Play Happens Podcast

Social play isn’t always calm, kind, or easy to watch…but it’s where some of the most important learning happens.In this episode, I explore why child-led social play matters, what it actually looks like and why stepping back as adults can be one of the most powerful things we do.If you’ve ever felt the urge to jump in and fix things for your child… this one’s for you.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who finds it hard to not step in during their child’s play.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Bedtime can feel like the longest part of the day - especially when you’re already running on empty.In this episode, I explore why bedtime is such a big transition, and how play, routine and realistic expectations can support both children and parents.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who needs both practical ideas and reassurance.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Why do simple moments like leaving the house, turning off screens or getting dressed feel so hard?In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on during transitions and how play can help reduce resistance, support regulation and make everyday routines feel smoother.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who dreads the “turn it off” or “time to go” moments.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Setting boundaries around screens can feel impossible - especially when parents are exhausted.In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I bring the conversation into real family life, exploring how to make intentional choices around technology without guilt. From algorithm-driven platforms to everyday survival moments, this episode offers practical ways to protect play while still honouring the realities of parenting.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who wants practical ideas, not perfect rules.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Technology is everywhere and parenting in a digital world can feel overwhelming.In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I explore how different types of technology interact with children’s developing brains, what current research is showing and why play is such a critical protective factor. This episode isn’t about rules or guilt - it’s about awareness, balance and understanding what children need most.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who is raising young children in a very digital world.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Parental leave can feel like a complete identity shift.In this episode, I share my personal experience of moving from a structured, purpose-driven career into the unpredictable world of caring for a baby - and the pressure I felt to do more, teach more and get it right.Through this reflection, I explore how my relationship with play evolved, why curated activities aren’t the gold standard we think they are, and how slowing down helped me trust that what me - and my children - were doing was already enough.A gentle, reassuring listen for anyone on parental leave wondering if they’re doing it “right”.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who needs permission to slow down, simplify and trust play.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

When children want to help - sweep the floor, wipe the bench, carry the groceries - we often see it as a disruption. In this episode, I explore how those everyday moments can actually be play and why letting kids help (imperfectly and on their own terms) supports skill development, confidence and a sense of belonging. A gentle reframe for parents who feel torn between getting things done and letting kids be part of it.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who needs permission to let kids help - imperfectly.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Play is meant to be simple - so why does it feel so hard sometimes?In this episode, I explore why many parents struggle with play, especially unstructured play, and why that discomfort is completely normal. From feeling unsure of your role to being wired for outcomes, this episode offers reassurance, perspective and practical ways to take the pressure off.If play feels awkward, draining or harder than you expected - you’re not alone.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who feels guilty for not always wanting to play.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Have you ever felt pressured to buy the “right” toy, hoping it will keep your child entertained or make them smarter? In this episode, I explore why toys alone don’t make play magical, how kids often surprise us with what they actually engage with, and simple ways to encourage creativity, imagination and real play at home.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who has a living room full of half-played-with toys.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

The “favoured parent” phase can feel heavy for everyone involved.In this episode, I explore why children sometimes cling to one parent, why it’s not a reflection of love or parenting ability and how play can gently support connection without forcing separation. A reassuring listen for parents navigating big feelings, uneven loads and the quiet doubts that can creep in during this phase.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who believes play might help - but isn’t sure how.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Play often gets misunderstood. Parents and educators alike may measure it by activities or outcomes, thinking learning and play sit on opposite sides of a line. Play isn’t one thing - and understanding the different forms can lift the pressure parents and educators feel. In this episode, I explore free play, guided play, games, and adult-led learning, and how each shapes children’s growth.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this with anyone who wants to see that learning can happen everywhere - even in mud, trucks and dress-up.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

In this episode of Play Happens, I share five tiny play experiments that parents and educators can try this week - no special materials, no planning, no pressure.These simple shifts invite deeper curiosity, creativity and independence, while reminding us that play isn’t just fun - it’s fundamental.Perfect for tired adults who want meaningful play without the overwhelm.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who thinks they should be doing more - when actually, doing less might help.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

What happens when risky play doesn’t disappear because parents are afraid - but because environments decide risk itself is the problem?In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I zoom out to explore how playground rules, policies and reactions to injury are slowly designing risk out of childhood. From flattened play spaces to calls for playgrounds to be removed after an accident, we unpack what fear looks like when it turns into policy and what it can cost children in the long run.This episode builds on earlier conversations about risky play and parent fear.You can listen to those episodes here:→ EP 2:Risky Play - Why Kids Need It→ EP 3: Parent Fears & Risky Play ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

