Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#15: The Power of Play: Why Adults Need It Just as Much as Kids with TJ Matton
When we think of play, we often think of children—but what if play is just as essential for adults? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam sit down with TJ Matton, a psychotherapist and coach specializing in developmental trauma and play for adults. They explore how play is a biological necessity, not just a pastime, and how reintroducing play into our lives can improve mental health, flexibility, and even parenting.
TJ also breaks down different play styles, why some adults struggle with play, and how trauma and societal expectations often lead us to abandon it. Plus, practical tips on how even the busiest parents can reconnect with play for a more joyful, balanced life.
About TJ
TJ Matton is a social worker, psychotherapist, and coach that specializes in developmental and relational trauma and how to integrate play back into adulthood. Play is a biological need across the lifespan that is chronically neglected in adulthood. TJ is helping adults integrate play into their mindfulness work and reclaim play because cause joy is awesome, important, and needed.
Connect with TJ
Website: theplayfulrevolution.com
IG: @theplayfulrevolution
Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?
Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.
Contact us: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
Follow us:
Work with Us:
Sam: Teen Savvy Coaching
- Join The Teen Savvy Parent Hub
- Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Dr. Melissa: Annapolis Psychiatry
Follow & Review the Pod: Click to follow on Apple Podcasts or to follow on Spotify.
You can use those same links to leave us a review! So easy and so appreciated!