The Playful Nest

Cristi Dame, a child therapist and mama of four, inspires us to leave the laundry and dishes undone for just a moment to relish in the fleeting magic of childhood, no matter what stage of motherhood you're in. She encourages us to deliberately live by DESIGN rather than DEFAULT and shares simple practices to cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves and others.

14. Discipline Part 2: Setting Limits 06/26/2020

14. Discipline Part 2: Setting Limits In this episode, Cristi shares a step by step method of setting limits with our children that empowers them to make their own choices and take personal responsibility. Full Show notes and abbreviated transcript can be found here: More links from this episode: Music: /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/14975288

13. Discipline Part 1: Compassion vs. Control 05/28/2020

13. Discipline Part 1: Compassion vs. Control In this episode, Cristi shares the missing ingredient that parents often forget about when it comes to discipline. **Leave a review and enter to win a $15 Target gift card!** Online baking class: Email me! [email protected] /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/14607602

12. Holding Space for our Children's Big Feelings 05/07/2020

12. Holding Space for our Children's Big Feelings In this episode, Cristi shares what it means to "hold space" for children of different ages and how to guide them from co-regulation to self-regulation in their big emotions. Show Notes: My FREE Promo Code: FREE By and My Website: My Instagram: Music: /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/14330597

11. Three Steps to Positive and Calm 04/23/2020

11. Three Steps to Positive and Calm In this episode, Cristi shares 3 ideas to find positivity, hope, and light when faced with negativity, despair, and darkness in our everyday life. Show Notes: You can find me over on Instagram at You can find the official show notes over at /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/14120447

10. Ten Daily Tips to Cultivate Positive Mental Health 04/05/2020

10. Ten Daily Tips to Cultivate Positive Mental Health Cristi shares 10 things you can do every day to keep your mind and soul healthy to find peace through difficult moments. /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13849772

09. Navigating Grief During COVID19 Pandemic 03/26/2020

09. Navigating Grief During COVID19 Pandemic COVID-19 has brought on a lot of variations of grief in our daily life. Cristi shares insights into naming the grief and how our children will show up in their grief! Show Notes: David Kessler's Brene Brown's FFT /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13720292

08. Peace over Panic 03/19/2020

08. Peace over Panic The COVID-19 has us feeling more anxious than normal. Cristi gives ideas on how to choose "peace" over "panic" and provides a guided breathing session at the end of the episode. /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13621076

BONUS: Affirmation for Feeling Nervous 03/17/2020

BONUS: Affirmation for Feeling Nervous We are in some crazy times! Listen to 10-year-old, Nixon, share with us what he thinks about feeling nervous and what he can do to feel better. Affirmation -I can have faith instead of fear -I can choose to think positive thoughts -I can pray -I can talk to people I trust -I can take a breath if I feel nervous -I can find joy in this moment -I can find others to serve - I can find peace in every moment /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13579055

07. Why Kids Play 03/12/2020

07. Why Kids Play Children use play as a way to communicate, learn, and process their world. Listen to find out more about what play therapy is and what we can do as parents to help facilitate more play in the home! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and our bonus episodes! Come say hi to me over on Instagram @theplayfulnest /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13505570

BONUS: Affirmation for the Family on Coping When Feeling Mad 03/09/2020

BONUS: Affirmation for the Family on Coping When Feeling Mad This week's bonus is an affirmation for the family to help remind us of the power we have to choose alternatives when we are mad! I choose kindness to myself and others I choose to stop and take a breath when I feel mad I can be patient when things don’t go my way I can take responsibility for my part I can accept an apology I can walk away if I need to calm down I believe in me /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13472063

06. The Power of Words in our Life 03/05/2020

06. The Power of Words in our Life There is power in the words we use about our children and ourselves! Find out to change your thinking to get to where you want to be! Show notes: - Mastering the Art of Showing up Youtube video on our brain and negative thoughts: Music by: Find my over on Instagram: /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13430627

05. Allowing our Children to Struggle 02/27/2020

05. Allowing our Children to Struggle Cristi shares why it is important to step back and allow our kids to engage in struggle sometimes. Show Notes: BUTTERFLY STORY: by EPISODE SPONSOR: READING REIMAGINED 10% OFF CODE: PLAYFUL /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13329695

04. Teaching our Children to Become Emotionally Aware 02/20/2020

04. Teaching our Children to Become Emotionally Aware Cristi shares why it is vital to teach children how to become aware of their emotions so they can have a deeper connection with themselves and others. In this episode find out why it is important and how. SHOW NOTES: KIM WHITE: AND DR. DAN SIEGEL: EPISODE SPONSOR: READING REIMAGINED 10% OFF CODE: PLAYFUL /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13241177

03. Wired for Connection 02/13/2020

03. Wired for Connection How does early attachment play a role in the connection we have with our kids? Cristi shares the research on early attachment. Show notes: Sponsor: Use code: PLAYFUL to get 10% off your play box! Check out more on Instagram about these play boxes! Music: Other mentions: /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13143035

02. Understanding What is Behind a Child's Behavior 02/06/2020

02. Understanding What is Behind a Child's Behavior n this episode, Cristi shares a story she recently had where she was reminded that our children's misbehavior is just a symptom of something deeper. /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13041995

01. Parenting By Design Rather than by Default 02/06/2020

01. Parenting By Design Rather than by Default In this episode, Cristi shares a personal story of loss and how she found hope by watching the labor of a little robin build her nest. This experience influenced The Playful Nest and the idea of living and parenting by design rather than by default. She shares her metaphors of motherhood and takeaways to get started on living an intentional life. Listen to the bonus affirmation at the end of the episode! /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/13041881

Meet Cristi Dame 01/15/2020

Meet Cristi Dame In this episode, Cristi Dame keeps it real as she introduces herself and her imperfections. She shares inspiring moments and wisdom that lead to her passion for connecting with children and starting this podcast. Bonus: a one-minute affirmation for mamas at the end of the episode! /episode/index/show/theplayfulnest/id/12756842

The Playful Nest

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