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Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas037 Sibling Conflict & Play Schemas: A Guide for Parents of ToddlersIs your home filled with cries of “Muuuum, he took my toy!” or “She wrecked it again!”?If so, you’re definitely not alone and you’re absolutely in the right place.In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play Through Play Schemas, we’re diving deep into a topic every parent of more than one young child knows all too well: sibling conflict. But instead of seeing these daily dust-ups as something to avoid or “fix,” we’re reframing them as one of the most powerful learning tools in your child’s development.Here’s what most parenti...2025-08-0708 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas036 You Can Always Make More Memories, But You Can’t Make More TimeIf you’re a parent of toddlers or preschoolers, you’ll know that feeling all too well—time seems to slip through your fingers. One moment your baby is crawling, the next they’re racing across the playground with fearless determination. The days feel long, but the years pass quickly, and it can leave us wondering: Am I making the most of this time with my child?In this heartfelt episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I share a very personal reflection as our family prepares to welcome baby number three. Like so many parents, I’ve been...2025-07-3108 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas035 Throwback Episode: The Magic Behind Repetitive Play | Episode 002“Why is my toddler always dropping things, spinning, or hiding under the table?”If you’ve ever found yourself asking this (or wondering if it’s normal)... this episode is for you.Hi, I’m Ruth from The Play Schemas Collective, and I help parents make sense of their child’s play, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the magic of toddlerhood (meltdowns and all 😉).In this episode, we’re going back to where it all began: Play Schemas 101.These repeating actions you’re see...2025-07-2320 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas034 Why Is My Toddler Always Throwing Things? Understanding the Trajectory SchemaEver wondered why your toddler throws their food, launches toys off the couch, or can’t stop running back and forth? It’s not just chaos - it’s science in action.In this episode, I’m giving you exclusive access to one of the most-loved modules from The Play Schemas Collective - all about trajectory play. You’ll learn to spot the everyday signs that your child is exploring this powerful play schema, and most importantly, what it’s telling you about their development.We’ll unpack:Why your child keeps throwing, drop...2025-07-1708 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas033 Getting Outside as a Family with Guest AdivaFeeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your kids out the door for a walk or a play at the park? You’re not alone. But what if those muddy puddles, long car rides, and slow wanders were actually building blocks for your child’s development?In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I am joined by Adiva, founder of @LittleTrailsNZ and mum of four, to talk about the power of outdoor play — and how it supports strong family bonds.Whether your child loves throwing sticks, lining up shells, or digging in the dirt, they’re...2025-07-1015 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas032 Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Now & Play Freely With Your Kids | Guest CarenIs your pelvic floor holding you back from truly enjoying play with your kids?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to help.Whether it’s needing to cross your legs when you sneeze, quietly avoiding playing chase the backyard... not to even mention the fear of hearing 'Mum's turn' when it comes to the trampoline. Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common for mums after pregnancy and birth. But just because it’s common… doesn’t mean it has to be your new normal.In this empowering episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas...2025-07-0227 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas031 “I Can’t Play With My Kids”: Why It Feels So Hard and What Actually HelpsEver feel like you should be playing with your child… but you just can’t bring yourself to do it?Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you feel silly or awkward. Maybe you’re not even sure how to play anymore.If this sounds familiar, you are so not alone. In fact, many loving, involved parents feel exactly the same. And in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why play can feel so hard and what can actually help.Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, juggling part-time work, or doing it all...2025-06-2515 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas030 Play, Not Pressure: How Everyday Play Builds Your Child’s Literacy Foundation with Alex WeehuizenWorried your toddler isn’t “school ready”?Feel like you should be doing flashcards, worksheets, or alphabet drills — but it just doesn’t sit right?This episode is your deep breath and warm reassurance. We’re busting the myth that early literacy needs to look like formal learning and showing you how play, movement, and everyday conversations are actually doing the heavy lifting.Join host Ruth Vercoe and special guest Alex, from First Five Years — a mum of twins, ECE expert, parenting coach, and holistic sleep consultant — as we unpack what early literacy 2025-06-1833 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas029 Why Play Builds Connection With Your ChildConnecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You ThinkIs