Play2Learn Podcast

Kelly Vincentini and Alexandra Bishop
  • 5.0 (7)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Play2Learn Podcast, where we provide "playspiration" and resources for caregivers during the early childhood years.  We interview experts in the fields of parenting and education to provide you with the tools and insight you need to show up for your children with confidence.

  1. 8H AGO

    Managing Health Anxiety: Support for Family with Anxiety & OCD

    Summary  In this conversation, Barb Shepard, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in ANXIETY, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS, discusses the challenges parents face when their children have health anxiety or fears about sickness and/or vomiting. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when anxiety or OCD is influencing these questions and suggests strategies for addressing them effectively. By acknowledging the child's feelings and shifting the focus to the present, parents can help alleviate anxiety and provide emotional support. If you or your child experience health anxiety, this is SUCH a HELPFUL episode! Takeaways -If your child has asked you repetitively for weeks, perhaps months about illness, we need to put that questioning in the anxiety and OCD context. -The answer is not satisfying anxiety's demands anymore. -“Sometimes people do get sick and that is a possibility, but we're just dealing with the problems of right now.” -“You asking me that question, I'm really learning that it's not making you feel better when I'm answering it.” -At a certain point, we need to change our approach to answering these questions. -We've already given them reasonable answers, and it's important to recognize when anxiety is present. -It's crucial to focus on the present rather than hypothetical situations. -Parents should acknowledge the child's feelings and concerns about illness. -Repetitive questioning can be a sign of underlying anxiety or OCD. -Effective communication with children about their fears can help alleviate anxiety.   Barb's intensive treatment options are research based and effective in managing severe anxiety and OCD. Located in Fayetteville, learn more about her practice here!  Follow on social @anxietyocdfamily Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    20 min

  2. FEB 27

    Anxiety in Children: Causes, Signs, Suggestions for Home and School & When to Seek Professional Help

    In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Jessica Butler, a licensed clinical social worker and certified child center play therapist, about the increasing anxiety in children and how families can navigate these challenges. They discuss the common causes and symptoms of anxiety, when to seek professional help, effective communication strategies for parents, therapeutic approaches used in child therapy, and the importance of community support and resources for families.   -takeaways- More children are struggling with anxiety due to a fast-paced world.Anxiety is often a result of unprocessed emotions.Anxiety can look like a lot of different behaviors in children and adolescents from big emotions, difficulty separating from parents, difficulty sleeping and more.Parents should seek help when anxiety causes significant impairment in daily functioning.Normalizing discussions about feelings can help children express themselves.Identifying and labeling feelings is crucial for emotional regulation.Therapeutic play can help children process their emotions effectively.Educators should create environments that support emotional safety.Honesty about difficult topics can reduce fear in children.Parents should be curious about their child's behaviors and emotional reactions.Community resources and workshops can provide additional support for families.  Screening for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (there is a child version and a parent version) at  https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/SCARED-form-Parent-and-Child-version.pdf Just Be Kids CNY is located in Baldwinsville, check out their services  here!  Follow on social @justbekidscny Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    35 min

  3. FEB 13

    Cultivating Calm: Strategies for Relaxation & Mindfulness with Trista Phillipson

    Cultivating Calm: Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Strategies with Trista Phillipson In this episode, we explore effective relaxation and mindfulness techniques designed for children, guided by yoga instructor Trista Phillipson. Discover practical tools that caregivers and educators can implement to help children navigate stress, overstimulation, and emotional challenges in a busy world. Little Yogis by Trista  @littleyogisbytrista  and https://www.littleyogisbytrista.com/ In this episode: The importance of relaxation and mindfulness for children in today’s societyHow societal pace and technology impact children’s mental healthSimple signs indicating a child might be overwhelmed or stressedPractical relaxation tools: singing bowls, breathing balls, and mantras How to model mindfulness and positive self-talk as adultsUsing sensory activities like feathers, pom-poms, and art projects for calmingIncorporating mindful movement and breathing exercises into daily routinesEasy strategies for classrooms and home environments to create calming momentsRecommended resources including kids yoga music and mindfulness appsThe power of planting seeds early: building emotional resilience for lifelong well-beingTimestamps:  00:00 - Why children need relaxation and mindfulness in a fast-paced world  02:02 - The impact of technology and societal demands on children's stress levels  07:37 - Recognizing signs that a child is overwhelmed or in need of a break  12:43 - Favorite relaxation tools for children: singing bowls, breathing balls, mantras  15:24 - How art projects and mindful movement promote calmness  19:02 - Using affirmations and guided meditations in everyday routines  23:30 - Practical classroom activities: square breathing, sensory games, and more  36:36 - Resources for incorporating yoga and mindfulness into your setting  39:04 - The importance of planting seeds of mindfulness early and modeling calmness  42:17 - Creating classroom and home environments that foster peace and focus  44:02 - Recommended mindfulness apps and music for relaxation and sleep Resources mentioned during episode: Snoop Dogg – “Affirmation Song”From the Doggyland albumKira Wiley (Spotify)Yoga songs“30 Mindful Moments”Calm App (kids version mentioned)Short guided meditations before bedRemember, cultivating resilience begins with small seeds of mindfulness and calmness that grow well into lifelong skills for self-care and emotional balance. Start today by introducing these emotional tools to your children! Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    44 min

  4. JAN 30

    Fourth Trimester Anxiety, Mental Load of Motherhood & the Importance of Self Care with Tracy Dando

