Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas
Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, 'Why is my child doing that?'—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone. Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold the key to unlocking more meaningful play and connection. Join me each week as we dive into playful insights that will help you bring more joy, connection and understanding into your parenting journey. Get in contact at Email Ruth@Playschemas.com Facebook and Instagram @Play_Schemas
Episodes
Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You Think
Is your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours are actually your child’s way of connecting with you?
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into a powerful parenting truth: connection doesn’t just happen through doing dishes and co...
Apply to Join the BETA Test Group – Spaces Are Limited!
Applications close 26 June 2025. Only 5 spots available.
For more information and to apply now, head to https://playschemas.com/beta
Or flick me a DM on Instagram: @Play_Schemas
- Get FREE access during the BETA round
- Enjoy a FREE first month once we officially launch
- Book a personalised 1:1 coaching session with a play schema specialist (that’s me!)
- Receive early access to sc...
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Be careful!” — even when you’re trying to let your child take healthy risks? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack one of the biggest tensions many parents face: wanting to support our children confidence and independence, while still keeping them safe.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how much risk is “too much” when your toddler i...
Ever feel like you’re the only one dropping the ball as a parent? Spoiler alert: you’re not, you're not alone in feeling this... and this episode might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed.
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re joined by Sophie Moskowitz from Imperfect Parents, who brings a powerful message every parent deserves to hear: you don’t have to be perfect to be enou...
The Two Words That Will Transform Your Parenting — “When” and “Then”
Are you tired of endless toddler negotiations, meltdowns during transitions, or repeating yourself a hundred times a day? You’re not alone — and there is a gentle, effective way forward. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe introduces two simple, yet powerful words that can make all the difference: “when” and “then.”
Whether you're trying t...
Part 1 of 2
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas.
Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental ...
Part 2 of 2
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas.
Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all in the same hour. Between messy floors, toddler meltdowns, and managing your own mental ...
Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose?
You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind this common toddler behaviour.
In this episode, Ruth sits down with parenting and behaviour spe...
What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best?
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your little one is digging, transporting soil, or burying seeds, these actions aren’t random. They’re part o...
Free download available!
Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free
Feeling overwhelmed by all the Easter hype—and wondering how to make it meaningful for your toddler?
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into how you can use this Easter season to truly support your child’s developme...
Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.com
As parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start?
How do we talk about it in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering? And how do we navigate such an important conversation without fear or discomfort?
You’re not alone in these concerns. In ...
Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your Child
Do you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding play schemas and love languages can completely transform the way you interact with your little one—making parenting more intentional, fun, and fulfilling!
In this final episode of our Love Languages & ...
Unlock the Secrets of Your Child’s Play: Play Schemas & Acts of Service in Parenting!
Have you ever wondered why your child insists on lining up their toys, spinning in circles, or moving objects from place to place? It might seem random (or even frustrating!), but these repetitive behaviours are actually part of their natural learning process. They’re called play schemas, and understanding them can transform the way you see you...
The Play Schemas Collective is now in BETA — and I'm inviting you to join for free.
This is your chance to test-drive a brand new membership designed to help you confidently support your toddler’s development through schema-based play.
Applications close June 26th, so don’t wait! Head to playschemas.com/beta to apply.
Want to hear all the juicy details first? Just listen to Episode 28, where I give you the full overview.
Ever feel like your child is constantly throwing, spinning, or building the same thing over and over—and you’re not quite sure why? Or maybe you’re wondering how to give your child the quality time they crave without adding more to your already packed schedule? You’re not alone! In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re unlocking the magic behind play schemas and how they connect with the love language of Quality Time—hel...
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of child play through the lens of play schemas and the powerful impact of words of affirmation. Understanding why children engage in particular play patterns allows us to connect with them on a deeper level and support their growth more effectively. These schemas are not simply repetitive behaviors; they serve as gateways to developing essential skills like problem-solving and sp...
🎁 WIN A FREE BOOK!
Love The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman? I’m giving away a FREE copy to one lucky listener!
✅ How to enter: Join my mailing list before March 31, 2025, at 👉 playschemas.com
Did you know that something as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a game of tag could be the key to your child feeling deeply loved and secure? In this episode, we’re exploring Physical Touch as a love language—how it shapes yo...
LOVE to a Child is Spelt TIME: Understanding the 5 Love Languages of Children
💡 Want a chance to win ‘The 5 Love Languages of Children’ book?
Join my mailing list at playschemas.com—you’ll be in the draw to win, no matter where in the world you are!
💛 Do you ever wonder if your child truly feels loved? You tell them “I love you” a hundred times a day, but sometimes, their behaviour suggests they need more. The secret? Kids don’...
Play Schemas at Home: Turning Play Into Productivity
How to Encourage Your Child to Help Around the House—Through Play!
FREE list of play and helping around the home ideas - head to playschemas.com/free!
Does it feel like you’re constantly cleaning up after your little one while they seem more interested in making a mess? What if, instead of working against their natural play instincts, you worked with them?
Children explore t...
Playing Together – How to Join the Fun Without Taking Over
Have you ever found yourself ‘playing’ with your child, only to realise that you’re the one in charge? One moment you’re happily stacking blocks, and the next, you’re directing the entire build like an overzealous project manager. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!
In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into the art of playing with your child—without taking...
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