Ep. 18: This was supposed to be fun- why is my child having a meltdown?
Release Date: 07/19/2024
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill sits down with Lynn Hazan Bush, a mom of three, former blogger, and certified health coach behind Shuva Wellness, a nervous system–informed coaching practice for overwhelmed mothers. They talk through maternal mental and physical health, along with simple, actionable ways to feel better, build supportive habits, and prioritize yourself without adding overwhelm to your life. It’s an honest, grounding conversation for any mom who wants to take better care of herself in a way that actually feels doable. Learn more about how to work with Lynn and Shuva Wellness . Follow...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
If your child’s play space suddenly feels like it’s not working anymore, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why that happens as kids move from baby to toddler, what signs to look for, and how to make simple changes that can completely shift how your child plays. I’m also sharing a couple real client examples to show how small, intentional updates can make a big difference. Want to book your playroom revamp consultation? Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill shares how understanding your child’s sensory needs can transform afterschool play. She explores why some children struggle to regulate with traditional “calming” sensory activities, and how different nervous systems require different kinds of input. Drawing from her experience as a play expert and early childhood educator, and as a mom, she offers a new lens on afterschool meltdowns and what may actually be underneath them. Want a FREE list of afterschool play prompts? Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill shares a real client story of a 5-year-old who struggled with independent play and frequently sought screen time. She walks through her process of supporting the family, starting with an in-depth intake to understand the child’s interests, challenges, and goals. This episode offers practical insight into fostering independence through connection and intentional setup, rather than pressure or rigid expectations. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill sits down with Blanche Buchwald, a seasoned mom of 5(!!!) and occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience and founder of Wonderkids Therapy. Jill & Blanche discuss how children’s behavior is always a form of communication, how to better understand what a child’s behavior expressing, and how to distinguish between behavior and the sensory needs that may be behind them. They talk about sensory processing, what it actually means and what it looks like in everyday life. This conversation is full of practical guidance, reassurance, and those “aha”...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill , inspired by a client story about a sudden morning meltdown, she explains how children often release big emotions in the places where they feel safest. Jill shares why kids “let it rip” at home, and how parents can approach these moments with curiosity instead of judgment. She also offers simple questions parents can ask themselves to uncover what might be happening underneath their child’s behavior. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In today’s episode, Jill explores the connection between mindfulness and play, and why playful moments can be one of the easiest ways for parents to practice being present with their children. She explains how even short pockets of focused, child-led play can strengthen connection and support emotional regulation. Jill also shares simple, practical ways parents can bring more mindful moments into their everyday play. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode, Jill talks about how your child’s play environment impacts their focus, behavior, and creativity, and why more toys doesn’t always mean better play. She also walks through simple, practical strategies for toy rotation, designing a play space that actually supports your child’s play style. If you've ever wondered how to decide what to keep, store, or let go of so play can feel calmer, deeper, and more engaging, this episode is for you! Want to book your playroom revamp consultation? Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
In her first episode back since welcoming her second child, Jill returns to the mic with honesty and heart. She opens up about what the transition from one to two has really looked like, sharing both the tender moments and the challenges that don’t always get talked about. Jill also walks through the tools, mindset shifts, and small supports that have helped her feel more grounded in this new season. It’s a candid conversation for anyone navigating change, motherhood, or the messy beauty of doing both at once. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE!...
info_outlineThe Art of Playful Parenting
Before taking a little break from the mic to welcome her new baby, Jill is looking back at your favorite episodes from the past year. From simple play ideas to deeper conversations about child development and connection, these highlights capture what makes this podcast such a supportive space for parents. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just recently joined, this episode is the perfect way to revisit or discover the ones that resonated most before Jill takes some time away from recording. Want to work with Jill privately? The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll...
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.
Featured on the Podcast:
Want to work with me privately and be the parent you’ve always wanted to be? Book a discovery call to get started!
The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You’ll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, and feel less burnt out and overwhelmed. Click here to join!
Check out Balloon Story!
Like the show? Leave a review here. And a great way not to miss an episode is to subscribe to the show while you’re at it.