CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 28
Open-Ended Play, Loose Parts and Playdates
Play advocates often talk about the importance of open ended play, open ended play materials and having play be child led instead of adult led. There is a popular theory called Loose Parts was developed by Simon Nicholson in 1971. He wrote a paper entitled “How NOT to cheat children”. The “loose parts” he talks about are the materials that children can play with, and they can be used in a variety of ways to encourage creativity, experimentation and invention. This type of play is also perfect for practicing flexible thinking and for seeing someone else’s point of view. The same materials/prompts can lead to very different creations. For open-ended playdate ideas, take a listen!
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Resources mentioned in the podcast:
If you want to hear my thoughts on why I love playdates, iisten to episode 15 of the Calm and Connected podcast here.
Need some tips for a successful playdate? Listen to episode 17 of the Calm and Connected podcast here.
Want more playdate ideas? You’re in luck, I’ve got the Ultimate Playdate Guide. Get it here!
Over the past decade, families have been feeling the pressure more than ever. From social media and constant screen time to the shared stress of the global pandemic and rising expectations for both parents and kids — it’s easy to feel disconnected and overwhelmed. In this episode, we explore how families can navigate these challenges, reduce stress, and build stronger, more connected relationships at home.
In this episode Ronnie and Janine discuss:
In this episode they discuss:
Food is magic! Cooking together as a family has lots of benefits. As well as being a time to learn and teach such a key life skill. It presents an opportunity to share family recipes, whether they are cultural recipes or family recipes passed down through the generations is a beautiful moment for families to share together.
In this episode they discuss:
We all know the 5 senses and learned them from the time we started school. But did you know there are actually 8? Unpacking and understanding these can help us to understand yours and your child's needs and how you move around your space well. Joining Janine is Occupational Therapist, Sarah Collins who unpacks the senses and encourages you to find the words and strategies that work for your child's sensory needs.
Today Sarah and Janine discuss:
As parents, we are concerned that our kids and teens may engage in high risk behaviors as they grow up. How can we, as parents, encourage our children away from engaging in these high risk behaviors? Or, if they are already doing any of these behaviors, how can we encourage them to stop them?
In this episode Carrie and Janine discuss:
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
Exploring different coping strategies helps us expand our child’s toolkit of strategies that work. But sometimes, it’s a challenge to get kids to try new skills. In this summer series, Janine tries to make it easier by walking you through six different strategies which she invites you to try with your child. Practice each one a few times to see if it’s a strategy that your child likes, and if they want to add it into their coping skills toolkit.
In today’s episode…
All of us have the same values, these are to be seen, heard, understood and to be appreciated and know we belong. What are your needs? How much time do you give to look after you? Do you find you give so much to your kids, that you find yourself overwhelmed when you try to connect?
In this episode Janine and Sonali speak about: