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PODCAST

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas

Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "Why is my child doing that?"—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone.Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold the key

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

8:45

036 You Can Always Make More Memories, But You Can’t...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/07/31

If you’re a parent of toddlers or preschoolers, you’ll know that feeling all too well—time seems to slip through your fingers. One moment your baby is crawling, the next they’re racing across the playground with fearless determination. The days feel long, but the years pass quickly, and it can leave us wondering: Am I making the most of this time with my child? In this heartfelt episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I share a very personal reflection as our family prepares to w...

en-nz

19:43

035 Throwback Episode: The Magic Behind Repetitive...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/07/23

“Why is my toddler always dropping things, spinning, or hiding under the table?” If you’ve ever found yourself asking this (or wondering if it’s normal)... this episode is for you. Hi, I’m Ruth from The Play Schemas Collective, and I help parents make sense of their child’s play, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the magic of toddlerhood (meltdowns and all 😉). In this episode, we’re going back to where it all began: Play Schemas 101. These repeating actions you’re seeing...

en-nz

8:26

034 Why Is My Toddler Always Throwing Things?...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/07/17

Ever wondered why your toddler throws their food, launches toys off the couch, or can’t stop running back and forth? It’s not just chaos - it’s science in action. In this episode, I’m giving you exclusive access to one of the most-loved modules from The Play Schemas Collective - all about trajectory play. You’ll learn to spot the everyday signs that your child is exploring this powerful play schema, and most importantly, what it’s telling you about their development. We’ll unpack: Why your ch...

en-nz

14:38

033 Getting Outside as a Family with Guest Adiva

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/07/10

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your kids out the door for a walk or a play at the park? You’re not alone. But what if those muddy puddles, long car rides, and slow wanders were actually building blocks for your child’s development? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I am joined by Adiva, founder of @LittleTrailsNZ and mum of four, to talk about the power of outdoor play — and how it supports strong family bonds. Whether your child loves throwing sticks, lining up shells...

en-nz

26:58

032 Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Now & Play Freely...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/07/02

Is your pelvic floor holding you back from truly enjoying play with your kids?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to help. Whether it’s needing to cross your legs when you sneeze, quietly avoiding playing chase the backyard... not to even mention the fear of hearing 'Mum's turn' when it comes to the trampoline. Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common for mums after pregnancy and birth. But just because it’s common… doesn’t mean it has to be your new normal. In this empowering episod...

en-nz

14:46

031 “I Can’t Play With My Kids”: Why It Feels So Hard...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/06/25

Ever feel like you should be playing with your child… but you just can’t bring yourself to do it? Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you feel silly or awkward. Maybe you’re not even sure how to play anymore. If this sounds familiar, you are so not alone. In fact, many loving, involved parents feel exactly the same. And in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why play can feel so hard and what can actually help. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, juggling part-time work, or doing it a...

en-nz

33:23

030 Play, Not Pressure: How Everyday Play Builds Your...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/06/18

Worried your toddler isn’t “school ready”? Feel like you should be doing flashcards, worksheets, or alphabet drills — but it just doesn’t sit right? This episode is your deep breath and warm reassurance. We’re busting the myth that early literacy needs to look like formal learning and showing you how play, movement, and everyday conversations are actually doing the heavy lifting. Join host Ruth Vercoe and special guest Alex, from First Five Years — a mum of twins, ECE expert, parenting coach,...

en-nz

12:07

029 Why Play Builds Connection With Your Child

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/06/11

Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You Think Is your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours are actually your child’s way of connecting with you? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into a powerful parenting truth: connection doesn’t just happen through doing dishes and conversations — it happens through play. As parents of y...

en-nz

7:09

028 Unlock Your Child's Learning Through Play: Join...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/06/04

Send us a text Apply to Join the BETA Test Group – Spaces Are Limited! Applications close 26 June 2025. Only 5 spots available. For more information and to apply now, head to https://playschemas.com/beta Or flick me a DM on Instagram: @Play_Schemas Get FREE access during the BETA roundEnjoy a FREE first month once we officially launchBook a personalised 1:1 coaching session with a play schema specialist (that’s me!)Receive early access to schema-aligned video and printable resourcesJoin our e...

en-nz

13:27

027 Why I Still Say “Be Careful” Even Though I Love...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/05/28

Send us a text Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Be careful!” — even when you’re trying to let your child take healthy risks? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack one of the biggest tensions many parents face: wanting to support our children confidence and independence, while still keeping them safe. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much risk is “too much” when your toddler is climbing high, jumping off furniture, or ru...

en-nz

23:13

026 Why Imperfection Matters in Parenting - with...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/05/21

Send us a text Ever feel like you’re the only one dropping the ball as a parent? Spoiler alert: you’re not, you're not alone in feeling this... and this episode might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re joined by Sophie Moskowitz from Imperfect Parents, who brings a powerful message every parent deserves to hear: you don’t have to be perfect to be enough. Together, we unpack the unspoken pressures...

en-nz

8:40

025 Parenting Hacks: Master ‘When’ & ‘Then’ Magic!

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/05/14

Send us a text The Two Words That Will Transform Your Parenting — “When” and “Then” Are you tired of endless toddler negotiations, meltdowns during transitions, or repeating yourself a hundred times a day? You’re not alone — and there is a gentle, effective way forward. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe introduces two simple, yet powerful words that can make all the difference: “when” and “then.” Whether you're trying to get your child out the door, clean up after play...

en-nz

19:17

024 Part 2 - Self Care through the Schemas with...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/05/07

Send us a text Part 2 of 2 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas. Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental load, it’s no wonder so many parents feel lik...

en-nz

17:13

024 Part 1 - Self Care through the Schemas with...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/05/07

Send us a text Part 1 of 2 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas. Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental load, it’s no wonder so many parents feel lik...

en-nz

34:59

023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/04/30

Send us a text Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose? You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind this common toddler behaviour. In this episode, Ruth sits down with parenting and behaviour specialist Heather Schalk to uncover why toddlers rea...

en-nz

21:17

022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/04/23

Send us a text What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your little one is digging, transporting soil, or burying seeds, these actions aren’t random. They’re part of play schemas—the natural, repetitive behavio...

en-nz

13:35

021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/04/16

Send us a text Free download available! Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free Feeling overwhelmed by all the Easter hype—and wondering how to make it meaningful for your toddler? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into how you can use this Easter season to truly support your child’s development—without extra stress or sugar overload. We’ll...

en-nz

28:25

020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/04/09

Send us a text Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.com As parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start? How do we talk about it in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering? And how do we navigate such an important conversation without fear or discomfort? You’re not alone in these concerns. In today’s world, we hear so much about unsafe physical touch, making it e...

en-nz

11:04

019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in...

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/04/02

Send us a text Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your Child Do you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding play schemas and love languages can completely transform the way you interact with your little one—making parenting more intentional, fun, and fulfilling! In this final episode of our Love Languages & Play series, we bring everything together to ...

en-nz

13:09

018 Acts of Service = Love in Action!

Demystifying Child"s Play | Play Schemas ·

2025/03/26

Send us a text Unlock the Secrets of Your Child’s Play: Play Schemas & Acts of Service in Parenting! Have you ever wondered why your child insists on lining up their toys, spinning in circles, or moving objects from place to place? It might seem random (or even frustrating!), but these repetitive behaviours are actually part of their natural learning process. They’re called play schemas, and understanding them can transform the way you see your child’s play—helping you to nurture their de...

en-nz

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