The Art of Playful Parenting

Entertaining our children all day long is not sustainable. And not only would it be exhausting for us to try to do this as caretakers, but it is actually damaging to our children’s play skills. Today’s episode is all about respectfully declining play—how to do it, and the other ways you can connect instead.

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If you are looking to lengthen the amount your child plays independently and/or make your child’s play more engaging, there is one simple thing you can start doing immediately that will have a huge impact. In today’s episode, Jill talks about how to use observation to see more engaged stretches of play.

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On this week’s episode, Jill is in conversation with her first guest on the podcast, Camie Vanderbush from Sleep Baby Consulting. Camie is a mom of two, an elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom and pediatric sleep consultant. She helps families develop lasting sleep habits for their babies and families so they can be the well rested parents they want to be and be the best for their children.

We cover so much in this conversation: all things sleep, common misconceptions around sleep and sleep training,  juggling work and parenthood, career pivots, infertility struggles, the transition from 1-2 kids, parenting the child in front of you, and SO much more.

This is a can’t-miss episode, especially for anyone who is struggling with their child’s sleep. Camie has supported Jill and her daughter with sleep personally, along with countless other parents who Jill has referred to her. Her advice is game-changing.

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On today’s episode, Jill shares strategies that you can use to accommodate multiple siblings at the same time. She gets into how to create play experiences that multiple children can enjoy together and how to  use open-ended toys and play materials that each child can utilize in their own way, depending on their age and skills.

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It’s Mental Health Month and today’s episode topic is about simple regulation techniques you can use to help you calm and regulate when you're losing it. PLUS a special guest appearance(because when you record from your bathroom, sometimes they appear)! 

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Whining. Screaming. Throwing. Today’s episode topic is about attention-seeking behaviors and the bad rep they get, plus a simple, impactful phrase you can teach your child to use in those moments instead that can really help!  

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Today’s episode is about a relationship mindset shift that can change everything in parenting. We’ll discuss the difference between being a collaborator and a controller, why one style goes against most of our natural instincts, and the most effective ways to see more of the behavior we’d like to see in our children.

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In today’s episode, recorded on the four year anniversary of New York City’s lockdown in March of 2020, Jill reflects on her experience being pregnant and postpartum during the global Coronavirus pandemic.

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Ohhhh yes. Transitions can be so tough for young children, and, in turn, really hard for parents. On today’s episode we talk about why daily transitions can be so difficult and three simple strategies you can implement immediately that can have a huge impact!

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Do you feel like you’re in a cycle of constantly entertaining your child?

Maybe your child is having more screen time than you’d like because it feels like the only way for you to get anything done or get a little bit of a break?

Do you want time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently?

If this sounds familiar, you’re likely struggling with independent play or hoping to infuse more of it into your child’s day. On today’s episode we talk about independent play—what it is, when to start, why it matters, and some tried and true tips to support your child’s independent play journey.

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Ep 1: Welcome to the Art of Playful Parenting Podcast

Ever wish you had access to a play and parenting coach who could help you feel less overwhelmed and burnt out and more empowered as a parent? That’s what you experience once a week by listening to The Art of Playful Parenting Podcast hosted by Jill Lerman. With 15 years of experience working with young children and their families, Jill brings an informed knowledge and wealth of simple strategies and ideas to support you on your parenting journey. You’ll leave listening to each episode inspired to keep it simple, while feeling empowered to become the parent you always wanted to be.

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