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 into playful insights that will help you bring more joy, connection and understanding into your parenting journey.
Get in contact at
Email Ruth@Playschemas.com
Facebook and Instagram @Play_Schemas
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas
011 Playing Together – How Adults Can Join the Fun Without Taking Over
Playing Together – How to Join the Fun Without Taking Over
Have you ever found yourself ‘playing’ with your child, only to realise that you’re the one in charge? One moment you’re happily stacking blocks, and the next, you’re directing the entire build like an overzealous project manager. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into the art of playing with your child—without taking over. If you’ve ever wondered how to join in their games while still allowing them to lead, this episode is for you.
Why This Matters for You and Your Child
Play isn’t just about keeping little ones entertained—it’s how they learn, express creativity, and process the world around them. But as adults, we often struggle to step back and let them take the lead. Maybe it feels unnatural, or you’re unsure what to do, or you slip into ‘teaching mode’ without realising. The good news? There’s a better way to support your child’s play without overshadowing their creativity.
Inside This Episode, You’ll Discover:
🔹 Why letting kids lead their play is key to their development and confidence
🔹 How to engage in play without turning it into an adult-led production
🔹 Four simple steps to join the fun—without taking over
🔹 Real-life examples of parents finding the balance between guidance and freedom
🔹 How to harness play schemas to make everyday tasks fun and engaging
Plus, we’ll explore easy, schema-based activities that transform everyday chores into playful learning moments. Whether your child loves throwing, transporting, spinning, or stacking, you’ll learn creative ways to channel their energy into helping around the house—without the battles!
Try This at Home!
This week, we’re setting a fun challenge: Try one schema-based activity from today’s episode and see how your child responds! You might be surprised at how naturally they engage in meaningful play when given the freedom to explore.
Let’s Connect!
If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on play, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences, tag us on social media, or leave a review—it helps other parents discover the magic of play schemas too. And don’t forget to grab your FREE Schema Cheat Sheet at playschemas.com/free.
Hit play now and discover how to make playtime more fun, connected, and stress-free for both you and your child! 🎧✨
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