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Mama Making Podcast
The Mama Making Podcast is a space for moms making impact - in their communities, in their work, and in the everyday spaces that shape the world.
Hosted by Jessica Lamb, this show features honest conversations with women building, leading, creating, and mothering in ways that ripple outward. Each week brings a mix of solo reflections, expert interviews, and real stories from moms navigating growth in every season — from pregnancy and postpartum to leadership, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and beyond.
Because motherhood doesn’t pause growth. It often reshapes it.
Mama Making Podcast
Dr. Kim Van Dusen | Parenting Through Play: Building Better Behavior and Deeper Connection with Your Kids
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What if the key to less defiance, fewer tantrums, and a deeper connection with your kids wasn't another parenting strategy — but play?
In this episode, Jessica sits down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, and founder of The Parentologist, to talk about why play is one of the most powerful and underused tools in a parent's toolkit. From meltdown interventions to getting picky eaters to try new foods, Dr. Kim breaks down the practical, evidence-based tools from her new book Parenting Through Play — and makes the case that you don't have to be a "play parent" to use them. This one is for every mom who has ever felt like they're fighting their kid instead of connecting with them.
MAIN TOPICS COVERED
- Dr. Kim's background in play therapy and how she accidentally found her calling
- What play therapy is — and why it works when talk therapy doesn't
- The myth that play has to mean sitting on the floor for 30 minutes
- How playful moments woven into everyday life build the trust that reduces defiance
- The sand timer meltdown intervention — Dr. Kim's tried and true strategy
- Teaching emotional intelligence and regulation through play
- Play as a tool for picky eaters, homework resistance, and chore avoidance
- Why the connection you build through play makes consequences more effective
- Solutions for the overtired, overworked parent who doesn't have the energy
- Parenting Through Play — what's in the book and who it's for
RESOURCES MENTIONED
- Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication by Dr. Kim Van Dusen
- On pre-sale now — releases May 5th, 2026
- Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold
- The Parentologist Podcast — available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
- Website: theparentologist.com
- Instagram / TikTok / Threads / YouTube / X: @theparentologist
- Podcast: The Parentologist Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
This episode is sponsored by Collabs Creative - a digital marketing company supporting makers, creatives, and small business owners with all things digital and design.
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