Treasure Time Podcast: Growing Up Happy

Sophia Giblin
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The Treasure Time Podcast features conversations and advice on building children's resilience, boosting self esteem and wellbeing through playful tips and activities that can easily be implemented straight away to support families mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

  1. 02/14/2024

    When Girls Fall Out: Making Sense of Friendship Drama

    In this episode Sophia Giblin spoke with Andrew Hampton, ex-headteacher and author of the insightful book When Girls Fall Out. We discussed: The intense "Existential Imperative" girls feel for intimacy and belonging in female friendships Why girls often embellish or conceal the full truth when confiding in parents Communication strategies that provide empathy versus judgment How over-involvement from adults often makes friendship problems at school even worse Some of Andrew's key recommendations for supporting girls through friendship turbulence: 🔹 Listen first, offer advice later. She needs emotional validation more than quick fixes. 🔹 Set an open, non-reactive tone. Steady confidence from you reassures her. 🔹 Empower her to handle issues rather than helicoptering in. 🔹 When emotions overwhelm, shift to uplifting activities that remind her of your unconditional love. If you found value in Andrew's insights into girls' friendships and would like to learn more, check out the following resources: 📖 Get the book When Girls Fall Out on Amazon here 🌐 Explore Andrew's Girls on Board school program for reducing teacher workload and empowering positive social dynamics at www.girlsonboard.co.uk Thanks again to Andrew for providing such helpful and actionable guidance! If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. We appreciate you listening!

    49 min

  2. 01/31/2024

    Reclaiming Childhood: Why We Need to Bring Free Play Back Outside

    In this compelling interview with Ingrid Skeels from Playing Out, host Sophia Giblin explores the vital issue of bringing free outdoor play back into children's daily lives. As part of the grassroots Playing Out movement, Ingrid has witnessed firsthand the benefits street play can offer - from improved health and social skills for kids to stronger neighbourhood connections. She explains how we've gone from a time when playing outside was considered a normal part of childhood to today's reality full of traffic dangers, lack of community spaces, and disappearing freedom for modern children.  Key Takeaways: Outdoor free play used to be an everyday norm for children, but over recent decades it has declined significantly due to environmental changes like increased traffic, lack of community spaces or permission to play in them (i.e. No Ball Games); and, in parallel indoors, the  rise of screens. This decline has negatively impacted children's health, development, and wellbeing. The Playing Out movement aims to reclaim streets and community spaces for outdoor play. It was started by parents closing their street to traffic for a few hours a week so kids could play freely outside. This simple act brought communities together and had real benefits for kids. Traffic dangers are a major barrier to outdoor play these days. Reducing speeds to 20mph in residential areas would have a huge impact, as would initiatives like school streets that reduce traffic outside schools. Play shouldn't be a privilege for only some children. It needs to be an everyday possibility for all kids, especially those facing disadvantages who often lack access to organised activities. Giving kids independence and opportunities to take risks, problem solve, and build resilience through outdoor play provides an important foundation for adulthood. Call to Action: An important government inquiry exploring children's access to outdoor spaces and freedom to play outside launched recently, in response to a call from Playing Out and other organisations. Playing Out contributed written and oral evidence on the major barriers facing UK children today and on what local and national government could do to improve things. Check out the details of the inquiry on the Playing Out website here.

    42 min

  3. 01/24/2024

    The Neuroscience of Nurturing Happy, Healthy Children

    In this episode of the Treasure Time podcast, host Sophia is talking with Dr Rachel Taylor, a Cognitive Neuroscientist of how we can create the best environment for our children to thrive. Relationships are the number one factor for healthy child development. Humans are wired for emotional connections and joy, even before birth. Being present and giving focused attention to children builds bonds, while distractions from things like mobile phones interfere with connecting. Play serves a critical role in child wellbeing and sparking creativity. Boredom is important too - it allows young minds to wander and imagine. Too many extracurricular activities can overload a child's nervous system. Kids also need plenty of time for socialisation. The common messaging around independence being paramount is oversold when humans are actually pack animals at our core who thrive through interdependence. In discussing what an ideal day looks like, Dr. Taylor explains children should have a balance of learning, play, food, rest and interpersonal connections each day. Morning routines should involve a healthy breakfast while adventurous afternoon activities reignite focus. She advises that mobile phones and devices should come with health warnings about reducing cognitive capacities from being in the same room. Despite the constant influences of media and marketing, we can optimize the environment within our homes. This involves noticing what shapes behaviors, limiting access to phones/devices, establishing consistent routines and explaining research to older children so they understand guidelines. Brains maintain plasticity to change with new inputs at any age. Surrounding yourself with physical spaces and people who support your personal growth and the nurturing of children lays the groundwork for positive change. Learn more about Dr. Rachel Taylor's background and work by visiting her website www.drracheltaylor.co.uk. Try out Treasure Time using the code PODCAST and save 10% on the cost of the programme.

