Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas
Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, 'Why is my child doing that?'—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone.Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold the key to unlocking more meaningful play and connection.Join me each week as we dive...
023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do About It with Heather Schalk
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Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose?
You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind this common toddler behaviour.
In this episode, Ruth sits down with parenting and behaviour specialist Heather Schalk to uncover why toddlers really don’t listen — and it’s not wha...
022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play Schemas & Child Development
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What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best?
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your little one is digging, transporting soil, or burying seeds, these actions aren’t random. They’re part of play schemas—the natural, repetitive behaviours that show us how young children are making sense of...
021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play Schemas
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Free download available!
Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free
Feeling overwhelmed by all the Easter hype—and wondering how to make it meaningful for your toddler?
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into how you can use this Easter season to truly support your child’s development—without extra stress or sugar overload.
We’ll show you how...
020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents with Victoria Barendsen
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Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.com
As parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start?
How do we talk about it in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering? And how do we navigate such an important conversation without fear or discomfort?
You’re not alone in these concerns. In today’s world, we hear so much about unsafe physical touch, making it even...
019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in Parenting
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Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your Child
Do you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding play schemas and love languages can completely transform the way you interact with your little one—making parenting more intentional, fun, and fulfilling!
In this final episode of our Love Languages & Play series, we bring everything together to help you recognise, respond to, and nurture your child’s emotiona...
018 Acts of Service = Love in Action!
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Unlock the Secrets of Your Child’s Play: Play Schemas & Acts of Service in Parenting!
Have you ever wondered why your child insists on lining up their toys, spinning in circles, or moving objects from place to place? It might seem random (or even frustrating!), but these repetitive behaviours are actually part of their natural learning process. They’re called play schemas, and understanding them can transform the way you see your child’s play—helping you to nurture their development and reduce daily parenting struggles.
But there’s...
017 Loving your child through gifts and play
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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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016 Make Memories: Play & Quality Time Tips!
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Ever feel like your child is constantly throwing, spinning, or building the same thing over and over—and you’re not quite sure why? Or maybe you’re wondering how to give your child the quality time they crave without adding more to your already packed schedule? You’re not alone! In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re unlocking the magic behind play schemas and how they connect with the love language of Quality Time—helping you build stronger bonds with your child through their natural way of playing.
What Yo...
015 Why Your Words Matter: Affirmation in Play
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In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of child play through the lens of play schemas and the powerful impact of words of affirmation. Understanding why children engage in particular play patterns allows us to connect with them on a deeper level and support their growth more effectively. These schemas are not simply repetitive behaviors; they serve as gateways to developing essential skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness.
We discuss how to frame our communication to not only encourage our children but also help them understand the value of...
014 Play Schemas & The Love Language of Physical Touch | Understanding Your Child’s Needs
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Did you know that something as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a game of tag could be the key to your child feeling deeply loved and secure? In this episode, we’re exploring Physical Touch as a love language—how it shapes your child’s emotional development, why some kids crave it more th...