your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours are actually your child’s way of connecting with you?In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into a powerful parenting truth: connection doesn’t just happen through doing dishes and conversations — it happens through play. As parents of young children, we all want to feel close to our kids. We want to su...2025-06-1111 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas028 Unlock Your Child's Learning Through Play: Join 'The Play Schemas Collective' BETAApply to Join the BETA Test Group – Spaces Are Limited!Applications close 26 June 2025. Only 5 spots available.For more information and to apply now, head to https://playschemas.com/betaOr flick me a DM on Instagram: @Play_SchemasGet FREE access during the BETA roundEnjoy a FREE first month once we officially launchBook a personalised 1:1 coaching session with a play schema specialist (that’s me!)Receive early access to schema-aligned video and printable resourcesJoin our exclusive affiliate programm.And just for applying — get a FREE schema-aligned printable you can use right away!2025-06-0407 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas027 Why I Still Say “Be Careful” Even Though I Love Risky PlayDo you ever catch yourself saying, “Be careful!” — even when you’re trying to let your child take healthy risks? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack one of the biggest tensions many parents face: wanting to support our children confidence and independence, while still keeping them safe.If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much risk is “too much” when your toddler is climbing high, jumping off furniture, or running full speed down a hill, this episode is for you.We’re div...2025-05-2813 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas026 Why Imperfection Matters in Parenting - with Sophie MoskowitzEver feel like you’re the only one dropping the ball as a parent? Spoiler alert: you’re not, you're not alone in feeling this... and this episode might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re joined by Sophie Moskowitz from Imperfect Parents, who brings a powerful message every parent deserves to hear: you don’t have to be perfect to be enough. Together, we unpack the unspoken pressures of parenting in a world that often tells us we should “do it...2025-05-2123 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas025 Parenting Hacks: Master ‘When’ & ‘Then’ Magic!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, yet powerful words that can make all the difference: “when” and “then.”Whether you're trying to get your child out the door, clean up after play, or move from one activity to the next — these words offer a calm, respectful way to guide yo...2025-05-1409 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas024 Part 1 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah SadlierPart 1 of 2In 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 meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental load, it’s no wonder so many parents feel like they’re running on empty. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your ro...2025-05-0817 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas024 Part 2 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah SadlierPart 2 of 2In 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 meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental load, it’s no wonder so many parents feel like they’re running on empty. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your ro...2025-05-0819 min
Toddler ToolkitFrom Throwing to Lining Up: What Your Child’s Play Is Really Telling You with Ruth VercoeThere may just be a method to the madness after all!Our toddlers are constantly learning about the world around them. And the main way in which they learn is through play and play schemas.From throwing things and ripping pages out of books to tossing all their toys out of the bin and lining their cars up in a certain way, our toddlers are naturally moving through phases that help them better understand how the world works.Though it can be frustrating for us as parents, our children aren't just trying to...2025-05-0755 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do About It with Heather SchalkEver 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 this common toddler behaviour.In this episode, Ruth sits down with parenting and behaviour specialist Heather Schalk to uncover why toddlers really don’t listen — and it’s not what you might think.2025-04-3035 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play Schemas & Child DevelopmentWhat 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 little one is digging, transporting soil, or burying seeds, these actions aren’t random. They’re part of play schemas—the natural, repetitive behaviours that show us how young children are making sense of the world.As a parent, it...2025-04-2321 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play SchemasFree 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/freeFeeling 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 diving into how you can use this Easter season to truly support your child’s development—without extra stress or sugar overload.We’ll show you how to harness the power of play...2025-04-1614 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents with Victoria BarendsenLooking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.comAs 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 conversation without fear or discomfort?You’re not alone in these concerns. In today’s world, we hear so much about unsafe physical touch, making it even harder to know how to teach...2025-04-0928 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in ParentingWrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your ChildDo 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—making parenting more intentional, fun, and fulfilling!In this final episode of our Love Languages & Play series, we bring everything together to help you recognise, respond to, and nurture your child’s emotional needs through play.Wha...2025-04-0211 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas018 Acts of Service = Love in Action!