    35 min

  4. 12/20/2023

    Keeping the Christmas Magic Without the Naughty List

    In this week's episode of the Treasure Time podcast, host Sophia is joined by parenting experts Joe Atkinson and Olga Cherrington of The Caring Instinct to have an insightful discussion about keeping the magic and wonder of Christmas alive for children. They explore the concept of "Unconditional Santa" - treating Santa as a symbol of unconditional love and acceptance rather than a conditional reward system based on being "naughty or nice." Olga shares her experience growing up in Ukraine, where there was no concept of Santa only bringing gifts to "good" children. The cultural stories around Christmas in the UK seem to place harsh conditions around behavior in December. Sophia and the guests discuss strategies for revealing the "truth" about Santa to older children in a way that preserves magic and deepens family connection, rather than causing a painful loss of innocence. The conversation moves to the modern tradition of "Elf on the Shelf" and how it can become a creepy surveillance system that controls behavior through fear. They talk about how to make traditions like the elf more playful and less about being "well-behaved." This reflects a larger theme around trusting children's innate goodness rather than trying to control behavior. The guests explore understanding all behavior as communication and meeting acting out with empathy rather than punishment. Overall the discussion centers on letting go of the cultural stories and parental anxieties around Christmas that can unintentionally shame kids or make them feel anxious. Instead, they recommend fully embracing the spirit of wonder, imagination, unconditional love, and boundless goodwill that the holiday can represent for children. Check out the Caring Instinct Podcast here, and give Joe and Olga a follow on Instagram and Facebook.

    33 min

  5. 12/13/2023

    A Playful Cure for Scary Monsters and Anxieties

    In this episode of the podcast, host Sophia discusses using play to help children deal with fears, worries, and anxiety. As a play therapist, she believes play is the natural way for children to process emotions and the world around them. The most important thing is the relationship created through play—sitting with your child, being present without devices, and giving them 'attachment sunshine' through predictable, calm interactions. Sophia shares an example of a friend's 3 year old son who is having trouble sleeping due to fears and worries after some changes and instability. Rather than labeling the child as anxious, she says these are normal developmental fears fueled by an active imagination that is growing faster than reasoning skills.   She cautions against confirming fears by using "monster spray" or signs warding off monsters. Instead, speak plainly about what's real versus imagination, but approach feelings through play. For example, puppets allow symbolic play for the child to safely express fears. Sophia suggests getting a dinosaur puppet to represent the child's fear, then a wizard puppet as a protective, magical force. Additional puppets could be a young boy puppet for the child to identify with and a grandmother puppet representing a real caring protector. This allows the child to play out scenarios and defeat the "monster." In addition to the puppet play, reading The Invisible String before bed reminds children of their unbreakable connections. Leaving a special toy or transitional object provides comfort and a reminder of the parent. Managing media exposure is also key in addressing fears and anxiety.   The goal is allowing children to freely explore feelings through natural play, while parents observe, support and set appropriate limits. This builds resilience, security and the ability to self-regulate in the long run. If you want to learn more about using play to build stronger connections with your child, check out Treasure Time. This innovative digital play course for parents teaches emotional development through child-led play. Discover fun techniques to reduce stress, improve communication, and nurture a happy, healthy family dynamic. Use code PODCAST for an extra 10% off.

