Play Skillfully

Latest Episodes:

The First 1000 Days and Why They Matter Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers discusses the critical importance of early childhood development, focusing on the first three years of a child's life. She emphasizes the significance of nurturing social-emotional skills, physical milestones, and cognitive growth through intentional parenting and play-based learning. Kathy shares insights on how parents can foster secure attachments, encourage physical activity, and enhance language development, ultimately laying a strong foundation for their children's future.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at the Kathy Eggers store by using the code, PSPODCAST.

Let's Talk About Self Control - Character Builder Series - July Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intricate workings of the brain to uncover its pivotal role in impulse control and emotional regulation. Join us as we explore the neural pathways that influence our decisions and emotions, and learn how understanding these processes can lead to better self-awareness and mental well-being. Whether you're curious about the science behind your impulses or seeking strategies for emotional balance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how your brain shapes your behavior and emotions.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Nurturing Helpfulness in Preschoolers: Character Builder Series May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Kathy Eggers discusses the importance of teaching helpfulness to children as a key character trait. She emphasizes the role of parents in modeling helpful behavior, engaging children in helpful activities, and providing developmentally appropriate tasks. The conversation highlights the significance of building confidence in children through participation in household chores and the positive impact of helpfulness on family dynamics. Kathy also shares practical tips for making helpfulness a fun and natural part of family life, concluding with a reminder of the lasting effects of these early lessons on children's character development.
Check out our summer sale going on now @kathyeggers.com, you can get our summer curriculum guide (A Summer of Playing Skillfully) on sale for $15 off plus get our MUD Kitchen plans for FREE. Use the code, slowsummer.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Planting Seeds of Faithfulness: Character Builder Series Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Kathy Eggers discusses the importance of faithfulness as a character trait in parenting. She reflects on the challenges of parenting and offers support to parents navigating their journeys. Kathy emphasizes the significance of modeling faithfulness for children, providing practical strategies to teach this value, and the need for flexibility in parenting. The episode concludes with an invitation to join a newsletter for more parenting resources and a preview of the next episode.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Teaching Preschoolers About Love - Character Builder Series Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers explores the concept of love as a fundamental trait to teach children, particularly preschoolers. She emphasizes that love is best taught through actions rather than words, highlighting the importance of modeling love in everyday life. Kathy discusses practical ways to show love, including self-love, emotional presence, and creative expressions of affection. She also addresses the significance of navigating difficult emotions and loss, encouraging open communication about feelings. Overall, the conversation serves as a guide for parents to intentionally foster love in their families.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Thankfulness - Character Builder Series - November Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kathy discusses the importance of introducing children to thankfulness from a young age. From modeling thankfulness to encouraging thankfulness through family activities, Kathy shares the value in being intentional with this character trait throughout your home.
Webster defines thankfulness as "Impressed with a sense of kindness received and ready to acknowledge it." Kathy encourages listeners to recognize when thankfulness is shown and acknowledge kindness.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

The Gift of Music with Hugh Hanley Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Hugh Hanley explore the profound impact of music on early childhood education. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of musical play, and how music fosters social and emotional development in children. Hugh shares practical tips for parents and educators on incorporating music into daily routines and adapting songs based on children's input. The discussion emphasizes the significance of starting music education from infancy and the joy it brings to both children and adults.
To learn more about Hugh's music classes and his CD songbooks, check out his website, www.hughhanley.com. You can also watch Hugh on his YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@hughhanley1403.
Thanks for listening!

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Process Art with Award Winning Author, MaryAnn Kohl Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers and MaryAnn Kohl discuss the importance of process art and its benefits for children. They emphasize the need for self-expression, creativity, and trust in oneself. Maryann shares her journey into art and how she became an advocate for process art. They discuss the purpose of art and how it builds better humans who can think, solve problems, and lead society forward. They also talk about the importance of allowing children to explore different materials and tools, and the cognitive benefits of art for children's development. In this conversation, MaryAnn Kohl and Kathy Eggers discuss the importance of process art for children's development. They emphasize the need for adults to give children permission to explore and be creative with art materials. They also highlight the benefits of process art, such as problem-solving skills and confidence-building. MaryAnn shares examples of art activities that engage children's senses and foster discovery. They discuss the role of adults as facilitators and the importance of allowing children to make their own decisions. MaryAnn also mentions her books on process art and provides resources for finding them.
Learn more about MaryAnn's books and check out her Facebook group, Process Art with MaryAnn Kohl.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Practicing Self-Compassion as a Parent with Keri Vasek Jul 14, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers and Keri Vasek discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and homeschooling. They reflect on the importance of trusting one's intuition and not letting outside voices dictate parenting decisions. They also explore the bittersweet experience of watching children grow up and the grief that comes with it. The conversation touches on the duality of parenting, the need for self-compassion, and the power of modeling happiness for children. They also discuss Keri's journey of writing and publishing her first children's book, 'Kisses from Space,' which is about a mother dragon who has to leave her children and finds ways to stay connected with them.
You can purchase Kisses from Space from your favorite Book Outlet.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

If Kathy was Speaking at your Conference This Year Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

Since Kathy and Lesli are not speaking at Homeschool Conferences this year, we thought you would like to hear them share some of the things they would tell you from a podium. Kathy has combined two of her fan favorite talks to share with you today. Grab a tissue and be prepared to take a trip down memory lane.

For more information, check out Kathy's book, The Homegrown Preschooler and curriculum guide A Year of Playing Skillfully.

You can also sign up for Kathy's monthly newsletter on her website or by commenting NEWS on any IG post.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for us to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let us know at hello@kathyeggers.com or shoot us a message on Instagram.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected