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PODCAST

Play Skillfully

Welcome to Play Skillfully, a podcast from the author of the award-winning curriculum A Year of Playing Skillfully and parent favorite, The Homegrown Preschooler. Join Kathy Eggers as she shares the latest research on the role of play and provides practical ideas to assist you in cultivating wonder and connection with your children.Kathy is the author of A Year of Playing Skillfully, A Summer of Playing Skillfully, The Homegrown Preschooler and 101 Easy, Wacky, Crazy Activities for Young

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

00:36:51

Welcome Home with Gina Romero

Play Skillfully ·

2026/09/30

Kathy sits down with Gina Romero to talk about homemaking, hospitality, time management, and why the small rhythms of home still matter. Gina shares how a corporate career, motherhood, and a clear sense of calling led her into ministry work and a brand built around helping women move from chaos to calm to calling. In this episode, Gina shares how homemaking became both a personal passion and a professional mission, plus practical encouragement for overwhelmed moms who want more peace, order, and

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00:40:36

Why Play, Flexibility, and “It’s Okay” Matter in...

Play Skillfully ·

2026/09/16

Season seven opens with a recap of summer conference conversations with Kathy and Keri Vasek, centered on the emotional realities of homeschooling young children. The episode focuses on comparison, child-led learning, and how play-based learning becomes more meaningful when parents release the pressure to produce a specific outcome. Kathy and Keri share what they heard again and again from parents at conferences, from worries about being “behind” to the need for permission to trust children’s unique

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00:34:17

BEFORE BIG: A guide to development, connection, and...

Play Skillfully ·

2026/07/22

Before Big: A guide to development, connection, and play in the first three years. In this special edition of the PlaySkill podcast, host Ava Davis interviews child development specialist Kathy about her new book, Before Big. The conversation dives into the challenges parents face during the critical early years of childhood and how to navigate them with confidence and creativity.## Understanding the Quiet Struggle of ParentingKathy reveals that the period from birth to three years is often filled

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00:33:12

Unlocking Creativity in Children: Insights from...

Play Skillfully ·

2026/04/16

Join Kathy for an inspiring conversation with Andy Harkness, a Disney veteran and children's book illustrator, as he shares his journey from childhood art passions to creating meaningful children's books. Discover insights on nurturing creativity in children, the power of illustration, and the story behind his upcoming book 'Find the Sun.'Andy Harkness's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyharknessart/'Find the Sun' on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXXXXXXMaurice Sendak's 'Where the

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00:37:36

Choosing to Homeschool with Chelsea Riley

Play Skillfully ·

2026/03/11

In this engaging interview, Chelsea Riley shares her homeschooling journey, insights on fostering a love for reading, balancing life with five children, and navigating the evolving role of AI in education. Discover practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for homeschooling parents.

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00:39:35

The Unschooling Summit with Esther Jones and Melissa...

Play Skillfully ·

2026/02/25

The conversation explores the journey of unschooling, emphasizing the importance of community and connection, as well as the challenges encountered along the way. It also delves into the upcoming Unschooling Summit and its speakers, highlighting the significance of clarifying the concept of unschooling and of providing a platform for learning and community building. The Unschooling Summit features a diverse range of speakers and topics, including leaders in the Indian unschooling movement, grief and

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00:39:49

The Importance of Connection with Melanie Ross

Play Skillfully ·

2026/02/11

In this episode, Kathy Eggers and Melanie discuss the realities of homeschooling, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the benefits of homeschooling, the challenges faced, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection with children as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning together as a family and creating meaningful memories, while also addressing the pressures parents feel about their children's education. Ultimately, they highlight the significance

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00:41:04

A Beautiful Mess: How Adaptability can be Your...

Play Skillfully ·

2026/01/30

In this engaging conversation, Keri Vasek and Kathy Eggers explore the multifaceted journey of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, the significance of play in learning, and the challenges that come with parenting and education. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate the complexities of homeschooling while honoring each child's unique needs and interests. The discussion highlights the beauty of embracing the 'clunky' moments in the homeschooling process

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27:42

The First 1000 Days and Why They Matter

Play Skillfully ·

2026/01/14

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers discusses the critical importance of early childhood development, focusing on the first three years of a child's life. She emphasizes the significance of nurturing social-emotional skills, physical milestones, and cognitive growth through intentional parenting and play-based learning. Kathy shares insights on how parents can foster secure attachments, encourage physical activity, and enhance language development, ultimately laying a strong foundation for th...

