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
Episodes
41 episodes
040 5 Messy Play Tips Every Parent Needs with Sam from Messy Mates
Messy play can feel like chaos… but what if it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your child’s learning, confidence, and connection?In this episode, I sit down with Sam, founder of Messy Mates, to talk about the hidden magi...
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Episode 40
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14:20
039 New Baby, New Balance: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Your Baby
Bringing a new baby into the world is magical, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, adjusting to life as a bigger family, and trying to find time for yourself, it’s easy for mums to feel stretched thin. That’s why ...
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Episode 39
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22:28
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038 Welcoming a New Baby? Help Your Toddler Adjust with Less Stress & More Connection
If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler and you’ve got a newborn on the way, you already know it’s about to be a season of big feelings, big changes, and a whole lot less sleep. Between preparing the cot, stocking up on nappies, and navi...
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10:54
037 Sibling Conflict & Play Schemas: A Guide for Parents of Toddlers
Is your home filled with cries of “Muuuum, he took my toy!” or “She wrecked it again!”?If so, you’re definitely not alone and you’re absolutely in the right place.In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play Through Play Schemas<...
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Episode 37
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8:39
036 You Can Always Make More Memories, But You Can’t Make More Time
If you’re a parent of toddlers or preschoolers, you’ll know that feeling all too well—time seems to slip through your fingers. One moment your baby is crawling, the next they’re racing across the playground with fearless determination. The days...
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Episode 36
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8:41
035 Throwback Episode: The Magic Behind Repetitive Play | Episode 002
“Why is my toddler always dropping things, spinning, or hiding under the table?”If you’ve ever found yourself asking this (or wondering if it’s normal)... this episode is for you.Hi, I’m Ruth from
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Episode 35
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20:06
034 Why Is My Toddler Always Throwing Things? Understanding the Trajectory Schema
Ever wondered why your toddler throws their food, launches toys off the couch, or can’t stop running back and forth? It’s not just chaos - it’s science in action.In this episode, I’m giving you exclusive access to one of the mos...
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Episode 34
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8:50
033 Getting Outside as a Family with Guest Adiva
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your kids out the door for a walk or a play at the park? You’re not alone. But what if those muddy puddles, long car rides, and slow wanders were actually building blocks for your child’s development?<...
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Episode 33
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15:01
032 Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Now & Play Freely With Your Kids | Guest Caren
Is your pelvic floor holding you back from truly enjoying play with your kids?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to help.Whether it’s needing to cross your legs when you sneeze, quietly avoiding playing chase the backya...
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Episode 32
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27:22
031 “I Can’t Play With My Kids”: Why It Feels So Hard and What Actually Helps
Ever feel like you should be playing with your child… but you just can’t bring yourself to do it?Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you feel silly or awkward. Maybe you’re not even sure how to play anymore.If this sound...
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Episode 31
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15:09
030 Play, Not Pressure: How Everyday Play Builds Your Child’s Literacy Foundation with Alex Weehuizen
Worried your toddler isn’t “school ready”?Feel like you should be doing flashcards, worksheets, or alphabet drills — but it just doesn’t sit right?This episode is your deep breath and warm reassurance. We’re bustin...
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Episode 30
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33:01
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029 Why Play Builds Connection With Your Child
Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You ThinkIs your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours a...
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Episode 29
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11:45
028 Unlock Your Child's Learning Through Play: Join 'The Play Schemas Collective' BETA
Apply to Join the BETA Test Group – Spaces Are Limited!Applications close 26 June 2025. Only 5 spots available.For more information and to apply now, head to https://playschemas.com/beta<...
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Episode 28
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7:32
027 Why I Still Say “Be Careful” Even Though I Love Risky Play
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Be careful!” — even when you’re trying to let your child take healthy risks? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack one of the biggest t...
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Episode 27
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13:50
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 <...
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Episode 26
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23:36
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025 Parenting Hacks: Master ‘When’ & ‘Then’ Magic!
The Two Words That Will Transform Your Parenting — “When” and “Then”Are you tired of endless toddler negotiations, meltdowns during transitions, or repeating yourself a hundred times a day? You’re not alone — and there is...
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Episode 25
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9:03
024 Part 2 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier
Part 2 of 2In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through pla...
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Episode 24
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19:40
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024 Part 1 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier
Part 1 of 2In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through pla...
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Episode 24
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17:37
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023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do About It with Heather Schalk
Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose? You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering...
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35:22
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022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play Schemas & Child Development
What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best?In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and al...
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Episode 22
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21:41
021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play Schemas
Free download available! Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free
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Episode 21
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13:59
020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents with Victoria Barendsen
Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.comAs parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start?H...
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Episode 20
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28:48
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019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in Parenting
Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your ChildDo you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding...
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Episode 19
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11:27