Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years

Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years

Confused by all the parenting resources? Looking for the definitive voice? Let our experts cut through the noise. Subscribe to the Bright Horizons® podcast, "Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years." Listen as parents and early childhood educators come together to cull the competing advice, separate fact from fiction, and focus on what does – and doesn't – matter during these early years. Be more confident, have less worry…and let Bright Horizons help make parenting the joy it was meant to be.

Episodes

Ep. 90 | Borrow My Calm: Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Regulate Big Emotions | TPL

June 23, 2026 • 31 mins
What does it really mean to be "regulated" and why does it feel so much harder when kids are involved? In this episode, Claire and Rachel break down the science and the reality of emotional regulation for both children and adults. Explore. You'll learn why regulation is a skill that takes time, practice, and support to build and how to support co‑regulation with practical, playful strategies you can start using today. _____________...
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Ep. 89 | REPLAY: Traveling with Children | TPL

May 26, 2026 • 40 mins
Traveling with kids is a popular parenting topic and for good reason. In this replay of a listener‑favorite episode, Rachel and Claire share their own family travel experiences along with simple, practical tips to help you plan your next trip. Family travel isn't always easy, but it's often worth it. This episode encourages realistic expectations, getting kids involved, and savoring the moments that turn into meaningful memories. _...
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Ep. 88 | Serve and Return: Build Your Child's Brain Through Interactions | TPL

April 28, 2026 • 16 mins
One of the easiest ways to support your young child's development? Everyday back-and-forth interactions. In this episode, Rachel and Claire explain "serve and return," why it matters, and how to do it – even with newborns. Plus, tips like using parentese to build language and connection. No apps, no flashcards, just you and your child. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podc...
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Ep. 87 | REPLAY: How to Approach Hitting and Biting | TPL

March 24, 2026 • 18 mins
Biting, hitting, kicking, yelling "I hate you!" – big behaviors can overwhelm young children and adults alike. Why do these outbursts happen and how can you respond? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss unpack the common causes behind physical aggression, how to handle it in the moment, and what you can do to help your child build healthier emotional and communication skills. ______________________________...
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Ep. 86 | Bedtime Struggles and How to Handle Them | TPL

February 24, 2026 • 21 mins
Bedtime can be sweet… or a total showdown. In this episode, we unpack why young kids resist sleep and share simple, proven strategies to make evenings calmer. From creating a routine that sticks to giving kids choices that work, you'll learn how to turn bedtime from chaos to connection. Tune in for tips you can use tonight! ______________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting questio...
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Ep. 85 | Picky Eating—Why It Happens and What Helps | TPL

January 27, 2026 • 24 mins
Struggling with picky eating at home? You're not alone! In this episode, Rachel and Claire explain why picky eating is a typical occurrence with young kids and share practical, research-backed tips to make mealtimes less stressful. Learn how to introduce new foods without pressure, create a positive mealtime routine, and keep nutrition on track without turning your kitchen into a short-order diner. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple P...
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Ep. 84 | Inspiring a Lifetime of Reading | TPL

December 23, 2025 • 38 mins
Join us live from the NAEYC Annual Conference as we celebrate 25 years of Bright Horizons' Growing Readers program and explore how to spark a lifelong love of reading. ___________ Hosts Claire and Rachel share research on nationwide declining reading habits, why early literacy matters, and practical tips for families – from creating cozy reading spaces and choosing high-quality books to making reading fun with props, voices, ...
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Ep. 83 | Helping Kids Feel Capable: The Power of Agency | TPL

November 25, 2025 • 28 mins
Ever heard your child's teacher mention "agency" and wondered what it actually means? In this episode, Claire and Rachel unpack this buzzword and explore how agency—your child's ability to make choices, take initiative, and persist through challenges—can shape everything from friendships to future careers. With relatable stories, expert-backed insights, and practical strategies you can use at home (yes, even with toddle...
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Ep. 82 | Parenting Tips for Managing Big Emotions | TPL

