Ep. 83 | Helping Kids Feel Capable: The Power of Agency | TPL
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
Release Date: 11/25/2025
Ep. 83 | Helping Kids Feel Capable: The Power of Agency | TPL
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
Ever heard your child’s teacher mention “agency” and wondered what it actually means? In this episode, Claire and Rachel unpack this buzzword and explore how agency—your child’s ability to make choices, take initiative, and persist through challenges—can shape everything from friendships to future careers. With relatable stories, expert-backed insights, and practical strategies you can use at home (yes, even with toddlers!), we’ll help you nurture confidence and independence in your little one—without adding another item to your parenting to-do list. Streaming now...
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Ep. 82 | Parenting Tips for Managing Big Emotions | TPL
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
Meltdowns, tantrums, and emotional overloads—young children feel big, and sometimes it all spills out. In this episode, Claire and Rachel share practical strategies for helping children navigate overwhelming moments, whether it’s a new routine, a big life change, or just a tough day. With relatable stories and expert-backed tips, you’ll learn how to support your child’s emotional regulation while staying grounded yourself. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at and your question could be...
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Ep. 81 | You Ask, We Answer: Tantrums, Parenting Styles & More | TPL
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
In this special episode, Claire and Rachel settle into a fresh new studio to tackle some of the parenting questions that matter most—straight from the parents in the Bright Horizons community. From tantrums and bedtime meltdowns to navigating mismatched parenting styles and anxiety about school drop-offs, our hosts break down the why behind kids' behavior and offer grounded, expert-backed strategies you can use today. *** Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at and your question could be featured...
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Managing Separation Anxiety in Young Children - Episode 80
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
While separation anxiety can be tough for both parents and children, it’s reassuring to know it happens because we love each other so very much. Establishing daily routines and rituals – paired with patience and grace -- will help your child trust the process. And YOU can find comfort in knowing that your child is in good hands, even on the most difficult days.
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Discussing Stressful Current Events with Children | Teach. Play. Love. Episode 79
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
In this repeat episode, we explore effective strategies and resources for helping children navigate current world events and manage their emotions. Learn how to discuss stressful topics with your child and provide emotional support for both them and yourself.
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Having Fun Playing with Your Kids | Teach. Play. Love. Episode 78 (REPLAY S6:E57)
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
Join us for a replay of one of our classic episodes! “Having Fun Playing with Your Kids” Listen to this episode of Teach. Play. Love. To learn why play is one of the most important things a child can do each day and get advice on how to have fun playing with your kids. Play allows children to experiment with concepts and ideas to make sense of the world around them. Setting aside time each day to play with your child can foster their growth and development, as well as create lasting family memories. In this episode of Teach. Play. Love., you’ll hear why play is so very important and...
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Ep 77: Parenting Styles and Child Outcomes
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
It’s not just nature vs. nurture — it’s nature AND nurture. Join Rachel and Claire as they dive into the research and explore various parenting styles, including which one best serves children as they grow and thrive.
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Ep 76: Raising a Kind Child
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
The nurturing relationships and interactions that children have in their first 5 yrs are instrumental to developing true kindness later on. Join Claire and Rachel as they discuss strategies to foster and encourage kindness in your child. Modeling behavior, labeling your emotions, establishing values and more, all help your child grow up with the type of real empathy that will be valuable throughout childhood, adolescence and beyond.
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Why Children Need Pretend Play
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
Pretend play is fun and a fundamental aspect of healthy child development! Join Rachel and Claire as they discuss the stages of imaginary play, why this type of play is so critical for a growing brain and body, and ways to encourage more pretend pay at home.
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Ep 74: What Happened to My World REPLAY
Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years
Join us for a replay of one of our classic episodes! “What happened to my world?” “Am I going to be okay — will everyone be okay?” When stress and trauma disrupt your child’s life, what can you say and do to help them feel safe and secure? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss say the four pillars of security — people, places, routines, and rituals — can guide your child through difficult times. On this episode, learn how to bring these pillars to life and find out how you can use them to offer reassurance and reduce the effects of toxic stress.
info_outlineEver heard your child’s teacher mention “agency” and wondered what it actually means? In this episode, Claire and Rachel unpack this buzzword and explore how agency—your child’s ability to make choices, take initiative, and persist through challenges—can shape everything from friendships to future careers. With relatable stories, expert-backed insights, and practical strategies you can use at home (yes, even with toddlers!), we’ll help you nurture confidence and independence in your little one—without adding another item to your parenting to-do list.
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode!
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Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.