Happier Childhoods

Carrie of PlayMotion Kids

Happier Childhoods is a podcast for adults shaping childhood through movement, play, and connection. Hosted by Carrie Speed of PlayMotion Kids, this show offers honest conversations and practical ideas for parents, teachers, childcare directors, social workers, caregivers, enrichment instructors, and child-focused professionals who want to support kids in meaningful, doable ways. Each episode explores childhood wellbeing, child development, behavior, emotional regulation, resilience, sensory needs, trauma-informed care, play-based learning, mindfulness, movement, and the everyday science of connection. You’ll hear conversations about what it really takes to help children feel safe, supported, and connected while also supporting the adults who care for them. Carrie is a social worker and the founder of PlayMotion Kids, a movement, music, and mindfulness enrichment program for children.  She also certifies and licenses instructors who want to bring movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning to children in their own communities. Because when adults are supported, equipped, and encouraged, happier childhoods become possible. If you care about creating healthier, happier childhoods, you belong here. www.playmotionkids.com www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

  1. 2d ago

    Ep 22 Your Five Senses Are Superpowers: Helping Children Build Self-Trust with Manal El-Ramly

    What if children do not need more tools, but more opportunities to recognize the strengths they already have? Carrie talks with Manal El-Ramly, creator of the Yara Universe™ and the Super You Series™, about helping children slow down, notice what they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel, and begin trusting their own experiences. Manal explains how engaging the five senses can help children become more present and connected to their bodies. They also discuss inner knowing, sensory differences, the ways adults can unintentionally talk children out of what they feel, and how parents can honor a child’s instincts while still providing guidance and boundaries. The conversation explores the importance of adults modeling presence, why awareness matters more than perfection, and simple ways families and educators can practice noticing throughout an ordinary day. Manal is an engineer, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, Insight Timer teacher, and author of Transcending Anxiety: From Fear to Freedom. Her children’s books include Your Five Senses: Your Superpowers and Yara Takes Flight. FREE RESOURCES FOR HAPPIER CHILDHOODS LISTENERS Manal created companion activities for parents, educators, therapists, and other professionals using the books with children: https://www.mattain.me/playmotionkids CONNECT WITH MANAL Website: https://www.mattain.me Yara Universe: https://www.mattain.me/superyou Email: manal@mattain.me Instagram: @yarauniversebymattain @mattainbymanal CONNECT WITH CARRIE AND PLAYMOTION KIDS Website: https://www.playmotionkids.com Email: hello@playmotionkids.com Happier Childhoods is a podcast about movement, play, connection, and the grown-up work of supporting kids. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Happier Childhoods 00:36 Meet Manal El-Ramly and the Yara Universe 01:44 From engineering to children’s books 04:02 The five senses as superpowers 08:05 The “secret sixth sense”: intuition and inner knowing 10:11 Building presence through the body and senses 12:47 Screens, stimulation, and modern childhood 16:12 Supporting sensory differences in children 17:45 How adults can model self-trust and awareness 22:06 Honoring children’s discomfort while still providing guidance 26:38 Building self-trust through meaning and connection 29:27 Creating the book’s illustrations 32:44 A simple noticing practice for families 35:13 What’s next for the Yara Universe 37:53 Closing thoughts 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  2. Sep 20

    Ep 21 Supporting Neurodivergent Kids with Strategies That Fit Real Life with Stephanie Ford

