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. 1d ago

    Ep. 91: "Because I Said So" and Other Parenting Advice I Ignore

    In this episode, Jill takes a look at some of the parenting advice many of us grew up hearing and why it may not hold up when viewed through a modern understanding of child development. She unpacks the assumptions behind these common phrases and offers a more nuanced, connection-based perspective. This conversation invites parents to move beyond rigid rules and toward curiosity, helping them better understand what may be driving their child's behavior and respond with greater confidence and compassion. 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

  2. May 29

    Ep. 90: When Your Child Feels Like Too Much for You

    In this episode, Jill explores the deeply tender question many parents quietly carry: "Am I really cut out for this?" She unpacks a conversation with a client whose highly energetic, sensory-seeking son feels like the opposite of her own nervous system, and how that mismatch can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of themselves. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating similar dynamics, reminding listeners that difference is not dysfunction, and that connection is built through understanding, not sameness. 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!

    23 min

  3. May 22

    Ep. 89: Struggling With the Kindergarten Transition: A Parent's Honest Reflection

    In this episode, Jill shares a personal reflection on her daughter's upcoming transition into kindergarten and the complex emotions that come with it. She explores what it feels like to navigate modern public school systems as a parent today, including the shifting landscape of early education, the role of play, and the quiet tension many parents feel between excitement and grief during this milestone. It's an honest conversation about what childhood looks like now and what we hope to preserve as our children grow. 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

  4. May 15

    Ep. 88: The Truth About Picky Eating with Jenny Friedman of @feedingpickyeaters

    On today's episode, Jill is joined by Jenny Friedman, a pediatric nutrition expert and mom of three boys to discuss a topic that so many parents struggle with: extreme picky eating and feeding challenges. They discuss how picky eating can be both normal developmental behavior and potentially indicate underlying issues. Jenny shares strategies Jenny emphasized the importance of parents trusting their instincts and seeking help when needed, while also sharing practical tips about managing snacks versus meals and the challenges of balancing work and parenting responsibilities. The conversation covers specific red flags to watch for in children and how to approach mealtime struggles with patience and perspective, and simple and effective strategies to help with picky eaters, emphasizing that parents are not alone in facing these challenges. Grab your free guide from Jenny: Three Steps to Eating here Learn more about Jenny and her courses and resources here Buy Jenny's book here Follow @FeedingPickyEaters 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!

    55 min

  5. May 8

    Ep. 87: More Play, Less Screen Time: A Realistic Approach for Families

    In honor of Screen-Free Week, Jill breaks down how families gradually end up relying on screens more than they intended and why it can start to feel like the only thing that works. In this episode, she shares a realistic, non-shaming approach to reducing screen dependence by focusing on what matters most: creating more opportunities for play. Jill discusses how to evaluate screen time beyond just the number of minutes, why content and device type matter, how screens impact behavior and independent play, and where to start if you want to make changes without going "all or nothing." Get your guide to low-stim shows 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!

    25 min

  6. May 1

    Ep. 86: From Comparison to Connection: Parenting Siblings Who Are Very Different

    Parenting more than one child quickly shows just how different kids can be. In this episode, Jill explores what it looks like to raise children with different needs, routines, personalities, and play styles, and why it can feel so challenging. She shares from her own experience navigating these differences with her daughters, and unpacks our natural tendency to compare, why some dynamics feel easier than others, and how to shift toward deeper understanding and connection. You'll walk away with a more grounded perspective and simple, practical ways to support each child as their own unique person while strengthening your relationship with them and with each other. 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!

    25 min

  7. Apr 24

    Ep. 85: The Habit That's Quietly Destroying Independent Play

    In this episode of The Art of Playful Parenting, Jill explores a subtle but common habit that can unintentionally disrupt independent play. Through a client story and a look at how young children's natural play and movement patterns, she reframes what it really means when a child walks away from an activity. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of play and how small shifts, like leaving materials out a little longer, can support longer, more connected independent play. 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!  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!

    22 min

  8. Apr 17

    Ep. 84: It's the Damn Phones: Why Moms Feel So Overwhelmed with Lynn Hazan Bush

    In this episode, Jill sits down with Lynn Hazan Bush, a mom of three, former blogger, and certified health coach behind Shuva Wellness, a nervous system–informed coaching practice for overwhelmed mothers. They talk through maternal mental and physical health, along with simple, actionable ways to feel better, build supportive habits, and prioritize yourself without adding overwhelm to your life. It's an honest, grounding conversation for any mom who wants to take better care of herself in a way that actually feels doable. Learn more about how to work with Lynn and Shuva Wellness here. Follow Shuva Wellness 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!

    1 hr
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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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