Play Happens Podcast

What if parenting going backwards is actually a good thing?After years of adding more to childhood - more activities, more learning, more experiences and more structure - are we starting to remember the value of something much simpler?In the first episode of Season 3, I explore why the return to slower childhoods, boredom, independent play and unstructured time might actually be a really positive shift.Because giving children time to simply play isn't doing less. It might be giving them exactly what they need.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this with someone who could use a little more “just let them play” in their life.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered in the podcast?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

As we wrap up Season 2 of Play Happens Podcast, this episode is a love letter to childhood.Before they grow up, before the cardboard boxes stop becoming spaceships and the puddles lose their magic, let's pause and remember why play matters. Not because it prepares children for life, but because it is childhood.This is a gentle reminder to slow down, protect play and savour the ordinary moments that become the memories our children carry forever.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this with someone who believes children deserve more time to play. We’ll be back for SEASON 3!!Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Do you ever lie awake wondering if you're getting parenting "right"?In this episode, I explore the constant self-questioning so many parents experience - from screen time and boundaries to play, boredom and comparison. Discover why the fact that you're asking these questions might actually be a sign you're doing a better job than you think, and how to find a balance between what we know about child development and what works for your family.Because good parenting isn't about getting every decision perfect - it's about showing up, learning and growing alongside your child.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this with the parent who overthinks every decision.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Having a newborn and a toddler means juggling two very different stages of development and it can feel impossible to meet both of their needs.In this episode, I share what I learnt during our "two under two" months, how letting go of expectations made the transition easier, and practical ways to support play for both children without adding more pressure to your day.Because play doesn't have to be perfect - it just has to work for your family.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this with someone who is navigating life with a newborn and toddler and needs the reminder that flexibility is okay.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Independent play isn't something children either can or can't do - it's a skill that develops over time. In this episode, we're unpacking why children often ask adults to play, what's really behind those constant requests for our attention and practical, realistic ways to gently build confidence in independent play. If you've ever wished for ten uninterrupted minutes to drink your coffee or finish folding the washing, this episode is for you.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this with someone who want their child to be able to play more independently. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.