Rediscovering Childhood

Mireia Lopez
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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. Jun 1

    Ep. 68 - Is Finland's Education System Really That Good?

    Finland's education system is famous. But what does itactually look, feel, and sound like from inside a classroom? In this episode, Mireia sits down with Heidi Verkama, a primary school teacher in Northern Finland specialising in Swedish and English, to go beyond the headlines and uncover what really makes Finnish schools work, and what parents and educators everywhere can take from it today. From the 45-15 rule that transforms concentration andbehaviour, to a school culture built entirely on trust, Heidi shares the daily rhythms, values, and quiet habits that create calmer classrooms, more confident children, and a completely different relationship with learning. You'll discover: • 🕐 Why Finland doesn't start formal school until age 7, and what children do instead that sets them up for life • 🌿 How structured outdoor breaks every hour builds self-regulation, focus, and genuine joy in learning • 📝 Why continuous assessment and self-reflection outperform high-stakes testing • 🍽️ How free school lunches became an educational moment, teaching social skills, healthy habits, and connection • 💛 What happens in a classroom where children are truly trusted This episode won't tell you Finland is perfect. It will ask you something more important: what kind of childhood are we creating, and what becomes possible when schools value play, trust, and wellbeing as much as academic achievement? 🎧 Listen now and share with a parent, teacher, or school leader who needs to hear this. This episode is proudly sponsored by: MAIA Purposeful Play, a business that offers sensory play sessions for families, schools and events, creating rich, open-ended environments where babies, toddlers and children are trusted as capable, curious learners who explore at their own pace. MAIA Build Lab is a six-week programme delivered in primary schools, using KEVA planks and the Dream Design Do approach to invite children into collaborative construction, problem-solving and creative design in line with the Irish Primary Curriculum. Find out more by clicking the links below. 🌟 MAIA Purposeful Play - https://www.maiapurposefulplay.ie/ 📸 Instagram @maia_purposefulplay 🌟 MAIA Build Lab - @maiabuildlab 👥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maiapurposefulplay/ Connect with Heidi Verkama: 📸 Instagram - @heidiverkama Rediscovering Childhood is hosted by Mireia Lopez,founder of Discovery Playtime.

    1h 3m

  2. May 25

    Ep. 67 - Stop Avoiding Your Child's Feelings: Do This Instead

    Are you accidentally teaching your child to avoid their emotions? 💛 Most parents instinctively say "you're amazing, don't worry" when their child is upset, and while it comes from love, it may be doing more harm than good. In this powerful episode, Mireia sits down with NLP trainer, mindset coach, and bestselling author Danielle Serpico, to explore why validating feelings, not dismissing them, is the key to raising emotionally resilient children. In this episode you'll discover: 🧠 Why reassuring your child too quickly teaches them to look outside themselves for validation, and how to break that cycle 💬 The simple Acknowledge, Validate, Reassure method you can use the next time your child comes home with big emotions 🔁 How unprocessed childhood feelings become reactive adult patterns, and what you can do immediately to change that 💪 Why the words "you are" are more powerful than you think, and how to use them to build your child's confidence and identity This conversation will completely change how you see yourchild's difficult moments, and how to respond, rather than react to them. 🎧 Listen now and start creating positive change in your child's emotional world today. 🔗 Connect with Danielle Serpico 🌐 Website: https://theblackbeltmastermind.com/ 📸 Instagram: @danielleserpico 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-serpico/?originalSubdomain=ie 📖 Book: The Blackbelt Mastermind: The Ultimate Guide to having a Fighter Mindset and Winning in Life 🔗 Connect with Mireia 🌐 Website: https://discoveryplaytime.ie/ 📸 Instagram: @rediscovering.childhood@discoveryplaytime 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theparentingconnection/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveryplaytime/ If this episode resonated with you, please take a momentto leave a review or share it with another parent or educator. Every share creates a ripple effect. 🌊

    56 min

  3. May 4

    Ep. 66 - Are Your Everyday Words Quietly Damaging Your Child's Confidence?