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31:46

Wake Up and Dream: A conversation with Author, Amy Davis

Play Skillfully ·

2025/12/31

In this episode of the Play Skillfully podcast, Kathy Eggers welcomes Amy Davis to discuss her new book, "Dream Day." They explore the concept of setting aside a day to reflect on the past year and plan for the future, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, vision, and intentional living. Amy shares her journey from homeschooling mom to life coach and author, offering insights into how "Dream Day" can help individuals and families create meaningful traditions and set achievable goals. You c...

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31:10

Homeschooling Down South - A conversation with...

Play Skillfully ·

2025/12/03

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers hosts Kayla and Kat, two homeschooling moms who share their unique journeys into the world of homeschooling. They discuss the challenges and joys of homeschooling, the importance of community, and how they turned their experiences into a podcast aimed at supporting other homeschooling families. The episode highlights their personal stories, the resources they've discovered, and their future plans for community engagement and support for homeschoolin...

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19:07

Understanding Adoption: Triumphs, Challenges, and the...

Play Skillfully ·

2025/11/19

In this heartfelt episode of the Play Scoville podcast, host Kathy Eggers delves into the intricate world of adoption, a journey filled with love, loss, and connection. November, being National Adoption Month, serves as a perfect backdrop for this discussion, shedding light on both the triumphs and challenges that come with growing a family through adoption. For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully. You can also ...

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39:21

Legends Week - The Freedom to Homeschool with Zan Tyler

Play Skillfully ·

2025/11/05

In this episode of the Play Skillfully podcast, host Kathy Eggers interviews Zan Tyler, a pioneer in the homeschooling movement. Zan shares her personal journey into homeschooling, the challenges she faced in advocating for homeschooling rights, and the evolution of homeschooling laws over the years. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's unique learning styles and offers valuable advice for new homeschooling moms. The conversation highlights the significance of parental r...

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58:38

The Joy of Language Immersion in Family Travel: A...

Play Skillfully ·

2025/10/22

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Talk Box founder Adelaide Olguin discuss the joys and challenges of family travel, particularly focusing on language immersion and cultural experiences. They share personal anecdotes about their travels, practical tips for traveling with children, and the importance of exposing kids to different cultures. The discussion also covers language learning strategies, safety while traveling, and the significance of planning family trips. Adelaide emp...

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26:42

A Conversation with Therapist and Author, Meaghan...

Play Skillfully ·

2025/10/08

In this engaging podcast episode, Kathy Eggers welcomes Meaghan Hampton, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Soul Care for Families. They discuss the intersection of child development, faith, and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of modeling faith for children. Meaghan shares her insights on misconceptions in parenting, the significance of building trust and attachment, and the principles of gentle parenting. The conversation also touches on recognizing and healin...

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50:40

Unlocking the Magic of Learning: An Enchanting...

Play Skillfully ·

2025/09/24

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Julie Bogart explore the enchanting world of learning, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, observation, and connection in education. They discuss the challenges parents face, such as concerns about falling behind and the need for socialization, while advocating for a lighthearted approach to parenting. Julie shares insights from her books, including 'The Brave Learner' and 'Help My Kid Hates Writing,' highlighting the significance of self-e...

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39:56

Navigating the Toddler Years - Season SIX is here!

Play Skillfully ·

2025/09/10

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Keri Vasek delve into the world of toddlers, discussing the importance of understanding their developmental stages, the need for guidance for parents, and the significance of connection over discipline. They explore creative and sensory play ideas to engage toddlers, the importance of empowering their independence, and the value of maintaining a lighthearted approach to parenting. The episode emphasizes that parenting toddlers can be challenging...

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19:13

Gentleness: Character Builder Series

Play Skillfully ·

2025/08/20

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers discusses the significance of gentleness in parenting and its impact on children's emotional development. She shares personal stories about her own children and the lessons learned from loss, emphasizing the importance of modeling gentleness and providing opportunities for children to practice it. The discussion also covers practical tips for teaching gentleness and the long-lasting effects of a gentle upbringing. For more information, check out Kathy's...

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36:15

From Loss to Love from Lydia

Play Skillfully ·

2025/08/06

In this heartfelt conversation, Danielle shares her journey of loss after the passing of her daughter Lydia at just 21 months old. She discusses the emotional impact of losing a child and how it led her to create Love from Lydia, an organization dedicated to supporting bereaved parents. Through various programs, including the COPE program, Danielle aims to connect newly bereaved parents with those further along in their grief journey. She emphasizes the importance of community, acknowledgmen...

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18:59

Let's Talk About Self Control - Character Builder...

Play Skillfully ·

2025/07/23

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intricate workings of the brain to uncover its pivotal role in impulse control and emotional regulation. Join us as we explore the neural pathways that influence our decisions and emotions, and learn how understanding these processes can lead to better self-awareness and mental well-being. Whether you're curious about the science behind your impulses or seeking strategies for emotional balance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical...

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