Rediscovering Childhood

Mireia Lopez

Rediscovering Childhood is a refreshing podcast that invites listeners to explore the world of parenting and education through genuine conversations. Each episode features insightful discussions with parents, teachers, therapists, and experts who share their experiences and wisdom. The podcast encourages a re-examination of traditional approaches to raising children, offering practical tips for fostering deeper connections. With a focus on finding joy in everyday moments, "Rediscovering Childhood" celebrates the magic of childhood empowering listeners to nurture meaningful relationships.

  1. FEB 9

    Ep 58 - Joy is your birthright: How to reclaim it now with Jenny Elinora

    What if you could build genuine resilience for yourself and your family in just 10 seconds at a time? In this powerful conversation, joy weaver Jenny Elinora challenges everything we've been taught about when we're "allowed" to experience joy. With 25 years of working with children and a deep understanding of creative expression, Jenny reveals why waiting for the perfect moment to feel joy is keeping you stuck, and what you can do about it right now. In this episode, you'll discover: • Microdoses of play: Simple 10 second practices like shower gargling and tiny victory parades that build your joy baseline and create lasting resilience • Why perfectionism kills creativity: How to break free from the cultural lie that you must earn joy through productivity • The joy dial technique: A practical way to assess and intentionally increase your joy level throughout the day, even during difficult moments • How to role model joy: Why your own joyful moments teach your children resilience more powerfully than any structured activity • Creative voice activation: Discovering and reclaiming the creative expression that's been waiting inside you Whether you're navigating grief, divorce, daily overwhelm, or just feeling disconnected from joy, Jenny offers a radical perspective: joy isn't selfish when life is difficult; it's essential. And it doesn't require hours of free time or waiting until things get better. Ready to start building joy resilience? This episode will give you the permission and practical tools to begin right now. Listen now and discover how creativity and play are your birthright, not a luxury.

    47 min
  2. FEB 2

    Ep 57 - The Energy Flow Method: Building Connection Before Teaching Content with Robert Ahdoot

    What happens when a bright, curious child suddenly shutsdown and says "I hate school" or "I hate math"? In this transformative conversation, math teacher Robert Ahdoot reveals the simple truth that's changing classrooms worldwide: children don't hate learning, they hate not knowing how to do it. After nearly 20 years teaching and 2 million minutes ofcontent viewed monthly, Robert shares the exact conditions that make children excited to learn. You'll discover that what blocks learning isn't the subject matter; it's the barriers we unknowingly create through our language, expectations, and classroom energy. In this episode, you'll learn: - The advocacy approach that transforms resistant learners into engaged students - Why "energy flow" matters more than curriculum content - How to remove blockages instead of adding more pressure - The specific language shifts that help children feel safe to experiment and fail - Why emotional skills trump academic content (and how to teach both) Robert shares vulnerable, real stories, from the teen whoseemed disconnected until he found hotel management, to his own daughter throwing homework in the air with joy-filled frustration. These aren't theories; they're practical tools you can use today. Whether you're watching your child struggle with homework ormanaging a classroom of diverse learners, this conversation offers hope: connection comes before content, and advocacy beats authority every time. Listen now to discover how simple shifts in your approachcan create the conditions where your child's natural curiosity surfaces, and stays. About Rediscovering Childhood: Practical, thought-provoking conversations that empower parents and educators to create meaningful connections with children. Hosted by Mireia Lopez, founder of Discovery Playtime.

    57 min
  3. JAN 26

    Ep 56 - From Phone Battles To Magic Moments: Navigating Tech With Your Children with Sue Atkins

