Parenting Through Play: Practical Tips with Licensed Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist Dr Kim Van Dusen | Episode 98

Play is often overlooked in parenting, yet it can be one of the most effective ways to reduce power struggles, improve behaviour, and build a strong connection with your child. When you understand how children communicate, parenting becomes less exhausting and more cooperative. In this episode, I am talking to Dr Kim Van Dusen, licensed family therapist, registered play therapist, and author of Parenting Through Play. We discuss why play is essential, how to use it in everyday moments, and simple ways to make parenting feel easier, even when you are tired or overwhelmed.   Dr Kim and I talk about: • how play acts as your child’s primary language and improves connection• why children resist when we communicate only through adult logic• how to use short, simple play moments to reduce daily power struggles• why moms resist play even when they know it works• how play supports emotional regulation for both you and your child• how to handle picky eating using playful, low-effort strategies• why saying yes more often can improve behaviour and reduce conflict• how to balance boundaries with connection without becoming permissive• how playful parenting supports better transitions like bedtime and getting out the door• how to support your child’s development using evidence-based techniques at home Dr Kim Van Dusen is a mom of two, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a registered play therapist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. She works with children and families, specializing in play-based approaches to improve behaviour, communication, and connection. She is also the founder of The Parentologist and author of Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication.  Episode Links Follow Dr Kim on Instagram  Read her book Parenting Through Play  Check out The Parentologist website Listen to The Parentologist Podcast Come say hi to me on Instagram Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation  Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.  Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.   Resources I Am Loving Squat Seat – Comfortable seat to increase mobility and deep squat. Use code WILD5 for a discount.  The Brain Health Movement – Whole Child Healing Roadmap is a science-backed courses that decode the root causes of your child's struggles. Get £200 off with code WILDANDWELL MamaZen App – Become a happier and calmer mom through cognitive hypnotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness. Use code 9c  Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend. Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, and children’s wellness. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for new moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.