    What if your child isn’t refusing to cooperate—but processing the situation differently? In this episode of Happier Childhoods, Carrie is joined by Stephanie Ford, an occupational therapist turned neurodiversity mentor with nearly 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children, families, schools, and workplaces across Australia. We talk about what neurodivergence really means and how understanding differences in processing can help children feel safer, more supported, and better able to participate at home and in the classroom. Stephanie shares practical ways to make routines and transitions easier, including visual supports, habit stacking, clear starting and stopping points, and flexible tools that can be tested in real-life situations. We also discuss how to recognize progress when a strategy isn’t producing immediate results—and why getting curious about what’s behind a child’s resistance can be more helpful than simply pushing harder. This conversation is especially helpful for parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone working with neurodivergent children who wants practical, flexible strategies that honor each child’s individual needs. What we cover: What neurodivergence means beyond autism and ADHD Why children process instructions and environments differently How visual supports can help children in the classroom Why fidget tools should be available before a child knows to ask How to make transitions and morning routines easier What habit stacking is and how families can use it How long to try a strategy before changing direction Why small signs of progress still matter How to look for the reason behind recurring resistance Why the problem may not be the shoes—but what comes after them When to problem-solve with your child What to do when recommended therapy strategies aren’t working How parents can build a flexible tool bag of support Ways to access guidance when traditional therapy isn’t available Connect with Stephanie Ford Website: Action Forward Instagram: Stephanie Ford at Action Forward Facebook: Rebalance Life Mentoring LinkedIn: Stephanie Ford Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Meet Stephanie Ford 01:40 What Neurodivergence Really Means 03:45 Understanding Differences in Processing 05:22 Stephanie’s Journey into Occupational Therapy 07:53 Creating More Inclusive Classrooms 13:32 Supporting Transitions and Daily Routines 16:37 Using Habit Stacking to Make Mornings Easier 21:49 What to Do When a Strategy Isn’t Working 27:05 How Long Should You Try a Strategy? 30:09 Looking for the Reason Behind Resistance 34:06 Getting Curious and Problem-Solving Together 36:54 Finding Support Outside Traditional Therapy 41:35 Understanding Your Own Learning Style 43:04 Connecting with Stephanie 47:49 Conclusion 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  3. Aug 23

    Ep 20 Why Your Teen Is Pulling Away—and How to Reconnect with Justyna Bronski

    When teenagers roll their eyes, become irritable, or start pulling away, what might they really be trying to communicate? Carrie talks with certified teen life coach and former high school educator Justyna Bronski about what teens need from the adults in their lives—and how parents and teachers can create relationships where teens feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. They discuss why behavior is often only the surface of what a teen is experiencing, how adults can respond without immediately reacting, and why every teen needs at least one trusted adult. Justyna also shares a simple three-layer exercise teens can use to understand what is happening in their body, emotions, and thoughts. Connect with Justyna at https://www.justynabronski.com. Learn more about PlayMotion Kids at https://playmotionkids.com. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  4. Jul 4

    Ep 19 From Control to Connection: Rethinking Discipline with Kristin Schmoke

    What if your child’s behavior isn’t something to control, but something to understand? In this episode of Happier Childhoods, Carrie is joined by parent coach, educator, and mom of four Kristen Schmoke, who helps families build calmer homes and stronger relationships. We talk about what happens when parents shift from control to collaboration, and why kids’ behavior is often communication, not defiance, disrespect, or a personal attack. Kristen shares how her own parenting journey helped her rethink traditional discipline and start paying closer attention to what her child’s behavior was really telling her. We get into emotional regulation, repair after hard moments, family values, sharing, boundaries, trust, and why slowing down can completely change the way we respond to kids. This conversation is especially helpful for parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone working with children who wants to create more connection, calm, and trust without letting go of boundaries. What we cover: Why control often leads to more pushback How to shift from reacting to responding What it means to lead with curiosity instead of judgment Why your child’s behavior is not about you How to repair after yelling or “scary mommy” moments Why family values matter when setting boundaries A different way to think about sharing How to reinforce positive behavior without relying on sticker charts Why trust matters more than control How to start noticing what’s going right Connect with Kristen Schmoke Instagram: @Kristen.Schmoke.Parenting Organization: Empowered Educator Program: Listen Up parent program Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 02:37 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Parenting 04:42 Shifting from Control to Collaboration 07:50 Practical Strategies for Mindful Parenting 11:24 Modeling Behavior for Children 12:42 Balancing Autonomy and Boundaries 19:51 Transforming Perceptions of Child Behavior 21:37 Understanding Emotional Responses in Parenting 26:20 The Importance of Sharing and Empathy 31:22 Control vs. Trust in Parenting 33:59 Reinforcing Positive Behaviors 41:44 Shifting Focus: Finding the Good in Parenting 45:17 Conclusion and Connecting with Kristen Schmoke 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  5. Apr 3

    EP 18 Raising Confident Kids Without Fear-Based Teaching (Inside the Dance Studio) w/Leslie Kuny

