Play Skillfully

Latest Episodes:

Wake Up and Dream: A conversation with Author, Amy Davis Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Play Skillfully podcast, Kathy Eggers welcomes Amy Davis to discuss her new book, "Dream Day." They explore the concept of setting aside a day to reflect on the past year and plan for the future, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, vision, and intentional living. Amy shares her journey from homeschooling mom to life coach and author, offering insights into how "Dream Day" can help individuals and families create meaningful traditions and set achievable goals.

You can find Amy on Instagram and learn more on her website. You can purchase Dream Day on my Amazon Store.

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.

Legends Week - The Freedom to Homeschool with Zan Tyler Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Play Skillfully podcast, host Kathy Eggers interviews Zan Tyler, a pioneer in the homeschooling movement. Zan shares her personal journey into homeschooling, the challenges she faced in advocating for homeschooling rights, and the evolution of homeschooling laws over the years. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's unique learning styles and offers valuable advice for new homeschooling moms. The conversation highlights the significance of parental rights in education and the ongoing fight for educational freedom.
Don't forget to follow Zan on Instagram and check out her website to learn more about her work with BJU Press and in the homeschooling community.

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.

Unlocking the Magic of Learning: An Enchanting Conversation with Author, Julie Bogart Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Julie Bogart explore the enchanting world of learning, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, observation, and connection in education. They discuss the challenges parents face, such as concerns about falling behind and the need for socialization, while advocating for a lighthearted approach to parenting. Julie shares insights from her books, including 'The Brave Learner' and 'Help My Kid Hates Writing,' highlighting the significance of self-expression and critical thinking in children's development. The discussion culminates in a heartfelt reminder of the power of connection in fostering a love for learning.
You can find Julie soooo many places....

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/

https://www.facebook.com/bravewriter

BRAVE WRITER

https://bravewriter.com

https://blog.bravewriter.com/

http://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/

SUBSTACK
https://juliebogart.substack.com/

JULIE BOGART AUTHOR
http://juliebogartwriter.com/
HELP! MY KID HATES WRITING

https://juliebogartwriter.com/help-my-kid-hates-writing/

THE BRAVE LEARNER

https://juliebogartwriter.com/the-brave-learner/

RAISING CRITICAL THINKERS

https://juliebogartwriter.com/raising-critical-thinkers/

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 Magic of Read-Aloud: Nurturing Young Minds Through Stories Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Kathy Eggers and Keri Vasek discuss the profound impact of reading aloud to children. They explore the emotional and educational benefits, including building connections, enhancing language development, and fostering a love for stories. Practical tips for incorporating reading into daily routines are shared, along with insights on how to engage children during read-aloud sessions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of picture books and the transformative power of stories in shaping children's understanding of the world.
You can find Keri's Book, Kisses From Space at your local bookstore or online.

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.

Raising Math Lovers: The Play Based Way Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers and Keri Vasek explore the often negative perceptions surrounding math education. They discuss how math can be viewed as a puzzle and emphasize the importance of teaching math through play and real-life applications. The conversation highlights the significance of a positive attitude towards math, the role of readiness in learning, and the need for parents to model a healthy relationship with math. They also touch on the importance of incorporating math into daily life and the balance between teaching and self-care for parents. Finally, they address the concept of being 'behind' in math and how comparison can affect children's learning experiences.

You can find Keri on Instagram @keri_vasek.

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.

Learning the 3 R's (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic) Through Play Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kathy shares the value of using play to teach children to read, write, and enjoy math. Through stories and encouragement, Kathy conveys the message of waiting until children are ready before tackling these subjects. This episode will help you feel confident and prepared as you strive to teach these basic learning skills to your young learner.

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.

Creating Orderliness - Character Builder Series - October Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Kathy Eggers discusses the importance of orderliness as a character trait for children, highlighting its cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. She shares personal experiences and practical strategies for creating order in the home, emphasizing the role of routines and systems. Kathy encourages parents to involve their children in the process of maintaining orderliness and to make it a fun and engaging experience. The episode concludes with a call to action for parents to be intentional about fostering orderliness in their children's lives.

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.

Navigating Multigenerational Relationships Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers, Alecia Warneke, and Kari Oakley-Miller discuss the dynamics of grand-parenting and mothering adult children.
They explore the importance of maintaining a nurturing relationship with their children even after becoming grandparents. The conversation touches on topics such as setting expectations, communication, and finding a balance between supporting and respecting their adult children's parenting choices.
They also share personal experiences and rituals they have established to nurture their relationships with their grandchildren and adult children. The conversation revolves around the topic of creating meaningful memories with adult children and grandchildren.
The host and guests share their experiences and strategies for building strong relationships and establishing traditions. They discuss the importance of individualized attention, such as cooking favorite meals and planning special outings. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing expectations and boundaries, as well as the need for self-care and maintaining healthy relationships with partners.
The ladies announce their upcoming podcast, Gray Roots, which will further explore these topics. The new podcast will launch in October 2024.

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

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. Just email us playskillfully@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot us a message on social media.

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 Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, PSPODCAST.

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.

Raising Children to Have an Adventurous Spirit with Dr. Roger and Jan Smith May 31, 2024

Show notes

To get a copy of Dr. Roger Smith’s book Parenting with Influence or to learn more about their ministry, check out their website, rogersmithmd.com.
In this episode, Kathy interviews Dr. Roger Smith and his wife Jan about raising kids with an adventurous spirit. The Smiths share stories of their own children’s adventurous experiences, such as starting businesses, giving speeches, biking across France and living in foreign countries.
They emphasize the importance of being present and supportive as parents, encouraging children to take reasonable risks and fostering their confidence. They also discuss the role of language in shaping a child’s mindset and the benefits of adventurous experiences for academic, emotional, social, and physical development.
Encouraging children to embrace adventure and take risks is important for their development and growth. It is essential for parents to support and guide their children through these experiences, even if there is some danger involved.
By allowing children to take small steps and gradually build their skills and confidence, they become more resilient and willing to face challenges. It is crucial for parents to foster a trusting relationship with their children and provide them with opportunities to explore and learn from their mistakes.
Exposing children to stories of people who have lived boldly can also inspire and motivate them to embrace adventure in their own lives.

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.

Is YES Really the Best? With Guest Keri Vasek Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

I mentioned in last week’s podcast that Keri and I recorded this podcast a couple of years ago and I was going to play some snippets for you on the show notes. However, after listening to this podcast again I decided you would want to hear the whole thing, it was good! I plan to have Keri on the show again to catch you all up on her journey of motherhood and how her life has changed since adding a fourth child.

In this episode, Keri and I talk about the YES I always talk about in my talks, on this show, and pretty much any time I am with young moms. Read more . . .

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.

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