• 039 New Baby, New Balance: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Your Baby
    Aug 20 2025

    Bringing a new baby into the world is magical, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, adjusting to life as a bigger family, and trying to find time for yourself, it’s easy for mums to feel stretched thin. That’s why this week, I’m joined by Ally from @EntwinedParenting, who shares her 5 top tips for welcoming a newborn into the family, with a big focus on looking after yourself as a mum.

    This episode is all about making those early days feel a little lighter and more supported. Whether you’re about to welcome your first baby or adding another sibling to the mix, Ally’s advice is both practical and reassuring. She understands the challenges parents face, and she brings a wealth of experience to help you navigate this tender season with more confidence and calm.

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Why your wellbeing as a mum matters just as much as your newborn’s.
    • Simple ways to care for yourself even in the busiest days.
    • How to manage the transition when older siblings are adjusting to a new baby.
    • Practical tips for creating rhythms and routines that support the whole family.
    • Encouragement to let go of perfection and embrace what works for your unique family.

    If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I balance it all when I bring a new baby home?” or worried about how your older children will adjust, this conversation will leave you feeling less alone and more empowered. Ally’s approach is filled with empathy, kindness, and realistic strategies that actually work in the real, messy, beautiful world of parenting.

    Because you deserve support too. As mums, we’re often told to focus on the baby, but your wellbeing shapes your child’s wellbeing. This episode reminds you that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

    Perfect for you if:

    • You’re expecting a baby and want to feel more prepared.
    • You’re in the thick of newborn life and need gentle encouragement.
    • You’re parenting toddlers or preschoolers alongside a newborn and feeling stretched.
    • You’re craving real, down-to-earth parenting advice you can actually use.

    So pop your headphones in while feeding the baby, folding the washing, or sneaking a quick walk, and let this episode give you the boost of support and wisdom you need.

    If you enjoy this episode:

    • Hit subscribe so you never miss new insights on parenting, play, and child development.
    • Leave a review to

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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    22 mins
  • 038 Welcoming a New Baby? Help Your Toddler Adjust with Less Stress & More Connection
    Aug 13 2025

    If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler and you’ve got a newborn on the way, you already know it’s about to be a season of big feelings, big changes, and a whole lot less sleep. Between preparing the cot, stocking up on nappies, and navigating your own emotions, it’s easy to wonder: How will my little one cope when the baby arrives?

    In this practical episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I’m sharing exactly how I’m preparing my two children (almost 2 and 4) for the arrival of baby number three – using the power of play schemas to help them feel secure, included, and loved during the transition.

    You’ll discover:

    • What play schemas are – those repetitive, curious, sometimes chaotic behaviours that toddlers just can’t resist (and why they matter).
    • How understanding your child’s schemas can turn frustration into connection, especially during the upheaval of welcoming a newborn.
    • My top three things every child needs to know about a new baby (hint: it’s not a biology lesson, it’s simple, memorable, and works wonders).
    • How schemas like transportation, enveloping, and positioning can be your secret parenting ally during this transition.
    • The beautiful overlap between play schemas and love languages – and how you can use both to make your child feel truly seen and valued.

    From toddlers pushing the pram back and forth (transportation schema), to building endless enclosures for toys (enclosure schema), to wrapping dolls in blankets (enveloping schema), these aren’t just random acts of play. They’re your child’s way of processing change, rehearsing care, and making sense of their evolving world.

    By noticing these patterns and offering small, schema-friendly activities, you can help your child:

    • Feel part of caring for the baby
    • Understand what’s happening in age-appropriate ways
    • Avoid feeling left out when your attention is divided
    • Strengthen your bond instead of clashing in moments of overwhelm

    Whether you’re walking, folding laundry, or catching a rare quiet moment, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to turn this potentially rocky transition into a season of deeper family connection.

    Because preparing your toddler for a sibling isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. And with a little play schema insight, you can help your child feel safe, included, and even excited about the changes ahead.

    Listen now and discover how to make welcoming a new baby smoother for everyone – one play schema a

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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    11 mins
  • 037 Sibling Conflict & Play Schemas: A Guide for Parents of Toddlers
    Aug 7 2025

    Is your home filled with cries of “Muuuum, he took my toy!” or “She wrecked it again!”?
    If so, you’re definitely not alone and you’re absolutely in the right place.