    Are your everyday words damaging your child's confidence without you even realising it? 💛 As parents, we never intend to harm, but the words we use daily may be shaping our children's identity in ways we don't see. In this thought-provoking episode, Mia sits down with bestselling author Jody Hill to explore the science and heart behind how our voice becomes our child's inner voice, for better or for worse. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ Why speaking identity labels like "you're so messy" or "you're so shy" can silently reshape how your child sees themselves ✅ How to replace confidence-busting phrases with words that build resilience and self-belief ✅ What to do when your child says, "I'm stupid" or "nobody likes me" ✅ How to change your language patterns even if criticism is all you've ever known ✅ Why your words matter more than social media, peers, or any outside influence Whether you're a parent, teacher, or anyone who works withchildren, this conversation will make you pause, reflect, and walk away with tools you can use today. 🎙️ 🔗 Connect with Jody Hill: 🌐 Website: https://www.itsjodyhill.com/ 📸 Instagram: @JodyHillParenting 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjodyhill/ 📖 Book: The Parent's Secret Superpower: 7 Simple Strategies to Raise Confident & Capable Kids With the Power of Your Words 📖 Featured Book: Because of You, This is Me 🔗 Connect with Mia 🌐 Website: https://discoveryplaytime.ie/ 📸 Instagram: @rediscovering.childhood @discoveryplaytime 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theparentingconnection/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveryplaytime/ If this episode resonated with you, please take a momentto leave a review or share it with another parent or educator. Every share creates a ripple effect. 🌊

    45 min

  4. Apr 27

    Ep. 65 - The Thing Nobody Told You About Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys

    What if your biggest parenting trigger has nothing to dowith your child, and everything to do with your past? In this episode, Mia sits down with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, psychologist and emotional intelligence expert, to explore how the emotional patterns stored in our brains from childhood shape the way we parent today, often without us even realising it. Dr. Vanderhorst reveals why so many men grow up emotionally disconnected, how well-meaning parents unconsciously limit their children's emotional lives, and what it actually takes to break those generational cycles. In this episode you'll discover: • Why naming an emotion is the single most powerful thing you can do for your child's development • How boys are systematically taught to suppress emotions, and the lifelong cost of that • What your triggers are really telling you about your own unfinished history • Practical ways to create emotional safety for your children starting today Whether you're raising a sensitive boy, navigating a partner who shuts down, or simply tired of reacting in ways that don't feel like you, this conversation will change how you see yourself and your children. 🎧 Listen now and start breaking the cycle. Connect with Gloria Vanderhorst: 🌐 Website: https://drvanderhorst.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst-ph-d-730826b/

    43 min

  5. Apr 20

    Ep. 64 - How To Get Your Child To Tell You Anything, Even The Hard Stuff

    What if the way you're talking to your children is actually getting in the way of your connection with them? In this powerful episode, Mia sits down with Anil Gupta, global mentor, relationship expert, and "The Love Doctor", to explore how the quality of the questions we ask our children can completely transform family dynamics. Anil has helped thousands of people worldwide uncover the patterns holding them back from true happiness. Today, he's bringing that wisdom straight to your parenting toolkit. In this episode, you'll discover: Why you should never ask, "Did you have a good day?", and what to ask insteadThe three G's happiness formula (Give, Grow, Gratitude) and how to apply it as a familyA simple dinner table exercise that builds leadership, confidence, and deeper connectionHow throwing the right kind of adversity at your kids actually raises more resilient, independent childrenWhy love is acceptance, and how letting go of expectations changes everythingThis conversation is packed with immediately actionabletools you can try today. Whether your family connection feels strong or strained, this episode will inspire you to show up as the best version of yourself. 🎧 Listen now and start asking better questions today. Connect with Anil Gupta: 🌐Website: https://meetanil.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilgupta-lovedoctor/

