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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
026 Why Imperfection Matters in Parenting - with Sophie Moskowitz
Ever feel like you’re the only one dropping the ball as a parent? Spoiler alert: you’re not, you're not alone in feeling this... and this episode might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed.
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re joined by Sophie Moskowitz from Imperfect Parents, who brings a powerful message every parent deserves to hear: you don’t have to be perfect to be enough. Together, we unpack the unspoken pressures of parenting in a world that often tells us we should “do it all” – and do it flawlessly.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing a “good enough” job, wrestled with guilt, or felt isolated in your struggles, this honest, hopeful conversation will remind you that you’re not alone. Sophie shares how her own parenting journey – filled with both heart and hardship – led her to create a community that celebrates the real, raw, and often messy experiences of raising kids.
In this episode, we cover:
- The myth of the “perfect parent” and why it’s time to let it go
- How unrealistic societal expectations are making parenting harder – especially for mums
- The emotional toll of comparison culture (and what to do instead)
- Practical mindset shifts to move from guilt to connection
- The magic of play – and how understanding your child’s play schemas can help you reconnect, even on tough days
- Why naming your struggles is the first step to finding freedom in them
You’ll come away with:
- Reassurance that you’re not failing – you’re simply human
- Tools to reframe your parenting expectations in a way that actually feels good
- Real-life stories that make you nod, laugh, and maybe cry a little
- Encouragement to embrace the imperfect, ordinary moments that truly matter
- A reminder that being “good enough” is not settling – it’s powerful
Sophie’s down-to-earth, no-judgement approach will speak straight to your heart – whether you’re parenting a toddler through tantrums, juggling multiple roles, or simply wondering if everyone else is doing it better than you.
This episode is a love letter to you, the parent showing up every day and doing your best – even when it doesn’t feel like enough.
Tune in now and give yourself the same compassion you so easily offer your kids.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, or leave a review if this episode resonates – it helps us reach more amazing parents just like you.
More for you:
Read the blog for more parenting insights: playsch
The Play Schemas Collective is now in BETA — and I'm inviting you to join for free.
This is your chance to test-drive a brand new membership designed to help you confidently support your toddler’s development through schema-based play.
Applications close June 26th, so don’t wait! Head to playschemas.com/beta to apply.
Want to hear all the juicy details first? Just listen to Episode 28, where I give you the full overview.
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
and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!