    28 min

  6. 12/13/2023

    Raising the Nation: Building a Better Future Through Child-Centred Policies with Paul Lindley

    In this episode of the Treasure Time podcast, Sophia had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Lindley, founder of Ella's Kitchen and author of the new book "Raising the Nation: How to Build a Better Future for Our Children (and Everyone Else)". Our discussion covered key insights and ideas from different chapters and aspects of childhood featured in Paul's research for the book. We talked about the importance of the early years and attachment, digital literacy, giving children a voice, healthcare, and of course, the power of play. Paul shared how we can empower parents, strengthen communities, and create government policies that actually support child wellbeing rather than overlook them.  A central theme was the need to put relationships at the heart of what we do - our relationship with self, the parent-child relationship, our relationship with the environment and community. These relationships are the foundation for human potential and thriving societies. The book and our discussion aimed to reframe success measures for communities and unlock that potential through child-centered policies.   You can find out more about "Raising the Nation" and read supplemental essays on the website raisingthenation.co.uk. The book is available both online and in bookstores. If you enjoyed this episode and you're a parent interested in nurturing your child's wellbeing through play, I encourage you to check out my digital course Treasure Time at treasuretime.co.uk. You'll get instructional videos and engaging play dates to build a stronger relationship with your child. Use the code PODCAST for an extra 10% off. I hope you found a lot of value in my discussion with Paul. If you enjoyed the podcast episode, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and sharing it with any parents who may be interested in learning about the power of play. Your reviews help us reach more listeners. Thank you for listening!

    45 min

  7. 12/13/2023

    Getting Intentional About Play: The Power of Play Standards

    Welcome back to season 2 of the Treasure Time podcast! In this new season, host Sophia Giblin wants to focus on building better connections and nurturing child wellbeing after the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.   The pandemic was an incredibly stressful and uncertain time for both parents and children. Screen time usage increased during the pandemic out of necessity, and has continued post-pandemic as well. Many children also missed out on opportunities for play and connection with others during developmental windows when they needed it most.  Play serves crucial functions for children's learning, emotional development, and general wellbeing. Standards around play protect the rights of both children and adults to engage in play. When adults role model playfulness, it shows children that play is normal and acceptable for them to continue as they grow older too.   Articulating what you personally value about play is the first step to consciously prioritising play in your life. You can then set standards for how to incorporate those values into your daily life. Examples of play standards include making time for having fun every day, engaging in creative activities, and choosing laugh-inducing tasks or get-togethers. The benefits of play are numerous. Play improves mood, relationships, resilience, and more. Imaginative forms of play build critical thinking and problem solving skills. Physical play connects us to others, while technology can often disconnect us even as it appears to connect us digitally.   Listeners are encouraged to create their own play standards and bring more opportunities for play into their families and homes. Treasure Time provides resources to parents specifically looking to build connections with their children through play. Use code PODCAST to get 10% off the Treasure Time course at www.treasuretime.co.uk

    25 min

  8. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Welcome Back to Season 2 of the Treasure Time Podcast!

    Welcome back treasured listeners to the Treasure Time podcast. Your host Sophia Giblin shares a special trailer for the relaunch of the Treasure Time podcast. This show for parents helps you use the power of play in relationships to build happier, healthier family lives.  You may remember the Treasure Time podcast from back in 2020, when Sophia and Nicole brought you bite-sized tips during the early pandemic to support children's wellbeing while homeschooling. The podcast is now back after a break, with a brand new format and 10 amazing episodes launching on December 13th.   This season, Sophia will be talking to special guests about what children really need in order to thrive. They'll look at the role of environment, relationships, brain development, and playful ways to help kids overcome challenges. Kicking off this season, 3 episodes drop on December 14th: with two episodes from Sophia sharing her experiences as a play therapist, with tips on helping kids with fears and anxieties. She'll also discuss being a playful role model and setting our own 'play standards'. The third episode features an exclusive interview with Ella's Kitchen founder Paul Lindley on his new book "Raising the Nation." This book offers a manifesto for prioritizing child-centered policies to create a better future. Sophia contributed an essay to the book with a 'big idea' for government to prioritise child-led play at home between parents and children when they first join school. Find out more by tuning into the episode this week.  Additional holiday episodes will cover keeping the magic of Christmas while meeting children's needs. Sophia will be joined by play therapist Joseph Atkinson and Olga from The Caring Instinct for a lively discussion on the elf on the shelf, Santa Claus and more. Into the new year, incredible guests are lined up to challenge thinking and provide new perspectives on meeting kids' needs in the home and beyond. Please do subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get podcasts. New episodes will drop every Wednesday. They also greatly appreciate 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple to reach more parents. Get ready to think differently as we treasure the time with our kids!

    3 min
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The Treasure Time Podcast features conversations and advice on building children's resilience, boosting self esteem and wellbeing through playful tips and activities that can easily be implemented straight away to support families mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

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