Navigation Play Podcast

Practical tips from a real mom for getting your kids, little or big, outside during the winter months!

Do your kids help pack their own things for trips? Here's why it's important, and some tips for getting it done!

In a world that is turning up the pressure on our kids, it's extra important that our kids have a safe space to learn and grow without judgement!

In a world obsessed with "Safety First!" how do we take both risks and benefits into account?

What the heck is playwork?? I'll explain the basics, but feel free to explore more with these awesome resources: The Playwork Primer: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED511455.pdf The Playwork Principles: https://playwork.foundation/the-playwork-principles/ Pop-Up Adventure Play: https://www.popupadventureplay.org/

How can you help your children understand the joy of giving while building confidence and independence? Let them give gifts that are truly from them!

In a world of information overload and everyone trying to get parents to do "one more thing," why is the message of child-led play any different? We'll discuss Ginny Yurich's new book, "Until the Streetlights Come On" and how adding more play can make a difference in your life!

How do we make a truly inclusive environment for children of all abilities? A few loose parts and a little bit of freedom go a long way!

Should children be allowed to go up the slide? I think you know my answer to that.... Let's take a look at some common rules adults make on playgrounds, and how we can strike a balance to help our kids be their best! A great resource on the history of playgrounds (and some historic photos): https://savingplaces.org/stories/how-we-came-to-play-the-history-of-playgrounds/

Today's short episode contains one specific tip for adding more variety and options to your play space: empty containers!

What can you give your child that will help them decompress, build their strengths and creativity, create a strong sense of identity, AND build social-emotional skills and independence? We all have it, but it's in limited supply! Learn how to give your child the gift of time - time to play!

Let’s talk about this often misunderstood type of play. Risky play is so important! So, in today's episode we will talk about what risky play is, the different types of risky play, why it’s important, and ultimately, we will break it down into ways that this can be a normal part of your everyday play without stressing anyone out too much!

Why is getting into nature with your children important? After a trip to the Redwoods, I was reminded of the many benefits of time in nature for my children! Plus, don't miss my tips for exploring natural spaces with your family.

Join me as I explore Bob Hughes' 16 play types, so we can better understand the vast range of activities that children's play can involve! Here are some places to read more about the play types: https://www.playscotland.org/resources/play-types-poster/ https://issuu.com/playwales/docs/play_types https://playeverything.wordpress.com/play-and-playwork/play-types/

Are your kids independent? Do you want them to be more independent? Listen to explore what your child needs to be independent, and what that has to do with play!

Try out this tip to add a little fun and play to your everyday life! For silly holidays online: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/

Explore this question with me, both as a Mom and as a Playworker! How can you help support and respect your child's play while keeping your sanity?

Why are we even talking about play? Why does Navigation Play exist? Why does playwork exist? Because play is changing, and we need to be aware of that! Recommended reading: "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv "Balanced and Barefoot" by Angela Hanscom Let me know what you want to hear more about: Molly. NavigationPlay@gmail.com

What can you expect from the Navigation Play podcast? Learn about me, Molly, the owner of Navigation Play, my business, and the experiences that brought me to this place. I hope you'll be back for more episodes as we jump into the world of play together!