About this episode

Ginny Yurich and Tamara Neufeld Strijak discuss the importance of play and relationships in children's emotional development.

Ginny Yurich sits down with Tamara Neufeld Strijack, co-author of Reclaiming Our Students, for a powerful conversation about what children need to thrive in a world increasingly dominated by screens, schedules, and peer influence. Tamara explains why children are meant to orient around caring adults—and how strong relationships with parents, teachers, and mentors create the safety children need to learn, grow, and become themselves. They explore the essential role of play, nature, movement, and the arts as “emotional playgrounds”—places where frustration, anxiety, and other emotions can safely move through rather than erupt as aggression. Tamara also unpacks the powerful shift from “mad to sad,” explaining why allowing children to experience disappointment and tears is actually part of developing resilience. Plus, Ginny and Tamara discuss “collecting”—the simple practice of intentionally welcoming children back into relationship—and why feeling seen, enjoyed, and cared for can transform homes and classrooms. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation about slowing down, reconnecting, and making room for the experiences children were designed to have. Get Tamara's book here! ** A huge…

People in this episode

Host: Ginny Yurich

Guest: Tamara Neufeld Strijak

Topics covered

• child development
• play
• emotional resilience
• parenting
• education
• relationships

Keywords

• children
• play
• emotional release
• resilience
• parenting
• education
• nature

Sponsors

Fora Travel, My Green Mattress

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Reclaiming Our Students

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