Play isn’t just fun — it’s the foundation of your child’s learning, growth, and confidence.

Host Annamarie Von Firley talks with Dr. Celina Moore, a board‑certified pediatrician with 20+ years of experience, about how play evolves from infancy through the preschool years.

Discover why play is essential for brain development, social‑emotional growth, and motor skills — and learn practical ways to support your child at every stage. From tummy time to pretend play, from parallel play to kindergarten readiness, this conversation is packed with expert insights and actionable tips for parents

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:30 – Why Play Matters
• 03:00 – Play in Infancy
• 12:00 – Early Play Stages
• 17:00 – Onlooker Play
• 21:00 – Parallel Play
• 28:00 – Play at Ages 2–3
• 34:00 – Play at Ages 3–4
• 40:00 – Play at Ages 4–5
• 49:00 – Caregiver’s Role
• 53:00 – Screens & Development
• 56:00 – Key Takeaways
• 58:00 – Closing

About Dr. Celina Moore

She is a board certified pediatrician dedicated to delivering personalized, relationship‑based medical care for children and their families. As the founder of the concierge pediatric practice, Moore Healthy Kids, she combines the highest standards of clinical excellence with a warm, attentive approach that prioritizes accessibility, trust, and continuity.

Beyond her private practice, Dr. Moore serves as the Medical Director of the Akoma Ntoso Foundation, a nonprofit organization that she founded with her husband, Steven. ANF provides healthcare outreach, education, and resources to underserved communities in rural Ghana. Her commitment to service extends globally and locally, reflecting her belief that every child deserves compassionate, quality medical care—no matter where they live.

Links

• Website: moorehealthykids.com
• Instagram: @moorehealthykids
• Phone: 561-834-5528

About Annamarie von Firley

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight

At Fledglings’ Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play‑based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social‑emotional development.

With our user‑friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.FlightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

Not every child loves sitting still with a storybook — and that’s okay! Some kids are natural movers who need a different approach. 📖✨✅ Choose nonfiction books about their real interests (like trains or animals)✅ Use action-based books they can act out✅ Create your own simple storybooks with pictures from everyday lifeMake reading fun, personal, and active — so your child learns to love stories in their own way. 💡💛#ParentingTips #EarlyLiteracy #ChildDevelopment #ReadingWithKids

Put the phone down and make those everyday moments count. Bath time, diaper changes, messy play — they all build your baby’s social and relational skills. Let them explore, get messy, and grow! 💕 #parenting #babytips

✨ Ever wondered why some kids repeat words or phrases (echolalia)? It’s not just “copying”—it’s part of gestalt language learning! 🧩 Children often learn language in big chunks first (like song lyrics or whole sentences) before breaking them down into smaller parts. This is a natural and important way many kids develop communication skills. 💬👶

Contact Andrea Gingras:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slplovewithoutwords/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slp_mentor4u/

Facebook: https://hi-in.facebook.com/people/Love-Without-Words-Speech-Therapy/100088555507551/

Website: https://slplovewithoutwords.com/

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ 

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Sleep is one of the biggest challenges for new parents — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we sit down with sleep expert Diana Zales to answer the questions parents are asking most about healthy rest for babies, toddlers, and themselves. From understanding how much sleep children really need at each stage, to decoding night wakings, naps, and sleep regressions, Diana shares practical strategies backed by science and compassion.

We’ll tackle hot topics like:

How baby and adult sleep cycles differ

Whether sleep training causes emotional harm

The best time and method to start sleep training

Navigating night feedings, naps on the go, and early morning wakeups

How parental sleep deprivation impacts mental health

What role screens, light, and supplements play in sleep quality

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, anxious at bedtime, or unsure of the “right” approach, this episode is here to give you clarity, reassurance, and tools to help the whole family rest easier.

About Diana:

As a pediatric sleep consultant, Diana believes in personalized sleep solutions, tailored to each family’s goals and their child’s needs. As an advocate for safe sleep practices and positive sleep habits, she works closely with families to create plans that parents feel confident and comfortable implementing. Her journey began with a deep dive into infant sleep when her daughter was born, driven by her commitment to fostering healthy sleep habits while nurturing our bond. Certified through the Center of Pediatric Sleep Management, Diana is dedicated to supporting families in achieving their sleep goals with effective, compassionate care.