    In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play Through Play Schemas, we’re diving deep into a topic every parent of more than one young child knows all too well: sibling conflict. But instead of seeing these daily dust-ups as something to avoid or “fix,” we’re reframing them as one of the most powerful learning tools in your child’s development.

    Here’s what most parenting books don’t tell you:
    Those toy squabbles, turn-taking tussles, and boundary battles between siblings aren’t signs that you’re failing as a parent... they’re signs of growth in action.

    And when you understand the hidden force behind many of these clashes... play schemas... everything starts to make a whole lot more sense.

    In this episode, we’ll unpack:

    • What play schemas are (like trajectory, positioning, transformation)
    • Why sibling conflict often happens when children’s schemas are clashing
    • How these repeated play urges are actually healthy and developmentally appropriate
    • How you can recognise the why behind behaviours, not just the what
    • Why these everyday moments help build empathy, boundaries, and emotional intelligence

    You’ll also walk away with 7 practical tools you can use today:

    1. How to pause and observe without immediately stepping in
    2. What to say when your kids both want the same toy, without taking sides
    3. How to narrate neutrally and coach instead of control
    4. Why naming emotions helps both children feel seen and heard
    5. Modelling “I” statements for calmer communication
    6. Creating a calm-down space that actually works (and isn’t a punishment)
    7. The power of reflecting after conflict for deeper learning

    Whether your little ones are 1 or 5, this episode is packed with real-life insight and practical strategies to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting siblings, through a lens of connection, not correction.

    We know you’re busy, probably listening while folding washing or wrangling nap time, so we’ve made this episode warm, supportive, and straight to the point. You’ll finish feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.

    You’re not raising “naughty” children. You’re raising learners. Explorers. Humans-in-training. And conflict , especially between siblings, is one of the richest (albeit noisiest!) classrooms they’ll ever have.

    So next time you hear “Muuum, he hit me

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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    9 mins
  • 036 You Can Always Make More Memories, But You Can’t Make More Time
    Jul 31 2025

    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

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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    9 mins
  • 035 Throwback Episode: The Magic Behind Repetitive Play | Episode 002
    Jul 23 2025

    “Why is my toddler always dropping things, spinning, or hiding under the table?”

    If you’ve ever found yourself asking this (or wondering if it’s normal)... this episode is for you.

    Hi, I’m Ruth from The Play Schemas Collective, and I help parents make sense of their child’s play, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the magic of toddlerhood (meltdowns and all 😉).

    In this episode, we’re going back to where it all began: Play Schemas 101.

    These repeating actions you’re seeing? They’re not random. They’re part of how your child thinks, explores, and learns. They're called play schemas, and understanding them is a game-changer.

    I’ll walk you through the 10 most common play schemas; what they are, what they look like in everyday life, and how you can support them without adding more to your plate.

    Here’s a little taster of what we’ll cover:

    Trajectory Schema – Think throwing, dropping, pushing. Your child’s learning about gravity, motion, and control.

    Transporting Schema – Carrying toys from room to room? That’s spatial learning and organisation in action.

    Enveloping Schema – Hiding under blankets or wrapping toys? They’re exploring boundaries and safety.

    Rotation Schema – Spinning wheels, twirling in circles… great for motor skills and balance.

    Connecting & Disconnecting – Building and breaking apart teaches cause and effect, problem-solving, and fine motor control.

    Enclosure & Positioning – Lining up toys, putting things “just so”… they're exploring order, maths concepts, and visual patterns.

    Orientation & Transformation – Looking at the world upside down? Mixing sand and water? Yep—that’s creativity, sensory exploration, and big-picture thinking at play.

    Plus, I’ll share simple ways you can support these play urges at home, without buying anything new or spending hours setting up fancy activities.

    If you’ve ever wondered why your toddler plays the way they do, this episode will help it all click into place.

    And remember, this knowledge doesn’t just help your child... it helps you feel calmer, more confident, and less like you're flying blind in the chaos of toddlerhood.

    Grab your FREE Play Schemas Cheat Sheet at www.playschemas.com/free and start recognising the patterns in your child’s play today.

    I’d love to hear how play is showing up at your place, send me your stories, questions or those “what is

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • 034 Why Is My Toddler Always Throwing Things? Understanding the Trajectory Schema
    Jul 17 2025

    Ever wondered why your toddler throws their food, launches toys off the couch, or can’t stop running back and forth? It’s not just chaos - it’s science in action.

