The Art of Playful Parenting

On today's episode, Jill dives into the chaotic world of parenting drama with a special "Am I the Asshole?" edition. She reads AITA posts and gives her unfiltered, unsolicited two cents. So who's right and who's wrong? Tune in and judge for yourself. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational dev...

In this episode, Jill, currently expecting baby #2, shares heartfelt, practical advice for parents preparing to welcome a child. Drawing on insights from past guests and her own experiences, she reflects on what really matters during this transition and what she wishes she knew the first time around. Whether you're newly pregnant or deep in the countdown, this episode offers encouragement, honesty...

Ever wondered why your child holds it together all day at school, only to come home and fall apart? You're not alone. In this episode, Jill dives into restraint collapse, a common but often misunderstood response in young children. We'll explore why this happens, how parents can recognize the signs, and practical strategies to support your child (and yourself) during those tough transitions. Get t...

In this episode, Jill is joined by moms and pediatricians Brooke, Hadley, and Saskia, the trio behind My Pediatrician Friend . Born from a constant stream of texts and calls from friends seeking trusted medical advice, their platform was created to offer something more personal and reliable than internet searches or crowded parenting forums. Together, we dive into the real highs and lows of mother...

The school year is here and whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, the transition from summer to school can be A LOT. In this episode, Jill shares three tips to help ease the shift, drawn from her experience as a former preschool teacher. Get the Starting School Strategies Masterclass by clicking here . Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Pa...

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Jill is joined by her favorite guest to date- her four-year-old daughter! They dive into the world as she sees it and the surprising wisdom only a preschooler could come up with. You won't want to miss this one! Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundationa...

In this episode, Jill dives into something she's currently experiencing firsthand: helping young children navigate big life transitions, specifically, moving to a new home. Change can feel overwhelming for little ones (and, let's be honest, for us parents too). Jill will share practical, manageable tips for creating a sense of safety and stability through the chaos of a large transition, ways to t...

In this raw and uncensored conversation, Jill sits down with Mackenzie and Myranda, licensed mental health therapists, moms, and hosts of the podcast Just Don't Eff Them Up to talk all things parental mental health. Together, they dive into the emotional trenches of parenting, explore how our own unhealed traumas show up in the way we raise our kids, and share real strategies for doing the inner w...

Does it ever feel like you're doing all the "right" things in parenting: staying calm, setting boundaries with love, offering choices, validating big feelings and yet… it still feels so hard ? You're not alone. In this episode, Jill pulls back the curtain and gets real about what it means to parent respectfully. She'll dive into what respectful parenting doesn't promise, what it actually looks lik...

In this episode, Jill dives into the hilarious world of play gone wrong. Think the absolute worst toys kids have ever unwrapped, the glitter you're still finding two years later, and when things just go totally different than you envisioned. If you've ever had a rogue LEGO injury, this episode is for you!  Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parentin...

In this powerful episode, Jill chats with trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith to explore the layered and often messy intersection of perfectionism, trauma recovery, and parenting. Elyssa shares her own courageous journey overcoming multiple forms of trauma. Together, they unpack how perfectionism and people-pleasing patterns can stem from early wounds, shaping how we show up as parents an...

We all want our kids to play, right? We have the best intentions and only want to be helpful, but often we're the ones getting in the way. On today's episode, Jill shares the three things parents do that disrupt their child's play and how we can shift those habits. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about f...

At the splash pad, a simple toy trade becomes a powerful lesson in boundaries, self-advocacy, and the quiet courage it takes to speak up, for both kids and parents. In this episode, Jill shares a story about her daughter, a moment of emotional growth, and the internal tug-of-war we face as parents: when to intervene, and when to simply stand beside our children as they find their voice. Want to wo...

Think play requires new toys, expensive outings, or a Pinterest-perfect setup? Think again. In today's episode, Jill shares three simple but powerful ways to invite more play into your child's day without buying a thing.  Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-a...

In this episode, Jill is joined by Mike Ticehurst and Casey Shimon, co-founders of Village, a virtual coaching platform designed to simplify the everyday challenges of parenting. We dive into our shared passion for supporting parents and discuss how supportive tools and routines can help transform chaos into calm. From the importance of preparation to creating predictable routines for kids, this c...

Patience. It is the one thing most parents wish they had more of with their children. In this honest episode, Jill dives into the real reasons why even the most loving parents lose their cool. Jill unpacks the psychological and situational factors that often push us over the edge. More importantly, we explore simple, practical strategies to help reduce explosive moments. Whether you're in the thic...

In this episode, Jill explores how simple household tasks can play a powerful role in fostering your child's independence, responsibility, and confidence. She'll share age-appropriate ideas, practical tips for getting your child involved, and insights into how these small moments build big life skills. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Me...

What do I even do with my baby all day? If you've ever felt this way, you are NOT alone. Today Jill explores the magic of infant play and how those tiny moments can have a big impact on your baby's development. Whether you're a new parent or just looking for fresh ideas, Jill shares simple, low-stress tips to engage your baby.   Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get starte...

In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, Jill is joined by Dr. Adrian Oxman, a licensed clinical psychologist with deep expertise in perinatal mental health, anxiety, and child development. Dr. Oxman shares so much wisdom and whether you're an expecting parent, a parent of young children, or someone supporting others on their parenting journey, you will not want to miss this episode! Learn more a...

Why do some kids say "sorry" all the time—even when they haven't done anything wrong? In this episode, Jill explores the roots of over-apologizing in children, what it can signal about their emotional world, and how caregivers can gently guide them toward confidence, self-worth, and more authentic communication. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Pa...

Choosing the right educational path for your child can feel overwhelming with so many options out there—Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, traditional, and more. In this episode, Jill breaks down the most common early childhood educational philosophies, what makes each one unique, and how to figure out which approach aligns best with your child's personality, needs, and learning style. Want to wo...

In this special 50th episode, Jill takes a moment to reflect on her podcasting journey so far. Jill also dives into the valuable insights she gained from a recent workshop on Conscious Discipline with Chazz Lewis. Conscious Discipline is a powerful approach to creating safer, more connected classrooms, homes, and communities. If you're looking for ways to create a more compassionate, connected, su...

In this episode, Jill is joined by Cara Tyrell, a Vermont-based Early Childhood Educator, mom of three girls, and the founder of Core4Parenting. Through her work, including keynotes, teacher training, and her top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years , Cara helps families and educators foster the 5 essential Executive Functioning Skills kids need to thrive in today's world. Tune in for in...

In this episode, Jill dive deep into the challenges facing parents in this generation—chronic stress, burnout, and the overwhelming pressure to "do it all." Jill unpacks why parents are more exhausted than ever and what we can do about it. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental...

In this episode, Jill dives into how the spaces around your child can profoundly impact their creativity, development, and learning. From the toys they have access to, to the way they're stored, every detail plays a role in shaping how children explore and interact with the world. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'...