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. APR 24

    Part 2: Safety Starts Early; Conversations to Empower & Protect Your Children with McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center

    This episode dives deep into the crucial conversations parents and caregivers need to have with children about safety, body boundaries, online conduct, and recognizing danger signals. Featuring expert insights from McMahon Ryan, it offers actionable advice and resources to equip families in protecting their kids effectively.                                                          Key Topics: Teaching children about strangers and safe strangers (police, firefighters, store clerks)The significance of using proper names for body parts and discussing privacy at a young ageDifferentiating secrets versus surprises and handling inappropriate secret requestsEmphasizing instincts and body signals as safety toolsBuilding a family safety plan: contacts, exits, safe places, and safety wordsThe impact of familial and trusted relationships in safety understandingAddressing online safety, including social media, photos, and digital footprint awarenessRecognizing that most abusers are known to children (family, friends, neighbors)Strategies for empowering children to say no and set boundariesThe importance of ongoing, open communication to foster trust and safety awarenessTips for parents on avoiding sleepovers and controlling who is present during celebrationsAdditional Notes: Regular, developmental conversations about safety build a foundation of trust and awareness. Trusting children’s instincts, providing clear language and boundaries, and involving trusted adults make them more capable of navigating risks safely. The experts emphasize that these dialogues should start early, repeat often, and adapt as children grow, always reinforcing their right to say no and their body’s safety. Connect with McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center 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

    44 min

  2. APR 10

    Safety Starts Early: Crucial Conversations to Empower and Protect Your Children

    Safety Starts Early: Crucial Conversations to Empower and Protect Your Children  This episode dives into essential safety conversations for children, covering topics from stranger danger and body safety to creating family safety plans, online safety and recognizing unsafe situations. Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers, it offers practical tips and scripts to empower children to stay safe and trust their instincts. Please listen to and share this episode, the first in a two part series by McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.  Key Topics: Age-appropriate language for body safety and private partsUsing teachable moments like bath time to introduce body safety conceptsThe importance of using proper names for body parts to prevent confusionBuilding trust and open communication: "feelings helpers" and trusted adultsRecognizing and responding to instincts and gut feelingsTeaching children to say no and setting boundaries in social situationsFamily safety plans: exit strategies, safe words, and emergency contact infoThe reality of abuse: 90% of children know their abuser, not strangersOnline safety: managing digital footprints, sharing photos, and recognizing online predatorsDifferences between secrets and surprises; how to address unsafe secretsHandling unsafe situations when adults aren’t present, such as sleepoversThe importance of early and ongoing conversations about safetyResources & Links: Your Body Belongs to YouSecrecy vs. SurpriseMcMahon Ryan Child Advocacy CenterChild Online Safety TipsConnect with Erin Bates: LinkedInMcMahon Ryan WebsiteConnect with Lauren Rufo: LinkedInMcMahon Ryan OutreachRemember, starting the conversation early and keeping it ongoing is the best way to prepare children for safe and confident decision-making. Let’s foster trust, teach boundaries, and empower our kids to speak up.   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

    25 min

  3. MAR 27

    Clean Home, Clear Mind: Cleaning Hacks, Routines and Organizational Strategies for Busy Families with Jen Dixon of Clean Slate CNY

    Keywords cleaning, organization, mental clarity, parenting tips, decluttering, family routines, cleaning hacks, laundry management, home organization, self-care Summary In this conversation, Kelly Vincentini speaks with Jen Dixon, founder of Clean Slate CNY, about the transformative power of cleaning and organization in achieving mental clarity and calm. They discuss practical strategies for decluttering, managing laundry, and establishing routines that involve the whole family. Jen emphasizes the importance of teaching children responsibility and the benefits of asking for help. The episode is filled with actionable tips and insights for busy parents looking to create a more organized and peaceful home environment. Takeaways A clean home contributes to mental clarity and calm.Decluttering starts with being mindful of what we bring into our homes.The "one in, one out rule" helps manage clutter.What is the ten minute tidy?Ideas for involving kids in cleaning to teach them responsibility.Laundry tips to keep it from piling up at home. Organizational systems to simplify family life and help your home run more smoothly.Personal Habits & mindset shifts to  be more efficient and effective with household tasksCleaning products and cleaning secrets from a professional!Learn more about Clean Slate CNY and their cleaning/laundry services here! Chapters 02:48 Mental Clarity Through Clean Spaces 05:35 Decluttering Strategies for Busy Parents 08:24 Weekly Routines and Time Management 11:04 Teaching Kids Responsibility 13:56 Laundry Management Tips 16:45 Organizational Systems for Family Life 19:42 Cleaning Hacks and Products 22:30 Services Offered by Clean Slate CNY 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

    41 min

  4. MAR 13

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (32)

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
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Play2Learn Podcast
  • Show Website
    Play2Learn Podcast

You Might Also Like