Ep. 68: Stop Asking Dr. Google — Ask a Mom Who's a Doctor with My Pediatrician Friend
Release Date: 08/29/2025
Ep. 87: More Play, Less Screen Time: A Realistic Approach for Families
The Art of Playful Parenting
In honor of Screen-Free Week, Jill breaks down how families gradually end up relying on screens more than they intended and why it can start to feel like the only thing that works. In this episode, she shares a realistic, non-shaming approach to reducing screen dependence by focusing on what matters most: creating more opportunities for play. Jill discusses how to evaluate screen time beyond just the number of minutes, why content and device type matter, how screens impact behavior and independent play, and where to start if you want to make changes without going “all or nothing.” Want to...
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Ep. 86: From Comparison to Connection: Parenting Siblings Who Are Very Different
The Art of Playful Parenting
Parenting more than one child quickly shows just how different kids can be. In this episode, Jill explores what it looks like to raise children with different needs, routines, personalities, and play styles, and why it can feel so challenging. She shares from her own experience navigating these differences with her daughters, and unpacks our natural tendency to compare, why some dynamics feel easier than others, and how to shift toward deeper understanding and connection. You’ll walk away with a more grounded perspective and simple, practical ways to support each child as their own unique...
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Ep. 85: The Habit That’s Quietly Destroying Independent Play
The Art of Playful Parenting
In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill explores a subtle but common habit that can unintentionally disrupt independent play. Through a client story and a look at how young children's natural play and movement patterns, she reframes what it really means when a child walks away from an activity. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of play and how small shifts, like leaving materials out a little longer, can support longer, more connected independent play. Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time...
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Ep. 84: It’s the Damn Phones: Why Moms Feel So Overwhelmed with Lynn Hazan Bush
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...
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Ep. 83: How to Evolve Your Play Space Without the Overwhelm
The 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...
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Ep. 82: After School Meltdowns: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs and How to Help
The 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...
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Ep. 81: From “Play With Me” to Playing Independently
The 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...
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Ep. 80: Why Your Child’s Behavior Isn’t Misbehavior: Understanding Sensory Processing with OT Blanche Buchwald
The 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”...
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Ep. 79: Why Your Child “Loses It” With You
The 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...
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Ep. 78: Mindful Play: Finding Presence in Everyday Parenting
The 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_outlineIn this episode, Jill is joined by moms and pediatricians Brooke, Hadley, and Saskia, the trio behind My Pediatrician Friend. Born from a constant stream of texts and calls from friends seeking trusted medical advice, their platform was created to offer something more personal and reliable than internet searches or crowded parenting forums. Together, we dive into the real highs and lows of motherhood, the overwhelm and misinformation of online health information, and how to quiet some of the anxiety that comes with caring for our kids. Tune in for honest conversation, practical wisdom, and a fresh perspective on what really matters when it comes to our children's health.
To learn more about My Pediatrician Friend and have a real pediatrician just a text away, click here.
Want to work with Jill privately? 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, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join!
Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!