Why do simple moments like leaving the house, turning off screens or getting dressed feel so hard?

In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on during transitions and how play can help reduce resistance, support regulation and make everyday routines feel smoother.

✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.

Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠

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💌 Share this episode with someone who dreads the “turn it off” or “time to go” moments.

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Setting boundaries around screens can feel impossible - especially when parents are exhausted.
In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I bring the conversation into real family life, exploring how to make intentional choices around technology without guilt. From algorithm-driven platforms to everyday survival moments, this episode offers practical ways to protect play while still honouring the realities of parenting.

✨ 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 episode with someone who wants practical ideas, not perfect rules.

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.

Technology is everywhere and parenting in a digital world can feel overwhelming.
In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I explore how different types of technology interact with children’s developing brains, what current research is showing and why play is such a critical protective factor. This episode isn’t about rules or guilt - it’s about awareness, balance and understanding what children need most.

✨ 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 episode with someone who is raising young children in a very digital world.

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.

Parental leave can feel like a complete identity shift.
In this episode, I share my personal experience of moving from a structured, purpose-driven career into the unpredictable world of caring for a baby - and the pressure I felt to do more, teach more and get it right.

Through this reflection, I explore how my relationship with play evolved, why curated activities aren’t the gold standard we think they are, and how slowing down helped me trust that what me - and my children - were doing was already enough.

A gentle, reassuring listen for anyone on parental leave wondering if they’re doing it “right”.

✨ 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 episode with someone who needs permission to slow down, simplify and trust 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.

When children want to help - sweep the floor, wipe the bench, carry the groceries - we often see it as a disruption. In this episode, I explore how those everyday moments can actually be play and why letting kids help (imperfectly and on their own terms) supports skill development, confidence and a sense of belonging. A gentle reframe for parents who feel torn between getting things done and letting kids be part of 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 episode with someone who needs permission to let kids help - imperfectly.

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 is meant to be simple - so why does it feel so hard sometimes?

In this episode, I explore why many parents struggle with play, especially unstructured play, and why that discomfort is completely normal. From feeling unsure of your role to being wired for outcomes, this episode offers reassurance, perspective and practical ways to take the pressure off.

If play feels awkward, draining or harder than you expected - you’re not alone.

✨ 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 episode with someone who feels guilty for not always wanting to 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.

Have you ever felt pressured to buy the “right” toy, hoping it will keep your child entertained or make them smarter? In this episode, I explore why toys alone don’t make play magical, how kids often surprise us with what they actually engage with, and simple ways to encourage creativity, imagination and real play at home.

✨ 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 episode with someone who has a living room full of half-played-with toys.

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.

The “favoured parent” phase can feel heavy for everyone involved.
In this episode, I explore why children sometimes cling to one parent, why it’s not a reflection of love or parenting ability and how play can gently support connection without forcing separation. 

A reassuring listen for parents navigating big feelings, uneven loads and the quiet doubts that can creep in during this phase.

✨ 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 episode with someone who believes play might help - but isn’t sure how.

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 often gets misunderstood. Parents and educators alike may measure it by activities or outcomes, thinking learning and play sit on opposite sides of a line. Play isn’t one thing - and understanding the different forms can lift the pressure parents and educators feel. In this episode, I explore free play, guided play, games, and adult-led learning, and how each shapes children’s growth.

✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.

Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠

🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

💌 Share this with anyone who wants to see that learning can happen everywhere - even in mud, trucks and dress-up.

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.

In this episode of Play Happens, I share five tiny play experiments that parents and educators can try this week - no special materials, no planning, no pressure.

These simple shifts invite deeper curiosity, creativity and independence, while reminding us that play isn’t just fun - it’s fundamental.

Perfect for tired adults who want meaningful play without the overwhelm.

✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate.

Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠

🎧 Subscribe or Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

💌 Share this episode with someone who thinks they should be doing more - when actually, doing less might help.

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.