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 learning process. They’re called play schemas, and understanding them can transform the way you see your child’s play—helping you to nurture their development and reduce daily parenting struggles.But there’s more! When we connect play schem...2025-03-2613 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas017 Loving your child through gifts and playSend us a textHead to www.PlaySchemas.com to add your name to the email list to ensure you know when the doors open, I would love to have you join on the inside with us!Support the showIf 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 m...2025-03-1915 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas016 Make Memories: Play & Quality Time Tips!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 unlocking the magic behind play schemas and how they connect with the love language of Quality Time—helping you build stronger bonds with your child through their natural way of playing.What You’ll Learn in This Episode...2025-03-1218 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas015 Why Your Words Matter: Affirmation in PlayIn 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 repetitive behaviors; they serve as gateways to developing essential skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness.We discuss how to frame our communication to not only encourage our children but also help them understand the value of their efforts. Words hold tremendous power...2025-03-0615 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas014 Play Schemas & The Love Language of Physical Touch | Understanding Your Child’s Needs🎁 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.comDid 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 and secure? In this episode, we’re exploring Physical Touch as a love language—how it shapes your child’s emotional development, why some kids crave it more than others, and how you can easi...2025-02-2622 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas013 Play Schemas and Love Languages - a Match Made in HeavenLOVE 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 hundred times a day, but sometimes, their behaviour suggests they need more. The secret? Kids don’t just hear love—they experience it. And every child ha...2025-02-1914 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas012 Engage your little helpers at home through Play!Play Schemas at Home: Turning Play Into ProductivityHow 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, instead of working against their natural play instincts, you worked with them?Children explore the world through play schemas—repetitive patterns of behaviour that help them m...2025-02-1214 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas011 Playing Together – How Adults Can Join the Fun Without Taking OverPlaying Together – How to Join the Fun Without Taking OverHave 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 episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into the art of playing with your child—without taking over. If you’ve ever wondered how to join in their games while still allowing them to lead, this episode...2025-02-0511 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas010 Play Schemas and Siblings – How to Make Schemas Work for (Not Against!) You🎙️ 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 the other carefully arranges their toys in a perfect line. What if we told you that these differences aren’t just personality quirks but deeply rooted in the way children naturally explore the world?In this episode o...2025-01-3113 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas009 The Power of Independent Play – Nurturing Confident and Creative KidsEpisode 9: The Power of Independent Play – Nurturing Confident and Creative KidsDo 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 solver?In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving deep into the world of independent play—what it is, why it’s crucial for your child’s development, and how you can encourage it while...2025-01-2214 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas008 Kickstart 2025 with Play: Unlock Joyful Parenting Through Play Schemas!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 help you connect with your child through meaningful play.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🔹 What are Play Schemas? Discover the 10 universal patterns of play – from trajectory and transportation to enveloping and positioning. Learn how these natur...2025-01-1515 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas007 Christmas Play Schemas: Tips & ScenariosIs your child tossing baubles, spinning ornaments, or carrying presents across the room? Before you wonder if they’re being “naughty,” take a deep breath—they’re not being difficult; they’re being explorers! In this episode, we’ll decode these behaviours through the lens of play schemas, helping you see the magic in your child’s play this Christmas.