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Wait, Am I Saving the World? | Conversations on Childhood
Conversations for the people that care about creating happier, healthier childhoods.
Wait, Am I Saving the World? is a podcast about exploring childhood, wellbeing, and the everyday ways adults can support healthier, happier childhoods.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, director, social worker, caregiver, or child-focused professional, this show offers honest conversations, reflection, and practical ideas to help you navigate childhood and the grown-up work of caring for kids without losing yourself in the process.
Hosted by Carrie Speed, social worker and founder of PlayMotion Kids, a movement, music, and mindfulness enrichment program for early childhood centers, each episode explores what it truly takes to show up for kids today.
We explore topics like behavior, resilience, emotional well-being, trauma-informed care, sensory needs, play-based learning, mindfulness, movement, whole-child wellness, and the everyday science of connection.
Carrie also certifies and licenses instructors who want to bring movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning to their own communities.
Because when more adults are supported, equipped, and encouraged, the impact for kids grows.
If you care about kids, you belong here.
Together, we’re exploring what it truly takes to support the next generation—one conversation at a time.
Wait, Am I Saving the World? | Conversations on Childhood
EP 18 Raising Confident Kids Without Fear-Based Teaching (Inside the Dance Studio) w/Leslie Kuny
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What does it actually look like to build confident, resilient kids without fear, shame, or outdated teaching methods?
In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, I’m joined by dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner Leslie Kuny, who’s been working with kids for over 20 years. We talk about what’s changing in the world of dance (and childhood in general), and why the old-school, fear-based approach just doesn’t work anymore.
Leslie shares how she creates a studio environment where kids feel safe, supported, and still challenged—without losing the joy of movement. We get into body image, confidence, boundaries, and why play matters more than ever for today’s kids.
This conversation is especially helpful for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who wants to build strong, confident kids in a healthier, more human way.
What we cover:
- What resilience actually looks like in kids
- Why fear-based teaching backfires
- How dance culture has impacted body image (and how to shift it)
- What parents should look for in a dance studio
- Why kids today struggle with unstructured movement
- How to set boundaries while still keeping things fun
Connect with Leslie Kuny
- Instagram: @lesliekuny
- YouTube: Leslie Kuny Dance
- Podcast: Dancing Through It
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leslie Kuny and Her Journey
04:13 Creating a Supportive Dance Studio Culture
06:39 Philosophy of Teaching and Student Engagement
11:21 Addressing Body Image and Self-Perception in Dance
16:29 Healthy Conversations About Bodies and Movement
20:22 Parental Guidance on Body Image and Dance Studios
25:29 The Importance of Play and Unstructured Movement
32:21 Boundaries and Classroom Management in Dance
41:12 Conclusion and Connecting with Leslie Kuny
FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners
IG: better.childhood.project