Website: https://www.zzzsbyzales.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zzzsbyzales/

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning & running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design & Construction & a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development & expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight:

We understand that every child is unique & deserves the best opportunities for growth & learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents & caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones & receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

😴 Another sleep regression? Yep. At 6 months, sitting skills (or the lack of them) can wreck your baby’s sleep. Growth spurts, solids, and sitting skills (or lack thereof) can throw your baby’s sleep completely off track.

🎧 In this episode, Sitting on the Job: Why Your Baby’s Lack of Sitting Skills Leads to Sleep Regression, we unpack:

✔️ Why milestones like rolling + sitting can derail sleep
✔️ How to spot the signs of a 6-month regression
✔️ Play-based exercises to help your baby build the muscles to sit—and sleep—better
✔️ Practical tips to survive the regression without losing your mind

Sleep regressions are short-lived, but the exhaustion feels eternal. Let’s get you through this one.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT to try these exercises:

app.fledglingsflight.com

Read more: https://www.fledglingsflight.com/post/6-month-sleep-regression

Ever wonder if what you're feeling is just stress — or something deeper? In this clip, pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Vanessa Fox breaks down how to tell the difference between everyday parenting stress and full-blown *parental burnout*.She also shares simple ways to recognize when *you* are dysregulated — even in the heat of the moment — so you can stop the spiral and reconnect with your child from a place of safety, not survival.Watch this before your next meltdown moment.🔔 Subscribe for more insights on parenting, regulation, and raising neurodivergent kids with confidence.

Contact Vanessa Fox:

https://www.developeducatenurture.com/

Contact: 813-448-2858

[email protected]

Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

What does it really mean for a toy to be safe—& how can we balance protecting our kids with letting them take healthy risks? 🎠

In this episode, Dr. Sara Muršić, founder of Toy Scope, introduces her powerful framework for Safe Play, Brave Play, & Dangerous Play.

We explore how parents can:

• Spot hidden hazards in toys & play spaces

• Support kids’ confidence, resilience, & problem-solving through brave play

• Adapt safety for neurodivergent children or different developmental stages

• Recognize common risks like magnets, button batteries, and toy clutter

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation will give you tools to make confident, informed playtime decisions—without stifling your child’s growth & curiosity.

#ToySafety #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #BravePlay #SafePlay #ParentingPodcast #Parenting #AParentsGuidetoChildDevelopment

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro & What “Toy Safety” Really Means

2:12 How Sara Got Into Toy Safety

6:38 Safe Play vs Brave Play vs Dangerous Play

11:07 Deciding When to Step In vs Letting Kids Explore

15:42 The Benefits of Brave/Risky Play

21:18 Are We Too Safety-Obsessed?

27:01 How Trauma Shapes Perception of Safety

31:26 Hidden Toy Hazards Parents Overlook

37:58 How Too Many Toys Can Create Safety Issues

40:44 Introducing Brave Play to Children

46:10 Understanding Age Recommendations vs Warning

49:20 Adapting Safety for Neurodivergent Children

51:02 Mouthing Behaviors Beyond Age 3

52:10 Final Takeaway

About Sara:

Dr. Sara Muršić is the founder of ToyScope. Her background is in special education, & she holds a PhD in Education. She is also a certified Parent-Child Attachment Play practitioner. Specializing in toy safety frameworks for children & young people, Sara challenges traditional approaches through her signature methodology that distinguishes between safe play, brave play, & dangerous play. She is currently developing the first comprehensive support toolkit for families navigating mouthing behaviors beyond the age of 3 through an innovative project funded by the UK Office for Product Safety & Standards. Dr. Sara Muršić delivers training to schools, therapeutic professionals, & families across the UK, translating academic research into practical solutions for real-world settings.

Contact Dr. Sara Muršić:

Website: www.toyscope.orgInstagram: @toy.scope

Facebook: @ToyScope

Youtube: @ToyScopeUK

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning & running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design & Construction & a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development & expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016.

About Fledglings' Flight:

We understand that every child is unique & deserves the best opportunities for growth & learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents & caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs.

