024 Part 1 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier

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 load, it’s no wonder so many parents feel like they’re running on empty. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your routine or carve out hours of alone time to nurture yourself. You just need to notice what’s already happening.

In this warm and relatable conversation, host Ruth Vercoe is joined by guest Hannah (a fellow mum and lover of play and self care). Join us as we explore how play schemas — those quirky, repeated play behaviours like throwing toys, hiding under blankets, or lining up blocks — can be used as a practical, joyful framework to support both your child’s development and your emotional wellbeing.

Together, we share real-life examples, lightbulb moments, and surprisingly simple ideas that can transform the way you see playtime — not just as a way for your child to learn, but as a tool for you to reset, recharge and reconnect.

You’ll hear:

• What play schemas actually are — and why your child keeps doing that one thing over and over again
• How common schemas like trajectory, transportation, enveloping, and connection support your child’s early learning
• How to pair each play schema with gentle, achievable self-care moments for yourself (yes, even when you're touched out and running on coffee!)
• Why “playing alongside” your child is a powerful act of connection, and how it models emotional regulation and resilience
• Encouragement to let go of guilt and embrace the beautifully imperfect rhythm of parenting
  
  

Whether you’re stomping on crunchy leaves, spinning in circles in the kitchen, or wrapping up toys in a blanket fort — these everyday moments can be a form of self-care.

This episode is perfect for you if:

• You’re parenting toddlers or preschoolers and want to understand their behaviour more deeply
• You’re craving ways to care for yourself without needing hours alone or a spa day
• You want to feel more present, connected, and emotionally balanced as a parent
• You’re curious about how child development and parent wellbeing can go hand in hand

Ruth and Hannah speak with the understanding of mu

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

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
[e-mail]
www.playschemas.com

and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!