    In this episode, I’m giving you exclusive access to one of the most-loved modules from The Play Schemas Collective - all about trajectory play. You’ll learn to spot the everyday signs that your child is exploring this powerful play schema, and most importantly, what it’s telling you about their development.

    We’ll unpack:

    • Why your child keeps throwing, dropping, and launching objects (and it’s not to wind you up!)
    • How fascination with movement is actually deep learning in disguise
    • What’s really going on when your child knocks over towers, flings socks, or can’t stop spinning
    • How to tell the difference between "bad behaviour" and a developmental drive that needs support
    • Practical ways to channel this energy into safe, satisfying play—without constant battles

    Whether you’re folding laundry, pacing the pram, or finally sitting with a cuppa, this episode offers insight that’ll change how you see your child’s play... less mess, more meaning.

    Want the free printable handout that goes with this episode? Grab it at playschemas.com/free

    Hit subscribe to follow along with more schema-deep dives and share this episode with a friend who’s tired of picking up thrown spaghetti!

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • 033 Getting Outside as a Family with Guest Adiva
    Jul 10 2025

    Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your kids out the door for a walk or a play at the park? You’re not alone. But what if those muddy puddles, long car rides, and slow wanders were actually building blocks for your child’s development?

    In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I am joined by Adiva, founder of @LittleTrailsNZ and mum of four, to talk about the power of outdoor play — and how it supports strong family bonds.

    Whether your child loves throwing sticks, lining up shells, or digging in the dirt, they’re engaging in deep, meaningful learning. And the best part? You don’t need fancy gear or perfect weather to make it happen.

    ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why the journey (yes, even the car ride!) matters as much as the destination
    • How following your child’s lead supports confidence and curiosity
    • Simple ways to prepare for mess, mud, and magic
    • How to start small and build up to bigger adventures
    • The underestimated power of snacks and toilets (trust us!)

    This one’s for the parents who want to get outside more but aren’t sure where to start — or how to make it work with toddlers in tow. It’s real, relatable, and packed with practical tips.

    Listen now and get inspired to create small moments of wonder with your tamariki — no matter the season.
    Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a comment letting us know your favourite outdoor activity!

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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    15 mins
  • 032 Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Now & Play Freely With Your Kids | Guest Caren
    Jul 2 2025

    Is your pelvic floor holding you back from truly enjoying play with your kids?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to help.

    Whether it’s needing to cross your legs when you sneeze, quietly avoiding playing chase the backyard... not to even mention the fear of hearing 'Mum's turn' when it comes to the trampoline. Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common for mums after pregnancy and birth. But just because it’s common… doesn’t mean it has to be your new normal.

    In this empowering episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I sit down with Caren from Empowered Mums Fitness , a mum-safe certified trainer and expert in pelvic floor health, to talk about what no one tells you about your pelvic floor until it’s already affecting your daily life.

    And yes — we’re talking wee, farts, tampons, and blueberries. You’ll never forget how to engage your pelvic floor after hearing this!

    What We’re Chatting About:
    This episode goes beyond the basics of pelvic health and dives into how a strong, responsive pelvic floor can help you get back to doing what you love most — playing, laughing, running, dancing, and living fully with your kids.

    We cover:

    • What actually is the pelvic floor? (And why it matters more than we realised)
    • How pregnancy and birth affect your body, even if you had a C-section
    • Why so many mums think leaking is “just the way it is” (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be!)
    • Easy tips to fit pelvic floor care into your busy life (hello, connection breath!)
    • The “fart, tampon, wee” trick for full pelvic floor activation (yes, it’s as memorable as it sounds)
    • That it’s never too late to start, whether your child is 1 or 31

    We know parenting little ones means you’re often folding laundry with one hand and wrangling a toddler with the other. That’s why this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and expert tips, all delivered in a down-to-earth, supportive tone that feels like chatting with a good mate over a cuppa.

    You deserve to play, run, dance, and laugh with your children — without fear of leaking, pain, or shame.

    Because today is a great day to play — and you shouldn’t have to plan it around the toilet.

    Want to connect with Caren?
    www.empowermefitness.

    Send us a text

    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.

    Support the show

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

    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.

    Facebook and Instagram
    @play_schemas
    Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
    www.playschemas.com

    and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins