessary experiences to recognize their worth. She's a brain development specialist and the founder of Brain Insights, where she is dedicated to ensuring all babies are nurtured in ways that science shows are essential for supporting optimal brain development, health, learning, and mental wellness.
Deborah shares her unique neuro-nurturing framework with us for healthy brain development. She’s discussing the four types of nurturing all children need, and how we can meet those needs in a practical way that can be implemented into everyday life.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/32
My guests this week have developed an amazing system that allows their kids to have ownership within their family unit. Joe and Mell Hashey have been married for 16 years and have three boys. Joe was a teacher and coach turned entrepreneur in the fitness industry, and Mell is a social worker turned stay-at-home mom. They’ve used their experience to build the Strong Family Co. framework that any family can use to establish values and stress-free family leadership, and they’re here to share their strategies with us.
You’ll learn how to set up a strong system of core values that you can use at home or in the classroom to help children build a sense of identity, and their tips for modeling clear communication for your kids.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/31
We talk a lot about reading and why it's so important to expose our children to it at an early age. But in a world where screens have become such a huge temptation for kids, how can we make it easier to get them off screens and into books instead?
I share my top tips for making reading fun during the summer break. Hear the science behind reading and why it matters, three simple strategies for getting your children into reading this summer, and how these activities also offer the opportunity for you to connect more deeply with your children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/30
Schools often emphasize teaching our kids hard skills like math and literacy, but how do we make sure our children are also picking up soft skills like character development and social-emotional skills that, according to my guest today, are what really matters at the end of the day?
I’m speaking to Maria Dismondy, a former teacher, children’s book author, and founder of the Cardinal Rule Press. With over a decade of experience as a teacher, she understands the value of using literature to teach challenging subjects. She's sharing why soft skills like character development are important and how we, as busy parents, can incorporate character development into our daily routines.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/29
Have you ever considered adding sign language to your repertoire as a parent or teacher?
I’m delighted to share my recent conversation with nationally-certified interpreter and founder of ASL Teaching Resources, Cynthia Long. Cynthia shares the many benefits of using sign language with children, and what happens to a child’s brain development as they learn. Discover why sign language is so effective for emotional regulation, communication, and bonding, and Cynthia's top tips for implementing sign language with your children.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/28
This week, you’re hearing about a little girl named Luna who did not enjoy learning from workbooks. Luna’s mom Rachelle was trying to figure out how to help her get ready for preschool, but she wasn’t quite sure what Luna was supposed to be learning. She was also having a hard time keeping Luna engaged and interested.
That’s when she found the Mommy & Me Preschool program, which changed everything for both of them. Rachelle shares how it helped her bring fun and play back to learning for her daughter, and how Luna is incorporating what she’s learned from the program in her class at school.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/27
What are the different phases of your child's brain development, and how does their current age of development relate to our hierarchy of needs as human beings?
To answer these questions, I am speaking with Alta Schwab. Alta is a Neurosomatic Therapist who has been studying childhood brain development extensively since her high school days. Her own personal health journey and love for children led her to neurosomatic therapy, where she gained a deeper understanding of the brain and nervous system and their interconnectedness. She is here to share her expertise on the hierarchy of needs and how it relates to the stages of childhood brain development.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/26
Do you feel like you’re at your wit’s end when it comes to your child’s challenging behaviors? Are your toddler or preschooler’s tantrums, testing behaviors, and big emotions leaving you aggravated, frustrated and confused?
I’m speaking to Jill Urbane, also known as The Mentor Mom. Jill is a licensed social worker and early childhood expert who has been working with toddler and preschool parents for nearly 25 years. Jill shares her expertise on what is going on with preschooler and toddler brains, and why they demonstrate testing and challenging behaviors. She’s offering her advice for anyone who is struggling to effectively address these issues.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/25
How can we use music to teach children the vital skill of emotional regulation? How might music have the ability to facilitate common bonds with other humans and create empathy and connection in our kids?
I’m speaking to Laurie Berkner who is one of the top preschool music artists in the world. She has over one billion streams, over 350 million views on YouTube, and an incredible list of top songs you might already be familiar with. Laurie offers her insights on the power music has in providing children the opportunity to express emotion that they might not yet have the verbal skills to communicate.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/24
Negativity is and will always be a part of our lives. We need to experience it, and it’s a helpful teacher for what’s good and bad. The challenge is not getting stuck in negative patterns and loops with the stories we tell ourselves every single day.
Hear the four different story hooks that get us into negative thought patterns from Susan David’s book, Emotional Agility. I show you why it’s important to remember that our inner voice is often unreliable, how stories are created, and how you can begin helping your child notice and reevaluate their negative thoughts.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/23
How can you tell if your child is a little bit spoiled? This is a question every parent asks themselves and becomes concerned about at some point. The good news is there are signs we can look for, and there are things we can do about it while having a lot of compassion for ourselves.
