If you’re a parent of toddlers or preschoolers, you’ll know that feeling all too well—time seems to slip through your fingers. One moment your baby is crawling, the next they’re racing across the playground with fearless determination. The days feel long, but the years pass quickly, and it can leave us wondering: Am I making the most of this time with my child?

In this heartfelt episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I share a very personal reflection as our family prepares to welcome baby number three. Like so many parents, I’ve been wrestling with the pressure to “make the most of every moment” with my two older children before everything shifts again. And maybe you’ve felt this too—that tug between wanting to soak up every cuddle, giggle, and bedtime story, and the reality of daily life with young kids, messy houses, and endless snack requests.

Here’s the truth I keep coming back to: memory-making doesn’t live in the big, staged moments—it happens in the ordinary, everyday ones. The smoothie moustaches, the silly jokes, the bath-time chaos, and even the meltdowns that end in cuddles. That’s where the magic lies.

But how do we actually embrace those small moments without adding more pressure to already full days? This is where understanding play schemas becomes such a gift.

Play schemas are the repetitive patterns of play you’ll notice in young children—the constant throwing, lining things up, wrapping toys in blankets, or dropping food off the highchair tray. At first glance, they might seem frustrating (and let’s be honest, sometimes they are!). But when you learn what they really mean, they turn from annoying habits into golden opportunities for connection.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What play schemas are and why they’re so important in your child’s development.
• How recognising schemas can help you respond with curiosity instead of frustration.
• Why everyday play is the perfect foundation for memory-making.
• Real-life examples (yes, including the time my kids threw dinosaurs in the bath!) that show how simple shifts can turn chaos into connection.
• Practical ways to join your child’s play—without needing to carve out more hours in your day.
  
  

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel reassured that you don’t need elaborate plans, perfect homes, or endless free time to make memories with your children. What they’ll remember most is how you noticed them, delighted in them, and connected with them—even in the middle of ordinary days.

So, if you’ve been feeling

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If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.

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I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.

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Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
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