    What does it actually look like to build confident, resilient kids without fear, shame, or outdated teaching methods? In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, I’m joined by dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner Leslie Kuny, who’s been working with kids for over 20 years. We talk about what’s changing in the world of dance (and childhood in general), and why the old-school, fear-based approach just doesn’t work anymore. Leslie shares how she creates a studio environment where kids feel safe, supported, and still challenged—without losing the joy of movement. We get into body image, confidence, boundaries, and why play matters more than ever for today’s kids. This conversation is especially helpful for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who wants to build strong, confident kids in a healthier, more human way.  What we cover: What resilience actually looks like in kids  Why fear-based teaching backfires  How dance culture has impacted body image (and how to shift it)  What parents should look for in a dance studio  Why kids today struggle with unstructured movement  How to set boundaries while still keeping things fun Connect with Leslie Kuny Instagram: @lesliekuny YouTube: Leslie Kuny Dance Podcast: Dancing Through ItChapters00:00 Introduction to Leslie Kuny and Her Journey  04:13 Creating a Supportive Dance Studio Culture  06:39 Philosophy of Teaching and Student Engagement  11:21 Addressing Body Image and Self-Perception in Dance  16:29 Healthy Conversations About Bodies and Movement  20:22 Parental Guidance on Body Image and Dance Studios  25:29 The Importance of Play and Unstructured Movement  32:21 Boundaries and Classroom Management in Dance  41:12 Conclusion and Connecting with Leslie Kuny  💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  6. Mar 15

    EP 17 Advocating for a Loved One in Healthcare Systems | Dementia Care with Laura Smothers-Chu

    In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, Carrie sits down with Laura Smothers-Chu, founder of Joy in Dementia, to talk about what it really looks like to advocate for a loved one navigating dementia, especially when you’re supporting them from a distance. After her father’s diagnosis while she was working in healthcare, Laura quickly discovered how overwhelming and fragmented dementia resources can be, particularly for long-distance caregivers who want to help but don’t live nearby. Today, Laura mentors caregivers through the realities of dementia care, helping them understand available resources, advocate effectively within healthcare systems, and create meaningful moments with their loved ones along the way. This conversation explores the system gaps caregivers face, the importance of community resources, and how to navigate complex healthcare systems with confidence. While this episode focuses on dementia care, the lessons apply broadly to advocating for yourself or a loved one within healthcare systems, something that affects families at every stage of life, whether supporting aging parents, caring for children with medical needs, or navigating care for anyone we love. Almost everyone has been touched by dementia in some way, making this conversation relevant not only for caregivers but for anyone interested in compassion, advocacy, and supporting families through difficult seasons. A personal note: Editing this episode was especially emotional for me, as it was recorded prior to my own mother's passing on 12/23/2025. Conversations like this remind us just how important support, advocacy, and community are when navigating health challenges in our families. Guest InformationLaura Smothers-Chu Founder, Joy in Dementia Laura supports long-distance caregivers navigating the emotional and logistical realities of dementia care. Drawing from her personal experience supporting her father and her background in healthcare, she mentors caregivers in understanding resources, planning ahead, and advocating for their loved ones within complex healthcare systems. 🌐 Website  https://joyindementia.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/joy.in.dementia/  Free consultation for caregivers available on her website. ⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joy in Dementia  01:51 Laura's Personal Journey with Dementia  05:12 The Role of Long-Distance Caregivers  10:15 Identifying Gaps in Dementia Resources  13:00 The Importance of Tailored Support  18:08 Practical Steps for Long-Distance Caregivers  24:38 Recognizing Behavioral Changes in Loved Ones  25:52 First Steps After a Dementia Diagnosis  29:28 The Importance of Community Resources  30:29 Valuing Caregivers in Society  33:05 Wishing for a Cure: The Stigma of Dementia  34:55 Navigating the Healthcare System  39:39 Empowering Caregivers Through Support  44:01 Closing Thoughts & Resources 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  7. Feb 24

    Ep 16: Work-Life Balance Is a Lie: How Working Moms Can Build Resilience & Emotional Regulation | Charlotte Haggie