✨ What’s Inside This Episode?Christmas can be a magical time, but for parents of young children, it’s often filled with unexpected moments. Your toddler’s fascination with spinning decorations, piling presents, or mixing food...2024-12-1814 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas006 Experience the magic of nature with Play SchemasUnlock the Secret to Your Child’s Play: Why Nature Play and Play Schemas Matter! 🌱Ever wondered why your toddler spends hours collecting sticks, throwing pebbles, or carefully lining up leaves? What if these seemingly random behaviours were actually the building blocks of their development? In this episode of Demystifying Child's Play, we explore the fascinating world of play schemas—the patterns of play that children naturally engage in to learn about their world—and how getting outside in nature can supercharge these essential learning experiences.🌟 What You’ll...2024-12-1118 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas005 The Origins of Play SchemasUnlock the Secrets Behind Your Child’s Play: The Origins of Play SchemasEver wondered why your little one loves to spin wheels, drop toys, or line up blocks over and over again? Those seemingly simple actions aren’t just random—they’re part of something much bigger: play schemas. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving deep into the fascinating origins of these repeated behaviours and uncovering why they are essential for your child’s cognitive and emotional growth. As a parent, you might feel overwhelmed trying to under...2024-12-0410 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas004 Unlocking Your Toddler’s World: A Deep Dive into the 10 Most Common Play Schemas🎙️ Welcome to Demystifying Child's Play 🌟Do you ever wonder why your child insists on lining up toys or endlessly pouring water? Are you curious about how these playful quirks unlock their learning and development? You're in the right place! 🎉In this episode, we’re diving into 10 play schemas—the building blocks of children’s play—and how understanding them can transform your parenting journey. From Transporting 🛻 to Enclosing 🏗️, I’ll guide you through each schema with real-life examples and tips to nurture your child’s creativity and growth.👩👧👦 Whether you’re a parent juggling busy days or a care...2024-11-2827 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas003 Reducing Frustration through understanding Play SchemasEver wonder why your toddler insists on throwing toys, spinning in circles, or hiding your kitchen towels? Believe it or not, there’s a method to the madness—it’s called play schemas. These are natural, repeated behaviours that children use to explore and understand their world. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re uncovering how recognising these play patterns can revolutionise your parenting.🎯 What You’ll Learn:What play schemas are and why they’re key to your child’s development.How understanding these behaviours can reduce frustration and bring more joy to your home.Real-l...2024-11-2016 minDemystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas002 Unlocking Play Schemas: Understand & Support Playful LearningUnlocking Play Schemas: Understand & Support Playful Learning | Episode 002 🎙️Hey there! 👋 Ever wondered why your child keeps repeating the same actions, like throwing toys, moving objects around, or spinning in circles? Believe it or not, there's a fascinating reason behind these repetitive behaviours. They’re called play schemas—patterns of play that help kids explore and make sense of the world.In today’s podcast, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common play schemas, from the Trajectory Schema (think throwing and dropping) to the Positioning Schema (lining up toys). Each schema offers unique benefits, like building motor s...2024-11-1320 min
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas001 Play Schemas: Demystifying Childs PlayUnderstanding Play Schemas: Demystifying Child's Play | Episode 1 🎙️Welcome to the first episode of "Demystifying Child’s Play"! I’m Ruth Vercoe, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of play schemas—the patterns that shape how children learn and grow through play. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of children aged 0-7, this episode is packed with insights on how understanding these schemas can transform your parenting approach. 🧸In this episode, I share my own journey from being a teacher to a Mum and how recognising these play schemas has helped me connect with my...2024-11-0815 min
We Like To GardenInterview with Ruth Vercoe from Grow.Nuture.NourishThis week we sit down with Ruth, a fellow Christchurch gardener, to talk about how to successfully succession plant, how to compost and prep your garden for the coming season, as well as tips and tricks like getting your leeks to grow better and how to have a harmonious "organic-ish" garden.Ruth is on Instagram @grow.nuture.nourish and is on Secret Gardens (www.secretgardens.co.nz), although is taking a short break from having people come and visit the garden for the rest of 2023. But watch this space and book through Secret Gardens from 2024!2023-07-2847 min
Pastor Brian PodcastBONUS- The Entire Genealogy of Jesus with Unique Voices in Advent - Thursday, December 3rd, 2020Hey y'all! This is a bonus episode because we have gotten so much positive feedback on the first three scriptures, over the first three days, that we read this Advent season. The scriptures are from the Matthew 1:-1-17. Folks have been asking if we could edit all three days together, to hear the full 42 generations of Jesus’ genealogy as a whole- with each person being voiced by a unique voice. Fun side note, many of the people voice their namesake, or are Father/Son and Mother/Son pairs in real life as well! Here are the voices who ma...2020-12-0305 min