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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
050 Create a Connected, Calm, and Joy-Filled Christmas with Your Child
What Your Child Really Wants for Christmas (It’s Not What’s Under the Tree)
This week on Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe is joined by Linda from The Thriving Home and The Connection Couple to explore what truly makes Christmas magical... connection. If you’ve ever felt torn between creating a picture-perfect holiday and actually being present with your kids, this episode will help you slow down, simplify, and reconnect.
Linda shares her and her husband Matt’s Connection First Parenting approach, a practical, research-backed framework built around four key pillars: connection, repair, responsibility, and developmental awareness. Together, they unpack how these ideas can transform the way families experience the festive season.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why connection is at the heart of all positive parenting, especially at Christmas.
- How to plan for connection (not perfection) with simple, stress-free ideas.
- The neuroscience behind why your child remembers moments, not gifts.
- How the Thriving Advent Calendar turns December into 24 days of meaningful family connection.
- Simple ways to slow down and make space for presence over pressure.
Whether you’re baking cookies, decorating the tree, or wrapping presents, this episode reminds you that your child’s most cherished memories come from how it felt to be with you.
Listen in, breathe out, and rediscover the joy of a slower, more connected Christmas.
🔗 Show notes & links:
Find all the resources mentioned at playschemas.com/blog
If this episode resonates, please subscribe, share, or leave a review, it helps more parents find calm and connection this Christmas.
If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.
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!