Discover the five signs your child might be spoiled, and the opportunities available for you to work in the direction you want to go. I’m offering ways for you to start seeing places where there’s room for improvement, and my favorite little games that, over time, become powerful in teaching them new skills.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/22
How does your child’s memory work? Since learning is one of our kids’ primary jobs, it’s important that we actually understand what that process looks like. Fully understanding our child’s memory can teach us a lot about how to teach our children and help them remember the things we want them to remember.
In this episode, I share how memory works in your child’s brain. I explain the three step process of learning and give some tips to help make your child’s memory even better.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/21
What should your child’s language development look like at ages two, three, four, or five years old? How many words should a child in this age range be able to communicate? What can you do to help them develop their vocabulary and language in a fun and engaging way?
To answer these questions, I sat down with AHSA board certified speech language pathologist Lenora Edwards. She is the Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech who works with individuals of all ages to become more effective communicators. Lenora offers her wisdom on how we ask our children questions, the importance of teaching them the difference between peer-to-peer versus peer-to-authority language, and her tips for encouraging fun and engaging ways of learning.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/20
Are you worried about your child’s emotional health? Do you wonder how you can help them develop their social and emotional skills? What is the best way to teach our children healthy emotional regulation?
To discuss these questions, I sat down with Dr. Cindy Hovington, Ph.D., a mother of three and the founder and director of Curious Neuron: an online resource to help parents protect their children’s emotional health through science-backed tips. She walks us through the four types of parenting styles, how we can become more emotionally intelligent, and why the end goal is all about recognizing our emotions and expressing them in healthy ways.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/19
Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to navigate those high-stress points of your day? Whether it’s getting ready for school, night-time routines, or leaving playdates, what if we could decrease our verbal commands and use music instead to decrease stress and anxiety?
This week I speak to Stephanie Leavell, a mom, board certified music therapist, and founder of Music for Kiddos: an online education company that provides high-quality music that supports children’s brain development. She’s here to walk us through the power of substituting our verbal communication with music so we can talk less at our children, and instead use tempo, melody, and rhythm to get more buy-in with them.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/18
Toys have always been a way for children to learn about themselves and the world through play. What we’re seeing now is that children have more toys than ever before, making it harder for children to choose ones that are going to stimulate their brains.
If you’re thinking about the quantity and types of toys you want to have in your play area that benefit your child the most, listen in. I’m touching on how toys have changed over the last century, and three specific categories of toys and how they can be used to develop character and various skills in your child.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/17
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
Have you ever wondered if your child is struggling with anxiety? I’m talking to Jeanette Razo-Gonzales, a registered Play Therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, certified EMDR Therapist, and a Foundational Theraplay Practitioner who has some amazing ideas and tips to share on the subject of anxiety in children.
Jeanette and I are discussing the signs you can look out for that point toward anxiety in children, the different modalities of play therapy, how you can use those at home or in a classroom, and the science behind why play therapy is an incredibly useful tool to help kids with trauma and emotional responses.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/16
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
What do you do in those instances where your child is having a meltdown? Maybe your go-to strategy is to yell, shut down, or shame yourself into believing you just can’t get it right. Do you want to learn how to support your child’s emotional regulation, but find yourself at a loss for where to start?
Sarah Conway walks us through all things emotional regulation. She’s sharing what secure attachment means and how we can develop that bond with our child, her co-regulation strategies for cultivating self-regulation, and what to look out for as you practice helping your child regulate.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/15
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
What do you do when your child decides they want to quit something? They were so excited to start soccer, dance, or piano lessons, but fast forward a few weeks and they just don’t want to go anymore. You want to teach your kids resilience and grit, but you start questioning, “Is it okay to let them quit?”
Join me on this episode as I share three questions you can use to check in with yourself when your kid decides they want to quit. You’ll hear why pushing for something that isn’t the right fit may be more of a problem than allowing them to quit, and how to model decision-making for your kids in this area.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/14
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
How early is it appropriate for your child to start learning about history, social studies, and science, and how will starting this process affect their vocabulary and reading ability in their schooling? I’m sitting down with Natalie Wexler to discuss what’s being taught in schools, the impact of core knowledge in early education, and why reading comprehension is about more than just reading at their grade level.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/13
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
What is the best way to talk to children about loss or grief or death? Whether it’s the death of a family member or a pet, or loss like divorce or moving or losing friends, it can be a hard discussion to have.
On this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Elena Lister and Michael Schwartzman to talk about their book, Giving Hope, which will help you have some of these tough conversations.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/12
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
Do you feel like your kids are spending too much time on their screens? Does it seem like kids these days don’t get nearly as much recess time as they used to? Are you worried about how that affects them?
In today's episode, Margaret Rice provides a number of tips, tricks, and activities to help you incorporate movement into your child’s day, get them off the screen, and help them understand how their body moves and co-exists with others.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/11
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
Has your child ever hit their head, leaving you concerned about how it might impact their brain? Have you ever wondered what exactly is going on inside their tiny little heads?
