Ep. 18: This was supposed to be fun- why is my child having a meltdown?
Release Date: 07/19/2024
Ep. 100: What 100 Episodes Have Taught Me About Play, Parenting, & Connection
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this special 100th episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill reflects on the incredible conversations, stories, and lessons that have shaped the podcast over the years. After 100 episodes, countless conversations with experts, and so many shared stories, Jill reflects on what she knows to be true about playful parenting and what she hopes every parent takes with them on their own journey. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple,...
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Ep. 99: The Parenting Tool You're Probably Forgetting: Play
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this solo episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill explores why play isn't just something children do, but one of the most powerful parenting tools we have. Through a relatable story about helping her daughter navigate a difficult transition, Jill shares how a simple playful moment transformed a potential power struggle into connection. Drawing on child development research and lessons we can all learn from Bluey, she explains why play helps children regulate, cooperate, and feel secure. You'll also walk away with three simple, practical ways to bring more playfulness into your...
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Ep. 98: Why Your Child Isn't Listening: Understanding Challenging Behavior
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill explores one of the biggest questions parents ask: Is this misbehavior, or is my child trying to communicate a need? Through real-life examples, she unpacks what may be underneath common behaviors. Jill discusses why behavior is communication, why children don't always have access to the skills they know, and how shifting from frustration to curiosity can transform the way parents respond. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate...
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Ep. 97: What Teaching Preschool Taught Me About Parenting
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill shares the lessons that followed her home from her days as a preschool teacher and shaped the way she approaches parenting today. She discusses: Why children’s behavior is communication How play supports learning and development Seeing children as capable and curious Why connection comes before correction The importance of having a plan while staying flexible What motherhood has taught her about letting go of perfection A reflection on child development, play, and the powerful lessons children teach us when we slow down and truly see...
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Ep. 96: The Modern Dad: Balancing Ambition, Presence, & Playful Parenting with Jeff Hittner
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill welcomes her first dad guest, Jeff Hittner, executive coach, founder of Ambitious Dads, and father of two boys. Together, they explore what it means to redefine fatherhood, balance ambition with presence, and build meaningful connections through play. Jeff shares his personal journey to fatherhood, the lessons he's learned about leadership at home, and why showing up with intention matters more than striving for perfection. They discuss practical strategies for connecting with your child, even when play doesn't come naturally or your play...
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Ep. 95: Simple Summer Rhythms for Kids
The Art of Playful Parenting
Looking for simple summer play ideas that don't require hours of planning? In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill explores how to create flexible summer rhythms that help children feel calm, connected, and ready to play. Whether your kids are home for the summer or coming home from camp each day, you'll learn how to use play as a tool for regulation, discover easy low-prep play ideas, and build after-camp reset routines that support your child's nervous system. We also talk about the increased mental load parents carry during the summer, why the idea of "bringing back '90s...
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Ep. 94: What to Do When You’re Not at Your Best as a Parent
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill explores what it really looks like to parent when you are not at your best. She breaks down why so many parents feel pressure to show up fully resourced, and why real-life parenting often happens in moments of exhaustion, overwhelm, and depletion. Jill shares practical, low-lift strategies for those harder days, including how to lower the “activation energy” for play, simplify daily expectations, and use independent play as a valid and valuable part of the child’s day rather than a fallback. Listeners will walk away with permission to...
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Ep. 93: The Truth About Uneven Giftedness
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill explores what it means to be unevenly gifted and why some children can appear remarkably advanced in one area while struggling significantly in another. She breaks down the concept of asynchronous development, explains why giftedness often coexists with challenges in emotional regulation, executive functioning, sensory processing, and social skills, and discusses why these developmental differences can be so confusing for parents and educators. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental...
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Ep. 92: Simplifying Playful Parenting with Beth Rosenbleeth from @DayswithGrey
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill welcomes Beth Rosenbleeth. Beth, creator of the popular blog and Instagram account Days with Grey, simplifies routines and promotes play-based learning for young children. She's a former teacher and a mom of three whose strategies and activity ideas resonate with her 275,000+ Instagram followers. Jill and Beth explore the connection between quality time and independent play, easy ways to encourage creativity using everyday materials, and the value of open-ended toys that grow with children. This episode was also motherhood at its finest. Jill's infant decided to boycott...
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Ep. 91: "Because I Said So" and Other Parenting Advice I Ignore
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill takes a look at some of the parenting advice many of us grew up hearing and why it may not hold up when viewed through a modern understanding of child development. She unpacks the assumptions behind these common phrases and offers a more nuanced, connection-based perspective. This conversation invites parents to move beyond rigid rules and toward curiosity, helping them better understand what may be driving their child's behavior and respond with greater confidence and compassion. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn...
info_outlineThe summer is in full swing and it’s such a fun time of year to share with your children: traveling, special events & adventures and…. meltdowns. If you’ve ever felt so excited to share something fun with your child and it does NOT go the way you imagined, today’s episode is for you. Jill shares WHY this happens, and what you can do to help.
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