Parenting Through Play: Practical Tips with Licensed Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist Dr Kim Van Dusen | Episode 98

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of play in parenting and offers practical tips for improving child behavior and connection through play.

Play is often overlooked in parenting, yet it can be one of the most effective ways to reduce power struggles, improve behaviour, and build a strong connection with your child. When you understand how children communicate, parenting becomes less exhausting and more cooperative. In this episode, I am talking to Dr Kim Van Dusen, licensed family therapist, registered play therapist, and author of Parenting Through Play . We discuss why play is essential, how to use it in everyday moments, and simple ways to make parenting feel easier, even when you are tired or overwhelmed.   Dr Kim and I talk about: •  how play acts as your child’s primary language and improves connection • why children resist when we communicate only through adult logic • how to use short, simple play moments to reduce daily power struggles • why moms resist play even when they know it works • how play supports emotional regulation for both you and your child • how to handle picky eating using playful, low-effort strategies • why saying yes more often can improve behaviour and reduce conflict • how to balance boundaries with connection without becoming permissive • how playful parenting supports better…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Hilary Claire

Guest: Dr Kim Van Dusen

Topics covered

• play in parenting
• child communication
• emotional regulation
• power struggles
• parenting strategies

Keywords

• parenting
• play therapy
• child behavior
• emotional regulation
• power struggles
• picky eating
• parenting tips

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Parenting Through Play

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