The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Welcome to the Empowered Parent Podcast! This is your space to grow your confidence and skills in communicating, interacting, and understanding your children—so you can become the empowered parent you are destined to be.
In each episode, I speak with inspiring parents, therapists, and community leaders who truly understand the joys and challenges of parenting. Together, we explore a treasure trove of information and practical ideas for you to try at home.
We cover topics like:
- Celebrating neurodivergence
- School readiness
- The power of play
- Managing behaviors with compassion
- Discovering your and your child’s unique profiles
- Stories of parents finding strength and purpose through their parenting journey
This podcast is for all parents. It’s a place to build community and a sense of belonging—a space where you can ask questions, connect with others, and learn from experts who work with children every day.
Our goal is to empower you to:
- Learn more about yourself as a parent
- Take time for your own growth and well-being
- Discover new tools and resources to raise happy, confident kids
- Nurture your self-confidence in parenting
Let’s work together to make the world a better, more understanding, and compassionate place for everyone—young and old!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. I’d love to hear your topic suggestions and guest speaker ideas. Reach out via danabaltutis.com or join my Facebook community: My Therapy House And Friends Empowered Parent Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583062577433444
Let’s connect, grow, and thrive together!
The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Episode 68: Kerry Herbert (Early Childhood Teacher) - The Transformative Power of Play in Early Childhood Development
Kerry Herbert opens up about her 40-year journey as an early childhood teacher and her passionate belief in the power of play. With a twinkle in her eye and wisdom gained from decades of working with young children, Kerry shares why she considers play "the highest form of research," echoing Einstein's famous quote.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Kerry's ability to demystify the developmental stages of play. She expertly guides us through the progression from exploratory and solitary play to more complex cooperative interactions, while emphasizing that children naturally move back and forth between these stages as they encounter new situations. This insight alone helps parents understand why their child might seem to "regress" in certain play contexts.
Kerry challenges conventional thinking about sharing, explaining that it's not always developmentally appropriate to expect young children to share. She introduces the concept of a child's "play history"—the unique experiences and associations they bring to each play scenario that shape their responses. This fresh perspective invites parents to view children's reluctance to share not as defiance, but as a natural part of development related to concepts like object permanence and time perception.
Perhaps most reassuring is Kerry's advice for parents who feel awkward or inexperienced with play. She encourages starting where you're comfortable, gradually expanding your play repertoire by observing your child's reactions, and remembering that different family members can contribute valuable elements to a child's play experiences. Through vivid descriptions that bring play scenarios to life, Kerry demonstrates how simple interactions—like matching a child's jumping rhythm with a drumbeat—can build connection and communication pathways.
Whether you're preparing your child for kindergarten, supporting a sensory-seeking child, or simply wanting to enrich family playtime, this conversation offers practical wisdom delivered with genuine warmth. Visit our website to learn more about consulting with Kerry to develop personalized play strategies for your child's unique needs.
danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services
