Play Skillfully

In this episode, Kathy interviews Carly Neumann about her innovative platform MatchEd, which supports homeschooling families by providing resources, community, and personalized learning pathways. They explore how small, intentional actions and community support can transform homeschooling experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Carly Neumann and MatchEd

02:00 The Why Behind Homeschooling and Community Support

03:23 What is Match Ed and How Does It Support Homeschoolers?

04:44 The Impact of Community on Homeschooling Confidence

07:47 Personalized Education and Student-Led Learning

10:10 Faith-Friendly and Inclusive Resources

13:18 Supporting Parents in Transitioning to Homeschooling

16:31 Embracing Neurodiversity and Learning Styles

18:58 The Future of Personalized and Hybrid Education

22:31 Getting Started with Match Ed and Next Steps

23:49 Encouragement for Parents and Final Thoughts

To learn more about Match Ed, check out their website, MatchEd, and follow them on Instagram.

Kathy sits down with Gina Romero to talk about homemaking, hospitality, time management, and why the small rhythms of home still matter. Gina shares how a corporate career, motherhood, and a clear sense of calling led her into ministry work and a brand built around helping women move from chaos to calm to calling. In this episode, Gina shares how homemaking became both a personal passion and a professional mission, plus practical encouragement for overwhelmed moms who want more peace, order, and intentionality at home. The conversation also covers her first book, her new cookbook, and why she believes family dinner, stewardship, and simple routines can shape a household in lasting ways.

To learn more about Gina and her work, check out her website and follow her on Instagram.

Season seven opens with a recap of summer conference conversations with Kathy and Keri Vasek, centered on the emotional realities of homeschooling young children. The episode focuses on comparison, child-led learning, and how play-based learning becomes more meaningful when parents release the pressure to produce a specific outcome.

Kathy and Keri share what they heard again and again from parents at conferences, from worries about being “behind” to the need for permission to trust children’s unique wiring. They also talk about the role of dads, grandparents, and the long-term value of play in the home.

00:00 - Season seven kickoff and conference recap
01:45 - How Keri V connected with families at the booth
03:39 - Why parents aren’t really asking about curriculum, but reassurance
05:23 - Reading early does not mean smarter
06:23 - The trap of comparing children and calling them “behind”
08:22 - Identifying your own strengths instead of only your weaknesses
10:13 - Why children should get the same grace adults want
11:29 - How the same activity looks different for each child
13:34 - What child-led learning actually means
15:05 - Turning the brown mixture into a win instead of a mistake
17:56 - Why discovery matters even when it is not the planned outcome
18:53 - The real fear behind wanting proof you are a good mom
20:47 - Why parents cry in the booth
22:04 - Why so many parents want to start even earlier
24:23 - Seeing more dads in the booth this summer
27:40 - Gentle parenting as boundaries plus love
29:00 - The moment with Tegan and the banana pancakes
30:43 - Grandparents showing up to help and find solutions
32:07 - The “is this a complete curriculum?” question
33:16 - Why repeating the same setup a year later works
35:12 - Watching play evolve into new learning on its own
37:41 - The real goal is the playing, not finishing the activity
39:36 - Using play-based activities just to survive the day
41:23 - How play becomes spontaneous and self-directed over time
42:52 - Play continuing into writing, journaling, and teen interests
45:25 - “It’s okay” and “good enough for today” as takeaways
47:22 - Conference plans for 2027 and beyond

• Stop measuring your child against other children and notice who they are instead.
• Choose one activity and watch how your child naturally uses it before adding more.
• Use play as a foundation, not a checklist.
• When frustration rises, remind yourself and your child: it’s okay.
• Try the phrase “good enough for today” when perfection pressure shows up.

Before Big: A guide to development, connection, and play in the first three years.

In this special edition of the PlaySkill podcast, host Ava Davis interviews child development specialist Kathy about her new book, Before Big. The conversation dives into the challenges parents face during the critical early years of childhood and how to navigate them with confidence and creativity.

