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
55 episodes
054 The Secret Language of Play: How to Read What Your Child Is Telling You
Have you ever watched your toddler throw toys, empty your handbag for the tenth time, or spin in circles until they fall over, and wondered, why on earth are they doing that? This episode will help you finally make sense of it, and tru...
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Episode 54
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6:56
053 Water Play + Play Schemas: 10 Ways Kids Learn Through Splashing, Pouring & Play
Why is your toddler obsessed with pouring, tipping, splashing, and carrying cups of water around the house?In this episode, Shelly from HapiTap and I dive into the wo...
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Episode 53
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28:22
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052 A Playful Christmas: Understanding Your Child’s Play for Calm, Joyful Holidays
Is your toddler more interested in the box than the toy this Christmas? You’re not alone, and there’s a reason behind it!In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re kicking off our festive three-part miniseries, A Pl...
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Episode 52
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9:50
051 Nourishing Nutrition for Mums: Preconception to Postpartum with Hannah Eriksen
How can mums nourish themselves through conception, pregnancy, and beyond? NZ dietitian Hannah Ericksen from oh Goodness Nutrition joins Ruth...
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Episode 51
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26:56
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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
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Episode 50
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20:56
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049 Connect Before You Correct: Parenting Neurodiverse Kids with Compassion
Ever wondered how to truly connect with your neurodiverse child, especially when life feels like one long guessing game? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, host Ruth Vercoe welcom...
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Episode 49
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33:54
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048 Dinovember, Dinosaurs & Play Schemas: Turning Toddler Chaos into Connection
Discover the Magic of Dino-vember, and the Hidden Learning in Your Child’s Play!What if your child’s love of dinosaurs could actually help you understand why they play the way they do?In this fun and insightful episode of...
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Episode 48
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10:36
047 Why Knowing Your “Normal” Could Save Your Life
What if prioritising your own health could be the most important thing you ever do for your children? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation on Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe talks with Tamara Milne, a radi...
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Episode 47
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17:50
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046 How Play Builds Language: The Secret Link Every Parent Should Know
Did you know your toddler’s everyday play is secretly building the foundations for language and communication?If you’ve ever worried about whether your child is talking “enough,” or wondered how you can best support their speech and conf...
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Episode 46
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23:45
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045 Everyday Moments Matter: Turning Daily Routines Into Language-Rich Opportunities
How does play shape your child’s speech and language?If you’ve ever wondered whether those endless games of peek-a-boo, block towers, or toy tea parties actually do anything for your child’s speech development, you’re not alone....
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Episode 45
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22:09
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044 From Mess to Meaning: Baking and Child Development with Play Schemas
Ever felt like baking with your toddler is more mess than magic? You’re not alone. But what if I told you that the flour on the floor and the endless stirring are actually signs of learning in action?In this episode of Demys...
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Episode 44
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11:41
043 Baking with Kids Made Easy: Create Memories, Not Stress
Ever thought about baking with your toddler but stopped yourself because of the mess, the chaos, or the fear it’ll all go wrong? You’re not alone. Many parents love the idea of baking with their kids but find the reality overwhelming.<...
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Episode 43
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15:54
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042 Five things I wish I knew about Birth and Postpartum with Jade from Your Mama Journey
Feeling overwhelmed after birth? You’re not alone.In this week’s episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I’m joined by Jade from Your Mama Journey.
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Episode 42
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24:08
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041 Do Twins Really Need to Share Everything? 5 Insights for Twin Parents
Parenting twins is a beautiful gift but, it can also feel overwhelming. From double nappies to double tantrums, everything feels doubled. And when it comes to sharing, many parents wonder: Should twins always share? What if they’re constant...
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Episode 41
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22:55
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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
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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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