October 28, 2025 • 28 mins
Meltdowns, tantrums, and emotional overloads—young children feel big, and sometimes it all spills out. In this episode, Claire and Rachel share practical strategies for helping children navigate overwhelming moments, whether it's a new routine, a big life change, or just a tough day. With relatable stories and expert-backed tips, you'll learn how to support your child's emotional regulation while staying grounded yourself. St...
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Ep. 81 | You Ask, We Answer: Tantrums, Parenting Styles & More | TPL

September 23, 2025 • 24 mins
In this special episode, Claire and Rachel settle into a fresh new studio to tackle some of the parenting questions that matter most—straight from the parents in the Bright Horizons community. From tantrums and bedtime meltdowns to navigating mismatched parenting styles and anxiety about school drop-offs, our hosts break down the why behind kids' behavior and offer grounded, expert-backed strategies you can use today. *** Str...
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Managing Separation Anxiety in Young Children - Episode 80

August 26, 2025 • 19 mins
While separation anxiety can be tough for both parents and children, it's reassuring to know it happens because we love each other so very much. Establishing daily routines and rituals – paired with patience and grace -- will help your child trust the process. And YOU can find comfort in knowing that your child is in good hands, even on the most difficult days.
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Discussing Stressful Current Events with Children | Teach. Play. Love. Episode 79

July 22, 2025 • 23 mins
In this repeat episode, we explore effective strategies and resources for helping children navigate current world events and manage their emotions. Learn how to discuss stressful topics with your child and provide emotional support for both them and yourself.
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Having Fun Playing with Your Kids | Teach. Play. Love. Episode 78 (REPLAY S6:E57)

June 23, 2025 • 26 mins
Join us for a replay of one of our classic episodes! "Having Fun Playing with Your Kids" Listen to this episode of Teach. Play. Love. To learn why play is one of the most important things a child can do each day and get advice on how to have fun playing with your kids. Play allows children to experiment with concepts and ideas to make sense of the world around them. Setting aside time each day to play with your child can foster the...
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Ep 77: Parenting Styles and Child Outcomes

May 29, 2025 • 36 mins
It's not just nature vs. nurture — it's nature AND nurture. Join Rachel and Claire as they dive into the research and explore various parenting styles, including which one best serves children as they grow and thrive.
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Ep 76: Raising a Kind Child

April 29, 2025 • 30 mins
The nurturing relationships and interactions that children have in their first 5 yrs are instrumental to developing true kindness later on. Join Claire and Rachel as they discuss strategies to foster and encourage kindness in your child. Modeling behavior, labeling your emotions, establishing values and more, all help your child grow up with the type of real empathy that will be valuable throughout childhood, adolescence and beyond...
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Why Children Need Pretend Play

April 3, 2025 • 41 mins
Pretend play is fun and a fundamental aspect of healthy child development! Join Rachel and Claire as they discuss the stages of imaginary play, why this type of play is so critical for a growing brain and body, and ways to encourage more pretend pay at home.
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Ep 74: What Happened to My World REPLAY

February 25, 2025 • 18 mins
Join us for a replay of one of our classic episodes! "What happened to my world?" "Am I going to be okay — will everyone be okay?" When stress and trauma disrupt your child's life, what can you say and do to help them feel safe and secure? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss say the four pillars of security — people, places, routines, and rituals — can guide your child through difficult times....
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Ep 73: Building Confidence in Young Children

January 28, 2025 • 36 mins
Join early education experts Rachel Robinson and Claire Boss at the NHSA Parent and Family Engagement Conference as they delve into the essential role of confidence in children's development. Discover practical strategies and insights to help parents and educators foster resilience and self-belief in young minds.
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Ep 72: Encouraging Sharing & Taking Turns REPLAY

January 7, 2025 • 20 mins
At what age should a child understand the concept of sharing, and how can we equip them with the tools to develop this important life skill? In this replay of a past episode, join our early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss as they discuss developmentally appropriate expectations around taking turns and sharing, how to practice and model sharing with your child, and when it's actually okay not to share.
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Ep 71: Encouraging Independence and Self-Help Skills

November 26, 2024 • 22 mins
Discover why teaching independence and self-help skills makes a big impact on child development. Early education experts Rachel Robertson & Claire Goss share practical tips to help your child gain confidence and self-reliance.
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