Play2Learn Podcast

In this short solo episode, Kelly Vincentini shares practical strategies and creative ideas to make summer enjoyable and enriching for kids while reminding parents they don't have to play the role of camp counselor. Hear how her family balances structured activities with unstructured free play to fosters independence, creativity, and healthy development. Key Topics: Establishing simple daily...

Heartfelt insights on motherhood, community building, and self-care from Allie Perkins-Lee, founder of Cuse Mom’s Club.  This episode offers tangible tips for navigating motherhood with little ones and building meaningful connections for moms in Central New York.  Main Topics Covered: The origin story of Cuse Mom’s Club and the importance of community for new moms How moms can look to Cuse Mom’s C...

 Navigating Youth Sports: Mental Health, Growth, and Parent Strategies with Sports Psychologist, Bridget Quinn Insightful episode for parents, coaches, and athletes on fostering healthy athletic experiences. In this episode, Bridget, a sports psychology professional with firsthand athletic and coaching experience, shares wisdom on building confidence, handling disappointment, avoiding burnout, and...

This episode dives deep into the crucial conversations parents and caregivers need to have with children about safety, body boundaries, online conduct, and recognizing danger signals. Featuring expert insights from McMahon Ryan, it offers actionable advice and resources to equip families in protecting their kids effectively.                                                           Key Topics: Tea...

Safety Starts Early: Crucial Conversations to Empower and Protect Your Children  This episode dives into essential safety conversations for children, covering topics from stranger danger and body safety to creating family safety plans, online safety and recognizing unsafe situations. Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers, it offers practical tips and scripts to empower childr...

Keywords cleaning, organization, mental clarity, parenting tips, decluttering, family routines, cleaning hacks, laundry management, home organization, self-care Summary In this conversation, Kelly Vincentini speaks with Jen Dixon, founder of Clean Slate CNY, about the transformative power of cleaning and organization in achieving mental clarity and calm. They discuss practical strategies for declu...

Summary  In this conversation, Barb Shepard, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in ANXIETY, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS, discusses the challenges parents face when their children have health anxiety or fears about sickness and/or vomiting. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when anxiety or OCD is influencing these questions and suggests strategies for addressing them effectively....

In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Jessica Butler, a licensed clinical social worker and certified child center play therapist, about the increasing anxiety in children and how families can navigate these challenges . They discuss the common causes and symptoms of anxiety, when to seek professional help, effective communication strategies for parents, therapeutic approaches used in child ther...

Cultivating Calm: Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Strategies with Trista Phillipson In this episode, we explore effective relaxation and mindfulness techniques designed for children, guided by yoga instructor Trista Phillipson. Discover practical tools that caregivers and educators can implement to help children navigate stress, overstimulation, and emotional challenges in a busy world. Little Yogis b...

This episode feels like a warm hug for all mothers. Tracy and Kelly are deeply honest and vulnerable as they discuss the early days of motherhood as well as the challenges that come with each new age/phase.  Takeaways: Motherhood often comes with unexpected challenges and emotions. It's important to share feelings of anxiety and vulnerability with others. Self-care is essential for mental hea...

This episode addresses so many of your questions regarding healthy physical development during the early childhood years.  As a pediatric OT, Sara explains the WHY and the HOW behind supporting your child's growth at home. -Why Child led Play is CRUCIAL for Sensory & Motor Development -Benefits of Outdoor Play and Ideas for Backyard Fun -Ideas for Indoor Motor and Sensory Play -Best Gift...

In this episode, Kelly interviews Sarah Salisbury, a seasoned nanny with nearly 20 years of experience. They discuss the importance of play in child development, daily routines for children, engaging activities for early learning, and the differences between nannies and babysitters. Sarah shares insights on various nanny models, responsibilities, legal aspects of hiring a nanny, and tips for findi...

In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Laura Vincent, licensed speech language pathologist, about the special education process for children under five. They discuss the importance of early intervention, how parents can navigate the evaluation process, and the types of services available. Laura emphasizes the need for parents to trust their instincts and seek help when they have concerns about th...

In this episode, Kelly interviews Rita Ho-Bezzola, the founder of Gooshi, a storytelling platform aimed at helping families navigate emotional challenges through literature. They discuss the importance of using books as tools for emotional development, the role of technology in parenting, and the significance of representation in children's literature. Rita shares insights on how Gooshi can b...

September is almost here and my family is starting to to feel the ultimate case of Sunday night blues.  As a teacher and mom myself, I've figured out there are certain routines and rhythms that help with the back to school transition.  In this short solo episode Ive outlined strategies to help YOU & YOUR CHILD for the changes that lie ahead in these next few weeks.  September is coming li...

On this episode, Kelly Vincentini speaks with Maggie McGarvie, a speech-language pathologist, about the importance of promoting language development in children, particularly during the early years. They discuss practical strategies for parents to engage with their babies and toddlers, emphasizing the significance of connection, narration, and minimizing distractions from technology. Maggie shares...

In this episode, Kelly speaks with Alicia Suskin, a doula and breastfeeding specialist, about her journey and the vital role of doulas in supporting families during labor and postpartum. They discuss personal birth experiences, the importance of emotional and physical support, and the misconceptions surrounding the role of doulas compared to midwives. Alicia emphasizes the need for trust and rappo...

In this engaging conversation, Kelly and Francesca Thomson explore the themes of motherhood, vulnerability, and community. They discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, the challenges of building connections as mothers, and the significance of embracing the journey of motherhood. Francesca shares her personal journey of career shifts after having kids and emphasizes the need for sup...

In this episode, Kelly & Alex speak with Barb Shepard, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in pediatric OCD and anxiety. They discuss the nature of anxiety, particularly in children, and how it manifests in various situations. Barb shares insights on recognizing clinical anxiety versus typical childhood worries, strategies for parents to manage anxiety at home, and the importance o...

In this conversation, Kelly Vincentini and Laura Vincent discuss common behavioral challenges faced by parents with young children, particularly focusing on the ages of one to four and a half. They explore strategies for managing transitions, the importance of understanding typical versus concerning behaviors, and the role of the child's environment in influencing behavior. Laura emphasizes t...

In this heartfelt conversation, Kelly Vincentini interviews her parents, Bob and Marybeth, reflecting on their 41 years of marriage and the lessons learned in parenting. They discuss the importance of unconditional love, sibling bonds, the challenges of parenthood, and maintaining a healthy marriage while raising children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of preparing children for inde...

On this episode, Kelly and Amy Mack explore the complexities of discussing grief and death with children. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, emotional honesty, and age-appropriate explanations.  Amy shares insights from her experience as a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist, highlighting how children understand and process grief differently at various...

Meet Jackie Clark, an experienced educator with a passion for nurturing joy and growth in children. We discuss the evolution of kindergarten, the shift to full-day programs, the impact of universal pre-kindergarten, and the essential skills children need to thrive in their early education.  Jackie emphasizes the importance of social skills, emotional readiness, and fostering independence in young...

In this episode of the Play to Learn Podcast we discuss our experiences and insights on traveling with children. We share nostalgic childhood travel memories, compare recent family trips to Disney and Atlantis, and emphasize the importance of planning, space, and sleep schedules for a successful family vacation.  The conversation also covers essential packing tips for traveling with kids, ensuring...

In this episode, we interview Laura Vincent, a regional program director for Liberty Post and licensed speech language pathologist. We discuss Laura's journey in the field of speech language pathology, the common concerns parents have regarding their children's communication development, and the differences between late talkers and those with language disorders. Laura emphasizes the impo...