Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas

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 this week, I’m joined by Ally from @EntwinedParenting, who shares her 5 top tips for welcoming a newborn into the family, with a big focus on looking after yourself as a mum.

This episode is all ab...

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 navigating your own emotions, it’s easy to wonder: How will my little one cope when the baby arrives?

In this practical episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I’m sharing exactly how...

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, we’re diving deep into a topic every parent of more than one young child knows all too well: sibling conflict. But instead of seeing these daily dust-ups as something to avoid or “fix,” we’re reframin...

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 feel long, but the years pass quickly, and it can leave us wondering: Am I making the most of this time with my child?

In this heartfelt episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, I...

“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 The Play Schemas Collective, and I help parents make sense of their child’s play, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the magic of toddlerhood (meltdowns and all 😉).

In this episode, we’re going back to where it all began: ...

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 most-loved modules from The Play Schemas Collective - all about trajectory play. You’ll learn to spot the everyday signs that your child is exploring this powerful play schema, and most importantly, what it’s t...

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?

In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I am joined by Adiva, founder of @LittleTrailsNZ and mum of four, to talk about the power of outdoor play — and how it supports strong family bond...

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 backyard... not to even mention the fear of hearing 'Mum's turn' when it comes to the trampoline. Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common for mums after pregnancy and birth. But just because it’s ...

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 sounds familiar, you are so not alone. In fact, many loving, involved parents feel exactly the same. And in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why play can feel so hard and what can actually help.

Whether you’re a ...

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 busting the myth that early literacy needs to look like formal learning and showing you how play, movement, and everyday conversations are actually doing the heavy lifting.

Join host Ruth Vercoe and special guest Alex, from Firs...

Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You Think

Is 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 are actually your child’s way of connecting with you?

In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into a powerful parenting truth: connection doesn’t just happen through doing dishes and co...

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
Or flick me a DM on Instagram: @Play_Schemas

• Get FREE access during the BETA round
• Enjoy a FREE first month once we officially launch
• Book a personalised 1:1 coaching session with a play schema specialist (that’s me!)
• Receive early access to sc...

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 tensions many parents face: wanting to support our children confidence and independence, while still keeping them safe.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much risk is “too much” when your toddler i...

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 enou...

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 a gentle, effective way forward. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe introduces two simple, yet powerful words that can make all the difference: “when” and “then.”

Whether you're trying t...

Part 1 of 2

In 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 play schemas.

Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental ...

Part 2 of 2

In 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 play schemas.

Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental ...

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 if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind this common toddler behaviour.

In this episode, Ruth sits down with parenting and behaviour spe...

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 all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your little one is digging, transporting soil, or burying seeds, these actions aren’t random. They’re part o...