After a long school day, kids aren’t just tired - they’re juggling movement, learning and social challenges. In this episode, I share why the hours after school matter and practical strategies for resetting your child’s mind and body using connection, snacks, rest and play.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who needs an after school reset!Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

When kids’ calendars are jam-packed, everyone feels it - including parents. In this episode, I explore how too many structured activities can quietly steal rest, free play and creativity, and why slowing down might be the best gift for your family.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who juggles multiple kids, activities and a never-ending calendar.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Free play is disappearing and it matters more than we realise.In this opening episode of Season 2, I explore why children have less freedom to play than ever before, what free play actually builds in the developing brain and how families can gently reclaim it without adding more to their plates. Because play isn’t extra - it’s fundamental!✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with someone who might appreciate a gentle reminder that play can be simple and still deeply meaningful.Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

We’ve reached the end of Season One of Play Happens Podcast!In this episode, I reflect on what it means to protect play - for children and for ourselves. From messy moments to quiet creativity, from letting go of control to guarding time for imagination, this finale brings together the big lessons of the season.You’ll also hear a bit of the behind-the-scenes journey of starting the podcast - how it began as one small idea and the hope that it’s made a difference in how we see play.Connect with Jess on Instagram → @playhappensauShare your Season 2 ideas, reflections, or play stories!Play Happens Podcast - where play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental.

Play is how families bond, build trust and rediscover joy together. In this episode, I explore how shared play strengthens relationships, lowers stress and helps families reconnect in simple, meaningful ways.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt — Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent who might need a reminder that connection doesn’t come from perfection - it comes from play.

Play isn’t just for kids - adults need it too!In this episode, I explore why play is essential for grown-ups - not just for fun, but for connection, creativity and mental health. From laughter to letting go of the to-do list, this episode is your reminder to make room for joy again.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.📲 Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher or carer who might need a reminder that play isn’t a luxury - it’s a life essential.

When kids play outside, they’re not just getting fresh air, they’re learning, growing and recalibrating.In this episode, I explore how nature invites imagination, builds courage, restores balance and connects us - both children and adults - in ways no classroom or screen can.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education, and passionate play advocate.Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with a parent, teacher or carer who might need a reminder that sometimes, the best kind of classroom has no walls!

Play begins earlier than you might think - long before a baby takes their first steps. From womb kicks to toddler towers, imaginary worlds to tween adventures, play constantly evolves as children grow. In this episode, I explore how play shifts across the stages of childhood and what stays the same: curiosity, connection and creativity.Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.✨ Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau🎧 Subscribe or follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or carer who might need a reminder that play doesn’t disappear as kids grow - it just changes shape.

Conflict isn’t always a bad thing - especially in play.In this episode of Play Happens, I explore how well-meaning adult intervention can sometimes get in the way of one of the most powerful learning opportunities children have: navigating social conflict.Learn when to step in, when to step back and how to support children as they build empathy, resilience and problem-solving skills - one playground disagreement at a time.✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt — Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education, and passionate play advocate.💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or carer who might need a reminder that not every problem is ours to fix.🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.📸 Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau

What happens when a toddler, a four year old and a fourth grader all play together? Chaos? Maybe. Magic? Definitely.When kids of different ages play together, the results are unpredictable and powerful. In this episode, I will look at how multi-age play builds leadership, empathy, creativity and teamwork. I’ll also share some simple ways parents and educators can encourage it. Play Happens is hosted by Jessica, a Primary Educator with a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and a passionate advocate for the power of play.✨ Let’s connect:Instagram: @playhappensauShare this episode with a parent, teacher or carer who believes in the power of play across generations.🎧 And remember - sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Sibling play isn’t always calm - it’s loud, messy and sometimes full of arguments. But behind the chaos lies powerful learning. In this episode, I explore how sibling play builds empathy, problem-solving, conflict resolution and lifelong bonds. We’ll look at how parents can support it without stepping in every two seconds.Play Happens is hosted by Jessica, a Primary Educator with a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and a passionate advocate for the power of play.✨ Let’s connect:Instagram: @playhappensauShare this episode with a parent, carer or educator who needs a fresh perspective on sibling squabbles.🎧 And remember - sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

What kind of spaces invite play and which quietly shut it down? In this episode, I explore how our homes and classrooms can be reimagined to encourage curiosity, creativity and independence. From making materials accessible to striking a balance between order and freedom, this episode is full of practical ideas to help play flourish.Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.✨ Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or carer who might need a reminder that sometimes the best spaces for learning are the ones that invite a little mess and a lot of imagination.

