Play Skillfully

Kathy Eggers
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  • Education for Kids

Welcome to Play Skillfully, a podcast from the author of the award-winning curriculum A Year of Playing Skillfully and parent favorite, The Homegrown Preschooler. Join Kathy Eggers as she shares the latest research on the role of play and provides practical ideas to assist you in cultivating wonder and connection with your children. Kathy is the author of A Year of Playing Skillfully, A Summer of Playing Skillfully, The Homegrown Preschooler and 101 Easy, Wacky, Crazy Activities for Young Children.

  1. 20 hr ago

    BEFORE BIG: A guide to development, connection, and play in the first three years

    Before Big: A guide to development, connection, and play in the first three years. In this special edition of the PlaySkill podcast, host Ava Davis interviews child development specialist Kathy about her new book, Before Big. The conversation dives into the challenges parents face during the critical early years of childhood and how to navigate them with confidence and creativity. ## Understanding the Quiet Struggle of Parenting Kathy reveals that the period from birth to three years is often filled with stress and uncertainty for new parents. Many struggle to connect with their babies and feel overwhelmed by societal pressures to achieve early academic milestones. Kathy emphasizes that parents need guidance to make the most of these precious years, rather than viewing them as a burden. ## The Significance of the Phrase "Big Can Wait" The title of Kathy's book, Before Big signifies the importance of cherishing childhood before children grow up. Kathy insists that the early years should be about exploration, play, and allowing children to be curious, rather than rushing them into structured learning. This mindset fosters creativity and helps children develop a strong foundation for future learning. ## The Role of Play in Child Development Kathy discusses the critical role of play in a child's development. She argues that rigid schedules and early academic pressures can harm a child's brain development. Instead, allowing children to engage in open-ended play nurtures their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Kathy highlights that play is the foundation for learning and can lead to better outcomes in areas like math and science later on. ## Transitioning from Manager to Observer Kathy encourages parents to shift their mindset from being managers of their child's play to being observers. By stepping back and allowing children to explore on their own, parents can gain valuable insights into their child's interests and needs. This observational approach helps parents support their children more effectively and fosters independence. ## Key Takeaways - Embrace the early years as a time for exploration and play, rather than rushing into academics. - Allow children to develop their creativity and curiosity. - Understand that play is essential for brain development and future learning. - Shift from managing play to observing, which provides insights into a child's needs and interests. Kathy's insights in this episode reveal that the journey of parenting is filled with challenges, but by focusing on the early years and understanding the significance of play, parents can nurture their children's development effectively. For more on this topic, check out Kathy's book, Before Big, and explore how you can make the most of these formative years. You can buy your copy of Before Big at kathyeggers.com/store or from your favorite book retailer. The Play Skillfully podcast will be back in August with a new season!

  2. 16 Apr

    Unlocking Creativity in Children: Insights from Author and Artist Andy Harkness

    Join Kathy for an inspiring conversation with Andy Harkness, a Disney veteran and children's book illustrator, as he shares his journey from childhood art passions to creating meaningful children's books. Discover insights on nurturing creativity in children, the power of illustration, and the story behind his upcoming book 'Find the Sun.' Andy Harkness's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyharknessart/ 'Find the Sun' on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXXXXXX Maurice Sendak's 'Where the Wild Things Are' - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060254920

  3. 11 Mar

    Choosing to Homeschool with Chelsea Riley

    In this engaging interview, Chelsea Riley shares her homeschooling journey, insights on fostering a love for reading, balancing life with five children, and navigating the evolving role of AI in education. Discover practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for homeschooling parents.

  4. 25 Feb

    The Unschooling Summit with Esther Jones and Melissa Crockett-Joyoue

    The conversation explores the journey of unschooling, emphasizing the importance of community and connection, as well as the challenges encountered along the way. It also delves into the upcoming Unschooling Summit and its speakers, highlighting the significance of clarifying the concept of unschooling and of providing a platform for learning and community building. The Unschooling Summit features a diverse range of speakers and topics, including leaders in the Indian unschooling movement, grief and joy, and neurodivergent themes. The summit emphasizes human themes and the importance of relationships, offering a holistic perspective on unschooling and parenting. Takeaways Unschooling as a journey of discoveryThe importance of community and connection in unschooling Unschooling Summit features a diverse range of speakers and topicsThe summit emphasizes human themes and the importance of relationships. You can find Esther Jones on Instagram and learn more on her website. You can find Melissa Crockett-Joyoue on Instagram and learn more about her Weave ND Community on her site. To learn more about The Unschooling Summit, check out their Instagram or website. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and International Connection08:55 Defining Unschooling16:31 Unschooling Summit and Community Building22:49 Speakers and Topics at the Unschooling Summit

  5. 11 Feb

    The Importance of Connection with Melanie Ross

    In this episode, Kathy Eggers and Melanie discuss the realities of homeschooling, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the benefits of homeschooling, the challenges faced, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection with children as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning together as a family and creating meaningful memories, while also addressing the pressures parents feel about their children's education. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of honoring each child's individuality and fostering a supportive environment for lifelong learning.

  6. 30 Jan

    A Beautiful Mess: How Adaptability can be Your Superpower

    In this engaging conversation, Keri Vasek and Kathy Eggers explore the multifaceted journey of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, the significance of play in learning, and the challenges that come with parenting and education. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate the complexities of homeschooling while honoring each child's unique needs and interests. The discussion highlights the beauty of embracing the 'clunky' moments in the homeschooling process and finding joy in the unexpected. For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully. You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post. Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

  7. 14 Jan

    The First 1000 Days and Why They Matter

    In this conversation, Kathy Eggers discusses the critical importance of early childhood development, focusing on the first three years of a child's life. She emphasizes the significance of nurturing social-emotional skills, physical milestones, and cognitive growth through intentional parenting and play-based learning. Kathy shares insights on how parents can foster secure attachments, encourage physical activity, and enhance language development, ultimately laying a strong foundation for their children's future. For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully. You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post. Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

  8. 31/12/2025

    Wake Up and Dream: A conversation with Author, Amy Davis

    In this episode of the Play Skillfully podcast, Kathy Eggers welcomes Amy Davis to discuss her new book, "Dream Day." They explore the concept of setting aside a day to reflect on the past year and plan for the future, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, vision, and intentional living. Amy shares her journey from homeschooling mom to life coach and author, offering insights into how "Dream Day" can help individuals and families create meaningful traditions and set achievable goals. You can find Amy on Instagram and learn more on her website. You can purchase Dream Day on my Amazon Store.  For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully. You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post. Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

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About

Welcome to Play Skillfully, a podcast from the author of the award-winning curriculum A Year of Playing Skillfully and parent favorite, The Homegrown Preschooler. Join Kathy Eggers as she shares the latest research on the role of play and provides practical ideas to assist you in cultivating wonder and connection with your children. Kathy is the author of A Year of Playing Skillfully, A Summer of Playing Skillfully, The Homegrown Preschooler and 101 Easy, Wacky, Crazy Activities for Young Children.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathy Eggers
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kathy Eggers
  • Show Website
    Play Skillfully