Join Dr. Trevort and me for a great discussion on how to tell if your child’s brain is injured, how the activities that help us heal also help us grow, and how to guide your children to eat foods that will support their brains.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/10
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
Do you know what negative language is? Chances are, you probably use it with your child and may not even realize it. That’s why this week on the podcast we’re talking all about negative language and how it impacts our kiddos.
Join me on the podcast today for a deeper dive into negative language, why it’s ineffective, and how to notice if you’re using it. I’ll even share some examples of the type of language you should use instead!
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/9
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
Do you feel like sugar hijacks your child’s brain? Do you want to learn about what you can do to keep big spikes in blood sugar from affecting their memory and their learning?
On this week’s episode, Charlie Evans and I talk about how blood sugar spikes impact the hippocampus, strategies around macronutrients, and tips for making sure your kiddos are listening to their body’s needs when it comes to food.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/8
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
What makes us feel sad or mad? Is it what happens to us, or is it something else? Most of us grew up thinking that it is the thing that happens to us that causes an emotional reaction, but this week’s guest will change how you think about feelings—and how you feel them. Bree Nelson joins me for a great conversation about how to understand your feelings better, why you should try on thoughts like clothes, and the importance of taking emotional responsibility.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/7
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
What is the frontal lobe, and what role does it play in your child’s brain? On this week’s episode of the podcast, I look at how the slow development of the frontal lobe affects our children’s ability to be able to reason, how it can lead them to have impulse behavior, and tips for healthy brain development in a fun and interesting conversation with Dr. Alina Fong.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/6
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
What is the number one best strategy you can do with your three-to-eight-year-olds to help them excel at math? The answer will probably surprise you and delight your child. Join me on today’s podcast to learn about “math brain,” the role that games can play in math, and strategies for helping your kids get the most out of playing games with you.
In this week’s episode, I talk about how parents have been playing fewer games with their kids, how to change that, and why those games (board games & card games) can change how your kids understand math.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/5
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
Have you ever been concerned about your child’s attention span? Maybe you prepared an activity for your kiddo, spent hours getting it ready, or even bought them a new educational toy, only to have them stay with it for only 5 or 10 minutes?
In this week’s episode, I share about focused and diffused attention and why they’re both so important, the general range for how long your child might have focused attention, and how movement can impact their attention span.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/4
Help us unlock some fun surprises for you and your kiddo to celebrate the podcast launch! Find out how here: https://planningplaytime.com/podcastlaunch/
How important is creativity for our children? What role does boredom play in increasing and encouraging creativity? Join me for an episode of the podcast all about daydreaming, what failure can do for your children, and why boredom is actually a good thing.
Join me and my guest, Dr. Fratantoni, on the podcast this week as we cover everything from creating space for creativity and getting rid of self-limiting beliefs to Einstein and Nobel Prize winners. Dr. Fratantoni shares tips for promoting creativity, along with a ton of valuable brain science that you’re definitely going to want to hear.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/3
Do you ever find yourself trying to fix your child’s big emotions and make it all better? How should we respond instead, and what language can we use to help children develop the skills and confidence to regulate those big emotions?
Join me today as I share five of my favorite tips for dealing with big emotions from children, including what language to use to model how you understand and acknowledge emotions and some things I’ve learned from other experts and their work. It can be tough to help your kids with their emotions, but it’s so worth it!
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/2
Welcome to Raising Healthy Kid Brains, the podcast for parents and teachers to learn all about kids' brains—how they work, how they learn, how they grow—and simple tips and tricks for raising the most resilient, kind, smart, compassionate kids we can. On this first episode of the podcast, we dive into the importance of questions and how both asking and answering them can make all the difference.
Join me on the podcast this week for a look at asking great questions with your kids, how you can keep your kids curious in the age of Google, and the importance of questions for curiosity and growth. This is only the beginning of our journey together, and it’s going to be amazing.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/1
Hey, I'm Amy Nielson. I am the founder of Planning Playtime, where I help busy preschool moms and teachers bring more creativity and play to learning. My mission to make learning awesome, which actually started in a school hallway with a sweet little 5-year-old in tears, has now helped millions of kids worldwide. I want to ensure that NO child has to cry over learning to read or do math ever again but instead can find the joy and possibility in it and maybe even learn to LOVE it.
Each week I’ll be sharing things I’ve learned or interviewing neuroscientists, psychologists, brain therapists, and other experts to talk about how kids’ brains work, how they learn, and how they grow.
We’ll get into the science of kids' brains and the latest research, as well as simple tips to encourage your child’s natural creativity and curiosity.
We won’t stop at academic learning but dig deep into building resilience, emotional skills, connection, and all those things our kids need for successful, fulfilling lives.
Join me for the conversation if you’re ready to take this ride with me and be better prepared to help support your child’s growing brain. Please subscribe or follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.