Ep76: Transforming Relationships Through Child-Directed Play

Things You Learn in Therapy

Ever feel like playtime with your child is a struggle rather than a joy? Do you grapple with taking a backseat and letting your child lead? This episode might just change your perspective on play. We sit down with child play expert, Colleen Martinez, and take a deep look into the world of child directed play. We share our own initial resistance to this method and how it significantly improved our interactions with children over time. Together, we unpack the powerful principles of child-centered play therapy and its overlap with parent-child interaction therapy.
As we journey through the podcast, we delve into the common hiccups that you might face when allowing a child to command the play. We identify four key areas that might block a successful child-led play experience: asking too many questions, feeling the need to entertain, competing, and exerting control. Instead of these, we propose embracing observation, praising simple comments like "I see what you're doing". We also present an easy-to-follow model for setting empathetic and accepting boundaries. We encourage you to experiment with just 15 minutes of child-led play a week - you might be surprised at the positive changes it brings!
We wrap up the episode by focusing on the pivotal ACT model for limit-setting and its application in parenting. It's not just about enforcing rules, but providing healthier alternatives for children. We stress the importance of understanding and respecting a child's needs and desires while still setting appropriate boundaries. Lastly, we delve into the benefits of child-directed play for children - it's a safe and nurturing platform for self-expression and emotional processing. So, prepare to tune in, learn and evolve your playtime experiences with your little ones. It might just transform your relationship with your child in a beautiful and meaningful way. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

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