The Art of Playful Parenting

Jill Lerman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ever wish you had access to a play and parenting coach who could help you feel less overwhelmed and burnt out and more empowered as a parent? That's what you experience once a week by listening to The Art of Playful Parenting Podcast hosted by Jill Lerman. With 15 years of experience working with young children and their families, Jill brings an informed perspective and wealth of simple strategies and ideas to support you on your parenting journey. You'll leave listening to each episode inspired to keep it simple, while feeling empowered to become the parent you always wanted to be.

  1. FEB 12

    Ep. 76: The Beautiful Chaos of Going From One Child to Two

    In her first episode back since welcoming her second child, Jill returns to the mic with honesty and heart. She opens up about what the transition from one to two has really looked like, sharing both the tender moments and the challenges that don't always get talked about. Jill also walks through the tools, mindset shifts, and small supports that have helped her feel more grounded in this new season. It's a candid conversation for anyone navigating change, motherhood, or the messy beauty of doing both at once. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    28 min

  2. 10/17/2025

    Ep. 75: A Look Back: Your Favorite Episodes of the Year

    Before taking a little break from the mic to welcome her new baby, Jill is looking back at your favorite episodes from the past year. From simple play ideas to deeper conversations about child development and connection, these highlights capture what makes this podcast such a supportive space for parents. Whether you've been here from the beginning or just recently joined, this episode is the perfect way to revisit or discover the ones that resonated most before Jill takes some time away from recording. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    27 min

  3. 10/10/2025

    Ep. 74: Why Halloween Feels So Hard (and How to Make It Easier)

    You know those moments when something that's supposed to be fun, like a holiday, birthday party, or family outing, suddenly unravels into tears, meltdowns, and overwhelm? In this episode, Jill dives into why that happens and how we can make special events like Halloween (or any day that's out of routine) a little smoother for everyone. She shares practical, compassionate tips for setting expectations, reading your child's cues, and finding ways to keep the joy without less chaos. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    24 min

  4. 10/03/2025

    Ep. 73: How Play Helps Kids Work Through Big Emotions

    In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting Podcast, Jill dives into how play can become one of your most powerful parenting tools for helping young children navigate big feelings and how playful moments can support emotional expression, regulation, and connection. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    27 min

  5. 09/26/2025

    Ep. 72: Navigating Life After the NICU with Jodi Klaristenfeld of Flrrish

    In honor of NICU Awareness Month, this powerful episode features Jodi Klaristenfeld, founder of Flrrish, a transformative resource and support hub created by a NICU mom for NICU parents. Jodi opens up about her own unexpected journey into motherhood and how it inspired her to build a community that helps preemie parents navigate life from hospital to home and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's walked the NICU path or loves someone who has. It's about confronting uncertainty, finding resilience, and discovering how to move forward and thrive in the face of the unexpected.  Learn more about Jodi and Flrrish here.  Connect with Jodi on Instagram.  Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started!  The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join!  Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    1h 5m

  6. 09/19/2025

    Ep. 71: Am I The A*****e Parenting Edition

    On today's episode, Jill dives into the chaotic world of parenting drama with a special "Am I the A*****e?" edition. She reads AITA posts and gives her unfiltered, unsolicited two cents. So who's right and who's wrong? Tune in and judge for yourself. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    21 min

  7. 09/12/2025

    Ep. 70: The Advice I'd Give Any Expecting Mom

    In this episode, Jill, currently expecting baby #2, shares heartfelt, practical advice for parents preparing to welcome a child. Drawing on insights from past guests and her own experiences, she reflects on what really matters during this transition and what she wishes she knew the first time around. Whether you're newly pregnant or deep in the countdown, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and wisdom for the journey ahead. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    33 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    Ep. 69: The After-School Meltdown: What Restraint Collapse Really Means

    Ever wondered why your child holds it together all day at school, only to come home and fall apart? You're not alone. In this episode, Jill dives into restraint collapse, a common but often misunderstood response in young children. We'll explore why this happens, how parents can recognize the signs, and practical strategies to support your child (and yourself) during those tough transitions. Get the Starting School Strategies Masterclass by clicking here. Want to work with Jill privately? Book a discovery call to get started! The Playful Parenting Membership is HERE! You'll learn about foundational developmental concepts and age-appropriate play fundamentals , how to create simple, engaging, meaningful play experiences your child will WANT to explore, feel less burnt out and overwhelmed and feel more joy and connection. Click here to join! Ready to see more independent play? This totally free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab my free guide to independent play at any age!

    26 min
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About

Ever wish you had access to a play and parenting coach who could help you feel less overwhelmed and burnt out and more empowered as a parent? That's what you experience once a week by listening to The Art of Playful Parenting Podcast hosted by Jill Lerman. With 15 years of experience working with young children and their families, Jill brings an informed perspective and wealth of simple strategies and ideas to support you on your parenting journey. You'll leave listening to each episode inspired to keep it simple, while feeling empowered to become the parent you always wanted to be.

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