    This episode feels like a warm hug for all mothers. Tracy and Kelly are deeply honest and vulnerable as they discuss the early days of motherhood as well as the challenges that come with each new age/phase.  Takeaways: Motherhood often comes with unexpected challenges and emotions.It's important to share feelings of anxiety and vulnerability with others.Self-care is essential for mental health, especially for mothers.Community support can significantly ease the burdens of parenting.The pressures of social media can distort perceptions of motherhood.Each stage of parenting presents new challenges and anxieties.It's okay to not have all the answers as a parent.Finding micro-moments for self-care can be transformative.As children grow, parenting dynamics and challenges evolve.Embracing imperfection in parenting is crucial for mental well-being.  We are all “practicing parenting” and we aren't always going to get it all right! This episode validates all your hard feelings during motherhood and helps you give yourself grace. Chapters: 00:00Introduction to Vulnerability in Motherhood 01:10Expectations vs. Reality of Early Motherhood 04:31Navigating the Challenges of New Motherhood 07:24The Evolution of Parenting Challenges 11:42Anxiety in Parenting: The Preteen Years 16:22Finding Grace in Imperfect Parenting 18:08The Overwhelming Mental Load of Parenting 23:30Asking for Help: A Necessary Step 26:21Building Community for Support 26:45Prioritizing Mental Health as a Parent 32:47Redefining Self-Care in Daily Life   Love listening to Tracy? Check out her podcast Truthfully, Tracy Learn more about her work at Safe Space and Root to Rise as well as her  speaking engagements and 1:1 coaching sessions at https://www.tracydando.com/ Follow her on social media @tracylynndando  or @truthfullytracy_podcast Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    37 min

  5. JAN 16

    Promoting Healthy Childhood Development through PLAY with Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Sara Green

    This episode addresses so many of your questions regarding healthy physical development during the early childhood years.  As a pediatric OT, Sara explains the WHY and the HOW behind supporting your child's growth at home. -Why Child led Play is CRUCIAL for Sensory & Motor Development -Benefits of Outdoor Play and Ideas for Backyard Fun -Ideas for Indoor Motor and Sensory Play -Best Gift Ideas to Promote Motor Development -Why Sensory Play is Important and SIMPLE Ideas for Home -How to Build Sensory Tolerance -Signs Your Child Might Need an OT Evaluation -Benefits of Occupation Therapy Services To learn more about Sara's practice in Syracuse and her yoga classes, visit https://www.littlerootsotandyoga.com/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    31 min

  6. 10/03/2025

    Understanding the World of Childcare - Nanny Edition with Guest Sarah Salisbury

    In this episode, Kelly interviews Sarah Salisbury, a seasoned nanny with nearly 20 years of experience. They discuss the importance of play in child development, daily routines for children, engaging activities for early learning, and the differences between nannies and babysitters. Sarah shares insights on various nanny models, responsibilities, legal aspects of hiring a nanny, and tips for finding the right fit for families. This discussion emphasizes the significance of nurturing children's curiosity and the collaborative relationship between parents and nannies. Connect with Sarah - ssalisbury0809@gmail.com  Resources for fair and legal pay: Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights | Department of Labor  Why Nannies are Non-Exempt Workers and Hourly Employees Payroll Resources | Learn About Household Payroll Tax Payroll Companies: Payroll Services for Household Employees | HomeWork Solutions Nanny and Household Tax and Payroll Service | Care.com HomePay GTM Payroll Services Nanny Taxes and Payroll Services | Poppins Payroll | Poppins Payroll® Contracts: A to Z Nanny Contract offers step-by-step guide through what’s legal, fair and standard. Free Nanny Contract — Nanny Counsel interStellar Nannies Free Nanny Contract — interStellar Nannies Nanny Agency:  Flower City Nannies Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    34 min

  7. 09/19/2025

    What is Early Intervention & How to Navigate the Evaluation Process with Laura Vincent

    In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Laura Vincent, licensed speech language pathologist, about the special education process for children under five. They discuss the importance of early intervention, how parents can navigate the evaluation process, and the types of services available. Laura emphasizes the need for parents to trust their instincts and seek help when they have concerns about their child's development. The conversation also addresses common fears about labeling children and highlights the positive impact of early intervention on long-term success. Regional Program Director Laura Vincent, MS CCC/SLP lvincent@liberty-resources.org Contact 6723 Towpath Road E. Syracuse, NY 13057 Phone: 315-425-1004 Audiology Phone: 315-701-5710 Fax: 315-235-3411 Learn more about Liberty Post here! Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    21 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    Navigate Tough Conversations & Build Emotional Intelligence with Stories: The Gooshi App as a Resource for Parents

    In this episode, Kelly interviews Rita Ho-Bezzola, the founder of Gooshi, a storytelling platform aimed at helping families navigate emotional challenges through literature. They discuss the importance of using books as tools for emotional development, the role of technology in parenting, and the significance of representation in children's literature. Rita shares insights on how Gooshi can be utilized for teachable moments and the necessity of normalizing difficult conversations with children. Here are few of our HOT TOPICS this episode!  🎧Gooshi aims to empower parents with resources to support their children 🎧 Normalizing difficult conversations helps reduce stigma and anxiety 🎧Gooshi provides real-time access to stories for teachable moments 🎧 Representation in children's literature is crucial for inclusivity FOLLOW Rita on Instagram @gooshi_world Download the FREE Gooshi App  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    34 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Play2Learn Podcast, where we provide "playspiration" and resources for caregivers during the early childhood years.  We interview experts in the fields of parenting and education to provide you with the tools and insight you need to show up for your children with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Vincentini and Alexandra Bishop
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Play2Learn Podcast
  • Show Website
    Play2Learn Podcast