Is your recycling bin the best toy store in the house? In this episode, I explore the magic of loose parts play and how open-ended materials like boxes, sticks and bottle caps spark creativity, problem-solving and resilience in ways no store-bought toy can match.Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt — Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.✨ Follow Jess on Instagram: @playhappensau🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens wherever you listen to podcasts.💌 Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher or carer who might need a reminder that play really is fundamental.

What does real learning look like? In this episode, I explore why play often doesn’t resemble schoolwork and why that’s not just okay, it’s ideal. You’ll learn how cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth are all deeply embedded in the messy, noisy and imaginative play children naturally gravitate toward.Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review - it really helps others find the show.

Rough and tumble play might look chaotic, but it’s packed with developmental benefits. In this episode, I break down what roughhousing really is, why it matters and how parents can support it without fear. If you’ve ever cringed at the sight of your child rolling on the floor or tackling a friend, this one’s for you.Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave a review - it really helps others find the show.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Worksheets and flashcards might look like learning, but in the early years, play does the job so much better. I unpack why hands-on play builds deeper skills than memorisation ever could - and share playful swaps that make learning stick.Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ Share this episode with another parent, educator or caregiver who could use a reminder that worksheets aren’t the only (or best) way to learn.💛 And remember: the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Messy play might look like chaos - but beneath the paint splatters and muddy hands, kids are building crucial skills. I share why messy play matters, the hidden learning behind it and practical ways to make the mess manageable (without losing your mind).Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ If you enjoyed this episode, share it with another parent, caregiver or educator who could use a reminder that the mess is worth it.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Child-led play can feel tricky for adults who are used to leading the way - but it’s where kids shine. In this episode, I unpack what child-led play really looks like, why it matters and how you can join in without taking over.Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate, and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ If this episode resonated, share it with another parent, caregiver, or educator who could use a fresh perspective on child-led play.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Independent play isn’t about leaving kids to fend for themselves - it’s about building confidence, creativity and resilience. In this episode of Play Happens, I share why solo play matters, what it looks like at different ages and gentle ways to encourage it at home.Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ If this episode resonated, share it with another parent, caregiver, or educator who could use the reminder that independent play is both possible and powerful.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Free play might look like chaos from the outside - spinning in circles, building wobbly towers, inventing endless rules - but inside your child’s brain, it’s magic. In this episode of Play Happens, I explore why free play is one of the richest ways kids learn and how you can make more space for it at home.Hosted by Jessica — Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ If this episode encouraged you to step back and let kids lead, share it with another parent, caregiver or educator who might need the reminder that “just play” is more than enough.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Think you don’t have time for play? Think again. In this episode of Play Happens, I share simple, everyday ways to weave play into routines you’re already doing - from cooking dinner to school runs. Discover how short bursts of silliness and connection can make a big difference, without adding more to your to-do list.Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Helicopter parenting comes from love - but too much hovering can hold kids back. In this episode of Play Happens, I explore why constant rescuing can actually limit children’s resilience, confidence and problem-solving skills. Learn how to “land the helicopter” with practical strategies that keep kids safe, while giving them the freedom to grow.Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Feeling your heart leap when your child climbs too high or runs too fast? You’re not alone. In this episode of Play Happens, I unpack why our fears around risky play are normal, but how swooping in too often can hold kids back. Discover a mindset shift and practical language swaps that help you support your child’s confidence - without ignoring your protective instincts.Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Risky play isn’t about danger - it’s about growth. In this episode of Play Happens, I unpack what risky play really is, why children need it for confidence, resilience and safety skills, and how adults can support it without fear. Plus, you’ll get one simple, practical tip to help you say “yes” to risky play (without your heart racing).Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

Welcome to Play Happens! In this very first episode, I’m sharing how my passion for play began and why it’s so much more than “just fun.” I’ll talk about why I believe play is the engine of learning and I’ll leave you with a simple, practical play idea you can try out today.Hosted by Jessica - Primary Educator, Play Advocate and Masters in Special & Inclusive Education.✨ Follow on Instagram 👉 @playhappensau✨ For more insights and play ideas, subscribe and share the show with another parent, teacher or caregiver who could use encouragement to embrace the wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking side of play.💛 And remember: sometimes the best kind of learning looks a whole lot like play.

What if learning looked a whole lot more like play? I’m Jess - mum, teacher, and play advocate - and I created the Play Happens podcast to show you why play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental.Each episode is short, practical and full of ideas you can use right away - perfect for busy parents and educators.Come listen in - and let’s fall in love with play again!