    Are screens stealing your family connection? You're not alone, and today's conversation will change how you approach technology with your children. Sue Atkins, internationally recognized parenting expert with over 35 years of experience and bestselling author of Parenting Made Easy, joins us to unpack the real challenges parents face in our digital world.  Sue founded the Navigating the Digital Jungle program after seeing a massive shift in what families struggle with most: not discipline or routines, but technology.  In this episode, you'll discover:  ∙The exact scripts to set tech boundaries without triggering daily meltdowns  ∙Why your child's postscreen irritability is actually a "dopamine crash" (and how to help them through it)  ∙The one thing you should never say when setting privacy settings with teenagers  ∙How to model healthy tech use so your children learn from your example  ∙Simple ways to create "magic moments" of connection, even during mundane activities like driving to football practice . Sue shares real stories from her own parenting journey, including the vulnerable moments that taught her the most. You'll walk away with practical strategies you can implement today to reclaim family time and build deeper connections with your children. Stop fighting about screens and start creating the family connection you've been missing. This conversation will show you how.  Listen now and take the first step toward transforming phone battles into magic moments.

    52 min
  4. JAN 19

    Ep55- The Socialization Myth: How Homeschooling Builds Real-World Confidence

    What if homeschooling didn't mean choosing between your career and your children's education?  Linsey Knerl is a working mother of six who's been homeschooling for nearly two decades, and she's here to show you it's not only possible, it's actually doable.  As the author of Homeschool Hacks and a content writer specializing in education technology, Linsey proves you don't need to sacrifice your sanity, your income, or your child's social life to homeschool successfully.  In this conversation, you'll discover:  ∙Why you don't need to be a qualified teacher; you're a curator of opportunities, not an instructor of everything  ∙How homeschooling builds autonomy and confidence that translates into adulthood  ∙The truth about socialization (hint: mixed-age interaction is more valuable than same-age segregation)  ∙Budget-friendly strategies using co-ops, libraries, and YouTube  ∙Why most homeschool problems are actually parenting problems; and how to address both Linsey shares raw, honest insights from raising six children with vastly different learning needs. These include; navigating dyslexia, managing work schedules, and creating a learning environment that fuels curiosity instead of compliance.  Whether you're considering homeschooling, currently overwhelmed by it, or simply curious about alternative education, this episode offers practical tools you can use immediately to support your child's learning, at home or anywhere else.  Listen now and discover how to raise autonomous learners without losing yourself in the process.

    58 min
  5. 12/22/2025

    Ep54 - Bring Back the Bond: A New Way for Children and AI to Expand Creativity with Rob LoCascio

    Picture this: 3am. You find your child scrolling on an iPad they found hidden in your room, completely disconnected from reality, like a zombie. This was tech CEO Rob LoCascio's wake-up call after 28 years leading a major AI company. What he discovered when he looked inside the machine his kids were using horrified him, and it's happening in homes everywhere. This conversation will transform how you view technology and your children. Rob doesn't just identify the problem; he offers real solutions and releases you from the guilt that's keeping you stuck. You'll walk away with: The mindset shift that changes everything: Why releasing yourself from blame is the first step to creating changeThe "bring back the bond" framework: How to use technology to foster connection instead of destroying itPractical boundaries that actually work: Understanding why screen time isn't about willpower; it's about designThe power of parental control: Why technology in your hands benefits your children, while technology designed by big tech often harms themRob shares his personal journey from watching his children become different people on screens to creating alternatives that prioritize creativity, connection, and safety. Whether you're struggling with screen time battles, feeling powerless against devices, or simply want to understand what's really happening to our children, this episode gives you both clarity and choice. Stop being a victim to technology. It's time to take control. Listen now and discover one practical way to bring back the bond with your children this week.