As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones & receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

The postpartum period is more than just sleepless nights and diaper changes—it's a complete transformation of identity, body, and spirit.

In this powerful episode of A Parent's Guide to Child Development, host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Gabrielle Rose, a postpartum doula and Ayurvedic practitioner, to uncover the realities of the fourth trimester that no one talks about.

From understanding what a doula really does, to why our Western approach to postpartum care is failing moms, this episode is full of deep insights, practical support, and heart-centered guidance. Gabrielle shares how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can support new mothers with warmth, nourishment, and healing—and why we must honor the shift from maiden to mother.

👉 Whether you're pregnant, a new parent, or supporting someone through postpartum, this conversation will open your eyes and heart.

About Gabrielle:

Gabrielle Rose is a birth and postpartum doula, Ayurvedic practitioner, and former nanny with over 12 years of hands on experience supporting families through their most tender transitions. She holds a Master of Science in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda, which profoundly informs her work, especially during the sacred postpartum period. Gabrielle’s approach blends modern, grounded care with time-honored Ayurvedic wisdom, helping mothers have exhilarating, easeful births and nourishingpostpartum experiences rarely taught in the West.

Through her brand, The Wholeistic Doula, Gabrielle is also on a mission to empower fellow doulas and nannies to build careers they love, without burning out. She believes deeply in the ripple effect of care: when caregivers are supported, families thrive. With a presence that’s both nurturing and fiercely passionate, Gabrielle continues to redefine what it means to show up for new mothers—and the professionals who walk beside them.

Based in New York City and New Jersey, Gabrielle travels nationwide to serve families and speak at events.

TikTok and IG: @thewholeisticdoula

Nurturing new Beginnings Course:

https://nurturingnewbeginnings.thinkific.com/products/courses/nurturingnewbeginnings?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLiGUpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp57JtzMqsva24uCzxXRA6nFhtXv2sXRWWcn9cSQQpsKRvKtLxaFP_LJDm9iQ_aem_NaHwV-NJJZn18Wi2bTYLmg

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age.

These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development. With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs.

As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

Parenting isn’t supposed to break you—so why does it feel that way sometimes?

In this powerful episode of A Parent's Guide to Child Development, we dive into the often-overlooked reality of parental burnout, especially among families raising neurodivergent children.

Timestamps

1:05 What is parental burnout?

4:41 Burnout connected to parents' dysregulated nervous system

5:49 What is dysregulation?

7:15 How can a parent tell if they are in a fight, flight, or freeze?9:20 Why is it important for parents to lower their own demands first before trying to support a dysregulated child? 10:09 Why is doing nothing sometimes the best next step?13:40 Regulation Reset17:46 Why logic doesn't work when you're in fight, flight, or freeze mode18:52 Failing their child when they're not calm themselves22:24 How can a parent figure out which of these to use in the moment? 26:53 What are your suggestions for parents who want to build regulation practices but feel like they have no capacity left?28:34 Vanessa's personal burnout experience and how it shaped her guide30:06 Small changes parents can make today35:36 Where to find VanessaAbout Vanessa Fox:Vanessa Fox is a neurodivergent pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach with 15+ years of experience supporting families of Autistic and ADHD children through emotional, sensory and behavioral challenges from a trauma informed lens. After rebuilding her nervous system from burnout and her second near death experience in 2021, she returned to this work with deeper clarity and compassion, grounded in both Neuro affirming tools and lived experience. Through Movement with Meaning and DEN (Develop Educate Nurture), she guides parents, therapists, and teachers through methods of co-regulation, strengths-based strategies, and practical tools for everyday life to help parents and kids feel more confident and empowered.SocialMedia links:DEN FB:https://www.facebook.com/DENDevelopEducateNurtureMovement with Meaning FB:https://www.facebook.com/MovementwithMeaningDEN IG:https://www.instagram.com/den_developeducatenurtureVanessa Fox IG:https://www.instagram.com/vanessafoxotOtherWebsite:https://www.developeducatenurture.com/Contact: 813-448-2858 or [email protected] Annamarie von Firley:After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018. About Fledglings' Flight:At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.FlightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/Music: Purple Planet Music