    42 min

  6. Mar 30

    Ep 63 - How Dogs Teach Children Empathy, Confidence, and Kindness

    What if the most powerful teacher in your child's life has four legs and a wagging tail? 🐾 In this heartwarming conversation, Mireia sits down with Mary Farrelly, founder of The Dog Knows Training and Education, to explore something that goes far beyond dog training; the transformative relationship between children and animals, and what it can teach us all about kindness,trust, and connection. Mary shares how dogs can become a safe space for childrenwho struggle, helping them build confidence, develop empathy, and discover skills they'll carry with them for life. From a painfully shy 7 year old who blossomed through her puppy, to a boy with autism standing proud at his own mini-Olympics with his beloved Bichon; these stories will stay with you. In this episode you'll discover: • The life skills children naturally develop through caring for a dog • How to create a safe, positive relationship between your child and animals • Why your own fears and body language matter more than you think • Simple things parents can do (and avoid doing) to nurture that bond • How the right dog can bring an entire family closer together Whether you have a dog, are thinking about getting one, orsimply want to raise more empathetic, connected children, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and practical tools you can apply straight away. 🎙️ Listen to episode 63 now. This one will change the way you see the bond between children and animals🤍.

    50 min

  7. Mar 23

    Ep62 - What Your Child’s Anxiety Is Really Trying to Tell You: stop fixing, start empowering

    What if the key to helping your anxious child isn't fixing them; it's understanding yourself first?  In this powerful episode, Mia sits down with Maria Osborne, Senior Psychologist at Sensational Kids,  to explore one of the most important conversations in parenting today: how to understand, support, and empower children who experience anxiety, worry, and emotional overwhelm.  Maria brings both professional expertise and the honest, grounded perspective of a mum of three, and the result is a conversation that is as reassuring as it is practical.  In this episode you'll discover:  ∙Why a dysregulated parent cannot regulate a dysregulated child, and what you can do about  it  ∙The simple science behind anxiety and how the nervous system responds to perceived threats  ∙How to teach children that thoughts are transient, and make their positive inner voice louder  ∙Why 10 minutes of child directed play a day can transform your child's resilience and self-esteem  ∙The powerful role of sensory play in grounding children and reducing anxiety in the moment  Because calm is contagious. And it starts with you.  🎧 Listen now to get started.    Sensational Kids: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sensational-kids-ireland/posts/?feedView=all  🌐 Website: https://www.sensationalkids.ie/

    54 min

  8. Mar 16

    Ep 61 - Heal Your Inner Child to Become a More Present Parent

    Have you ever felt completely alone in a room full ofpeople? Or found yourself snapping at your kids, scrolling endlessly, or never feeling like you're doing enough, without really knowing why? In this powerful episode, Mia sits down with Dr. SylviaKalicinski, PhD-level therapist, speaker, and mental health advocate with nearly two decades of experience in trauma, emotional patterns, and the science of loneliness. Together they explore how unmet emotional needs from childhood shape the way we parent today, and what we can actually do about it. In this episode, you'll discover: Why loneliness is a signal worth listening to, not something to push awayThe HEART Method; Dr. Sylvia's5-step framework for navigating loneliness and rewriting limiting beliefsHow childhood emotional neglectshows up in everyday parenting momentsWhy you cannot teach your childto manage emotions you haven't named yourselfThe surprising role of play andjoy in genuine healing Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone trying tounderstand yourself better, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, hopeful, and ready to take one small step toward deeper connection, with yourself and your children. 🎙️ About Dr. Sylvia Kalicinski: Dr. Sylvia is a PhD-level psychotherapist, speaker, and mental health advocate specialising in trauma, loneliness, and emotional healing. Her debut book, A Therapist's No BS Guide to Feeling Less Alone, is available now on Amazon. 📖 Get Dr. Sylvia's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-AF-Therapists-No-BS-Feeling/dp/1394345569 🌐 Dr. Sylvia's website: https://drsylviak.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sylvia-kalicinski-ph-d-lmft-67aa447a/ 📱 Follow Dr. Sylvia on Instagram: @drsylviak 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent or educator who needs to hear this, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 Discovery Playtime: https://discoveryplaytime.ie/

    1h 1m
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mireia Lopez
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mireia Lopez
  • Show Website
    Rediscovering Childhood

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