As we wrap up Season 2 of Play Happens Podcast, this episode is a love letter to childhood.

Before they grow up, before the cardboard boxes stop becoming spaceships and the puddles lose their magic, let's pause and remember why play matters. Not because it prepares children for life, but because it is childhood.

This is a gentle reminder to slow down, protect play and savour the ordinary moments that become the memories our children carry forever.

✨ 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 with someone who believes children deserve more time to play. 

We’ll be back for SEASON 3!!

Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered?
Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

Do you ever lie awake wondering if you're getting parenting "right"?

In this episode, I explore the constant self-questioning so many parents experience - from screen time and boundaries to play, boredom and comparison. Discover why the fact that you're asking these questions might actually be a sign you're doing a better job than you think, and how to find a balance between what we know about child development and what works for your family.

Because good parenting isn't about getting every decision perfect - it's about showing up, learning and growing alongside your child.

✨ 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 with the parent who overthinks every decision.

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.

Having a newborn and a toddler means juggling two very different stages of development and it can feel impossible to meet both of their needs.

In this episode, I share what I learnt during our "two under two" months, how letting go of expectations made the transition easier, and practical ways to support play for both children without adding more pressure to your day.

Because play doesn't have to be perfect - it just has to work 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

🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

💌 Share this with someone who is navigating life with a newborn and toddler and needs the reminder that flexibility is okay.

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.

Independent play isn't something children either can or can't do - it's a skill that develops over time. In this episode, we're unpacking why children often ask adults to play, what's really behind those constant requests for our attention and practical, realistic ways to gently build confidence in independent play. If you've ever wished for ten uninterrupted minutes to drink your coffee or finish folding the washing, this episode is 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 with someone who want their child to be able to play more independently. 

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.

Siblings fighting again? You're not alone.

In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I’m talking about why sibling conflict is a normal part of childhood and what our role as parents really is. From arguments over toys to physical disagreements, we'll explore what's happening developmentally, when to step in, when to step back and how to support strong sibling relationships without becoming the family referee.

Because the goal isn't raising siblings who never fight - it's raising siblings who know how to repair, reconnect and grow together.

✨ 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 with someone who could use a little reassurance that they're not the only family hearing "Muuuum!" every five minutes.

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 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 with someone who dreads leaving the house once winter arrives but wants simple ways to keep outdoor play part of family life.

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.

Are we pushing academics too early?

In this episode, I unpack the growing pressure for children to read, write, and count before they even start school and why play may actually be the most important preparation for learning and for life.

I explore:

• the difference between academic readiness and true school readiness
• why teachers are seeing more gaps in resilience, confidence and emotional regulation
• how play builds the foundations for literacy and learning
• practical ways parents can support development without turning childhood into a classroom

Because play isn’t getting in the way of learning - it’s building the foundation for 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 with someone who needs reassurance that childhood doesn’t have to be rushed.

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.

Can children still experience rich, meaningful play in small homes and crowded classrooms? Absolutely!

In today’s episode, I’m answering a question from a teacher who wants to include more play in her classroom but worries there simply isn’t enough space. We unpack how open-ended play can thrive without giant playrooms, expensive resources or Pinterest-perfect setups.

From masking tape obstacle courses to cardboard box creativity, this episode is full of practical ideas for creating playful possibilities in the spaces you already have.

Because play isn’t about having more room - it’s about making room for imagination.

✨ 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 with someone who loves practical parenting ideas.

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.

Are we accidentally protecting kids from the very experiences that help them build resilience?

In this episode, I explore why children need opportunities to experience manageable discomfort - things like boredom, frustration, disappointment, failure and hearing “no” - and how play becomes one of the safest and most powerful ways for children to practise coping with hard feelings.

This isn’t about being harsh or dismissive. It’s about supporting children through emotions instead of rescuing them from every uncomfortable moment.

✨ 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 with someone who needs the reminder that boundaries and empathy can exist together.

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 does your child suddenly become obsessed with playing doctors, dentists, schools or dramatic rescue missions after an experience? In this episode, I explore how children use play to process ideas, emotions, fears and everyday experiences. From dentist role play to practical ways parents can support processing play without overcomplicating it, this episode is full of relatable insights and realistic encouragement.

✨ 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 with someone who wants to better understand what children communicate through 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.