## Understanding the Quiet Struggle of Parenting

Kathy reveals that the period from birth to three years is often filled with stress and uncertainty for new parents. Many struggle to connect with their babies and feel overwhelmed by societal pressures to achieve early academic milestones. Kathy emphasizes that parents need guidance to make the most of these precious years, rather than viewing them as a burden.

## The Significance of the Phrase "Big Can Wait"

The title of Kathy's book, Before Big signifies the importance of cherishing childhood before children grow up. Kathy insists that the early years should be about exploration, play, and allowing children to be curious, rather than rushing them into structured learning. This mindset fosters creativity and helps children develop a strong foundation for future learning.

## The Role of Play in Child Development

Kathy discusses the critical role of play in a child's development. She argues that rigid schedules and early academic pressures can harm a child's brain development. Instead, allowing children to engage in open-ended play nurtures their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Kathy highlights that play is the foundation for learning and can lead to better outcomes in areas like math and science later on.

## Transitioning from Manager to Observer

Kathy encourages parents to shift their mindset from being managers of their child's play to being observers. By stepping back and allowing children to explore on their own, parents can gain valuable insights into their child's interests and needs. This observational approach helps parents support their children more effectively and fosters independence.

## Key Takeaways

- Embrace the early years as a time for exploration and play, rather than rushing into academics.

- Allow children to develop their creativity and curiosity.

- Understand that play is essential for brain development and future learning.

- Shift from managing play to observing, which provides insights into a child's needs and interests.

Kathy's insights in this episode reveal that the journey of parenting is filled with challenges, but by focusing on the early years and understanding the significance of play, parents can nurture their children's development effectively.

For more on this topic, check out Kathy's book, Before Big, and explore how you can make the most of these formative years.

You can buy your copy of Before Big at kathyeggers.com/store or from your favorite book retailer.

The Play Skillfully podcast will be back in August with a new season!

Join Kathy for an inspiring conversation with Andy Harkness, a Disney veteran and children's book illustrator, as he shares his journey from childhood art passions to creating meaningful children's books. Discover insights on nurturing creativity in children, the power of illustration, and the story behind his upcoming book 'Find the Sun.'

Andy Harkness's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyharknessart/

'Find the Sun' on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXXXXXX

Maurice Sendak's 'Where the Wild Things Are' - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060254920

In this engaging interview, Chelsea Riley shares her homeschooling journey, insights on fostering a love for reading, balancing life with five children, and navigating the evolving role of AI in education. Discover practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for homeschooling parents.

The conversation explores the journey of unschooling, emphasizing the importance of community and connection, as well as the challenges encountered along the way. It also delves into the upcoming Unschooling Summit and its speakers, highlighting the significance of clarifying the concept of unschooling and of providing a platform for learning and community building. The Unschooling Summit features a diverse range of speakers and topics, including leaders in the Indian unschooling movement, grief and joy, and neurodivergent themes. The summit emphasizes human themes and the importance of relationships, offering a holistic perspective on unschooling and parenting.

Takeaways

• Unschooling as a journey of discovery
• The importance of community and connection in unschooling Unschooling Summit features a diverse range of speakers and topics
• The summit emphasizes human themes and the importance of relationships.

You can find Esther Jones on Instagram and learn more on her website.

You can find Melissa Crockett-Joyoue on Instagram and learn more about her Weave ND Community on her site.

To learn more about The Unschooling Summit, check out their Instagram or website.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and International Connection
• 08:55 Defining Unschooling
• 16:31 Unschooling Summit and Community Building
• 22:49 Speakers and Topics at the Unschooling Summit

In this episode, Kathy Eggers and Melanie discuss the realities of homeschooling, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the benefits of homeschooling, the challenges faced, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection with children as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning together as a family and creating meaningful memories, while also addressing the pressures parents feel about their children's education. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of honoring each child's individuality and fostering a supportive environment for lifelong learning.

In this engaging conversation, Keri Vasek and Kathy Eggers explore the multifaceted journey of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, the significance of play in learning, and the challenges that come with parenting and education. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate the complexities of homeschooling while honoring each child's unique needs and interests. The discussion highlights the beauty of embracing the 'clunky' moments in the homeschooling process and finding joy in the unexpected.

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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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.