About this episode

This episode explores the role of play in child development and offers strategies for improving behavior and parent-child relationships.

In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kim Van Dusen, psychologist, parenting expert, and author of  Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication . Together, we explore the powerful role of play in child development and why play is one of the most effective tools parents can use to strengthen connection, improve behavior, and support emotional regulation. Dr. Kim explains how play-based parenting strategies can help reduce power struggles, increase cooperation, and build stronger parent-child relationships without relying on punishment, yelling, threats, or rewards. We discuss how children communicate through play, why playful parenting often works better than lectures, and how parents can use simple, everyday moments to foster emotional connection and positive behavior. Whether you're parenting a toddler, preschooler, school-aged child, or tween, this conversation offers practical tools to support emotional development, attachment, communication, and resilience. Dr. Kim also shares actionable strategies for managing challenging behaviors, improving listening skills, and…

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