    Is work-life balance actually possible or is it a myth that keeps working moms stuck in stress and guilt? In this powerful conversation, resilience specialist and coach Charlotte Haggie joins me to dismantle the idea of “balance” and replace it with something far more sustainable: self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner equilibrium. Charlotte shares how motherhood exposed her own “good girl” identity — the pressure to achieve, please, and prove — and how that identity was quietly pulling her away from presence with her child. We talk about: • Why work-life balance is a myth  • The difference between confidence and self-trust  • The “Good Girl Cycle” and how it fuels stress  • How stress impacts children (even when we think we’re hiding it)  • What kids actually need from overwhelmed parents  • Modeling emotional regulation instead of multitasking  • Building resilience without adding more to your to-do list If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at both work and motherhood then this episode will help you shift that narrative. Because resilience isn’t about doing more. It’s about becoming anchored enough to handle what already exists. About Charlotte Charlotte Haggie is a resilience specialist, coach, and host of the top 2% globally ranked podcast The Resilient Working Mum. Through her Ease Over Effort™ framework, she helps working mothers build self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner calm so they can lead at work and at home without burning out. Her work focuses on breaking the “good girl cycle,” building mental resilience, and helping women model calm and presence for their children. Free Resource from Charlotte Charlotte is generously offering listeners access to her private podcast: Unfrazzled: A New Way to Work and Mother 👉 Listen here:  https://unfrazzled-private-podcast.grwebsite.com/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to resilience & working motherhood  01:17 Why work-life balance is a myth  05:41 The Ease Over Effort™ framework explained  11:12 Confidence vs. self-trust  14:26 What children actually need from stressed parents  19:29 Boundaries, presence, and modeling emotional regulation  23:25 Feeling like you're failing at both work and motherhood  29:48 The “Good Girl Cycle” and identity pressure  33:47 The intergenerational impact of stress  36:20 What gives hope to modern moms Connect with Charlotte Website: https://charlottehaggie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottecoaches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.haggie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottecoaches/ If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who is shaping childhood in powerful ways. And if you want to create an impact for kids in your own community through movement and mindfulness go to www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

  8. Jan 30

    Ep: 15 Motion Calms Emotions: Movement, Trauma, and Nervous System Regulation in Children with Tami Lysher

    In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, host Carrie sits down with educator and movement specialist Tami Lysher, who brings over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, trauma-informed care, and nervous system integration. Tami shares how movement, breathwork, and connection play a critical role in helping children regulate their nervous systems—especially children impacted by trauma, sensory challenges, ADHD, and learning differences. Through her framework Move Into Calm, she explains why children are not meant to sit still, how stress and trauma show up in the body, and why regulation must come before learning. This conversation explores the powerful connection between parent and child regulation, practical ways adults can support co-regulation, and simple movement strategies that can be woven into everyday life at home or in the classroom. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers grounded, body-based insights to help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. In this episode, we cover: Why movement supports brain development and emotional regulationHow trauma and chronic stress affect children’s learning and behaviorThe role of parent and educator self-regulationSimple movement and breathwork tools for daily routinesWhy every behavior is an unmet need⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to movement and trauma-informed education  01:26 The importance of movement for children  04:35 Understanding dysregulation in children and parents  09:09 Strategies for self-regulation in adults  18:17 Practical movement techniques for educators  27:13 Creating safe spaces for children  35:59 The role of connection in learning and development  44:42 Final reflections and resources 🔗 Find Tami Lysher Website: https://www.moveintocalm.com Instagram: @studiotpilatesmi YouTube: Studio T Pilates Facebook: Tami Lysher | Studio T Pilates 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com  Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Happier Childhoods is a podcast for adults shaping childhood through movement, play, and connection. Hosted by Carrie Speed of PlayMotion Kids, this show offers honest conversations and practical ideas for parents, teachers, childcare directors, social workers, caregivers, enrichment instructors, and child-focused professionals who want to support kids in meaningful, doable ways. Each episode explores childhood wellbeing, child development, behavior, emotional regulation, resilience, sensory needs, trauma-informed care, play-based learning, mindfulness, movement, and the everyday science of connection. You’ll hear conversations about what it really takes to help children feel safe, supported, and connected while also supporting the adults who care for them. Carrie is a social worker and the founder of PlayMotion Kids, a movement, music, and mindfulness enrichment program for children.  She also certifies and licenses instructors who want to bring movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning to children in their own communities. Because when adults are supported, equipped, and encouraged, happier childhoods become possible. If you care about creating healthier, happier childhoods, you belong here. www.playmotionkids.com www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

Information

  • Creator
    Carrie of PlayMotion Kids
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Happier Childhoods
  • Show Website
    Happier Childhoods