    48 min
  6. 12/15/2025

    Ep53 - How to Raise Confident Boys in Today's World

    What if the key to raising confident sons isn't protecting them from discomfort, but intentionally creating it? DJ Logory, creator of the Be That Guy coaching program, works daily with young men aged 18-26 who struggle with direction, confidence, and connection. In this eye-opening conversation, he reveals what he sees when boys reach adulthood - and what parents can do today to change that trajectory. DJ challenges the modern parenting instinct to make everything easy. Instead, he advocates for "controlled friction" - strategic discomfort that builds the self-respect and resilience boys desperately need. From waking themselves up to handling rejection, these small challenges compound into unshakeable confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: Why discipline isn't about punishment - it's about making hard choices when easy ones are availableThe dangerous impact of isolation and social media on boys' development (and what to do about it)How to have the "dinner conversation" that transforms your relationship with your sonWhy your son's anger might actually be directed at himself, not youThe simple habits (reading, exercise, sleep) that build self-love from the inside outWhy sharing your own vulnerable moments creates the deepest parent-child connectionThis conversation will shift how you see your son's behaviour and give you practical tools to support him in becoming a man who genuinely loves what he sees in the mirror. Listen now and discover how small improvements today create the confident, emotionally intelligent young men we need tomorrow. Guest: DJ Logory, Creator of Be That Guy Coaching ProgramEpisode Length: ~50 minutesTopics: Conscious parenting, raising boys, emotional intelligence, building confidence, discipline, parent-child connection

    49 min
  7. 12/08/2025

    Ep52- The Heart of Early Childhood: Why Slowing Down Transforms How Children Learn with Gillian Lake

    In this episode, “The Heart of Early Childhood: Why Slowing Down Transforms How Children Learn,” Dr. Gillian Lake and I strip early childhood right back to what truly matters: relationships, presence, and how we see young children. You’ll hear: Why the early years are a highly sensitive, powerful window for brain, language, and emotional development How the revised Aistear framework (2024) actually supports educators and parents, rather than adding more pressure What “slowing down” really looks like in practice, in classrooms, in routines, and at home How simple moments like nappy changes, story time, shared play and small conversations build language, self-esteem, and secure attachment Why play is not a break from learning, but the way children think, explore and understand the world How to use emergent interests (like dinosaurs or football!) to make learning meaningful and child-led Practical ways parents and educators can work together so children feel seen, heard, and that they truly belong By the end of this episode, you’ll feel: Reassured that you don’t need to do more, you need to slow down and be more present Inspired to see everyday moments as powerful learning opportunities Empowered with a clearer understanding of Aistear and how it connects to real life Grounded in the idea that your time, your attention, and your relationship with the child are the real curriculum If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” as a parent or educator, this conversation will help you breathe, reconnect with your instincts, and see how much you’re already building, just by showing up, slowing down, and being with the child in front of you.

    54 min
  8. 12/01/2025

    E51 Our Growth Is Their Environment: How Children Grow Best When We Do with Matt Beaudreau

    In this powerful conversation, Mireia sits down with educator and mentor ⁠Matt Beaudreau⁠ to explore what it really means to prepare children for an uncertain future. Matt is a lifelong educator with a reputation as a provocative thought leader in educational and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker and he was named Corporate Trainer of the Year at Stanford University, having spoken to over 250,000 people and educator at ⁠Apogee Strong.⁠ Together they unpack why “certainty is an illusion,” why traditional schooling often focuses on the wrong things, and how skills like communication, emotional regulation, adaptability and responsibility will always stand the test of time. You’ll hear Matt’s honest story of leaving the system for the sake of his own children, and the surprising, beautiful things that happen when young people are trusted with real responsibility, meaningful projects and space to grow. Listeners will learn practical ways to rethink education at home and in the classroom: creating environments rich in choice, invitation and inspiration; setting clear, loving boundaries (especially around screens); and treating play as serious brain development, not a “nice extra.” Matt and Mireia also dive into the emotional heart of parenting and teaching - how our children grow best when we do, why our example matters more than our words, and how to move from co-dependence to true partnership and interdependence with the young people in our care. This episode gently challenges us to rethink what we’ve always believed about success, school, and “good parenting.” You’ll come away with fresh language, grounded encouragement, and one powerful reminder: meaningful change begins with the adult who’s willing to grow.

    48 min

About

Rediscovering Childhood is a refreshing podcast that invites listeners to explore the world of parenting and education through genuine conversations. Each episode features insightful discussions with parents, teachers, therapists, and experts who share their experiences and wisdom. The podcast encourages a re-examination of traditional approaches to raising children, offering practical tips for fostering deeper connections. With a focus on finding joy in everyday moments, "Rediscovering Childhood" celebrates the magic of childhood empowering listeners to nurture meaningful relationships.