Play Skillfully

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers and MaryAnn Kohl discuss the importance of process art and its benefits for children. They emphasize the need for self-expression, creativity, and trust in oneself. Maryann shares her journey into art and how she became an advocate for process art. They discuss the purpose of art and how it builds better humans who can think, solve problems, and lead society forward. They also talk about the importance of allowing children to explore different materials and tools, and the cognitive benefits of art for children's development. In this conversation, MaryAnn Kohl and Kathy Eggers discuss the importance of process art for children's development. They emphasize the need for adults to give children permission to explore and be creative with art materials. They also highlight the benefits of process art, such as problem-solving skills and confidence-building. MaryAnn shares examples of art activities that engage children's senses and foster discovery. They discuss the role of adults as facilitators and the importance of allowing children to make their own decisions. MaryAnn also mentions her books on process art and provides resources for finding them.

Learn more about MaryAnn's books  and check out her Facebook group, Process Art with MaryAnn Kohl. 

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.

Ya'll, this new podcast is going to be AMAZING. Gray Roots officially launches 10/01, but you all get a sneak peak and get to know Kathy a little better at the same time.

In this conversation, Kathy Eggers shares her journey to becoming a mother and her experiences as a parent and grandparent. She discusses her initial impressions of her friends and how they met, as well as her unique path to motherhood through adoption. Kathy also opens up about the tragic loss of one of her children and how it has shaped her perspective on life and parenting. She emphasizes the importance of loving fiercely, forgiving quickly, and cherishing every moment with loved ones. Kathy's passion for children and early childhood development is evident as she shares her career in child development and her love for connecting with children. She also discusses her role as a speaker and trainer, sharing her knowledge and expertise with parents and educators. Kathy Eggers shares her passion for children and the importance of giving them a childhood full of wonder and discovery. She discusses her love for tennis and her goal of attending all the tennis slams. Kathy also reflects on her favorite season of life, which is the present, and the joy of watching her children grow and become the people they were meant to be. She talks about the transition of sending her youngest child off to college and the surreal experience of adjusting to an empty nest. Kathy explains the motivation behind starting the Gray Roots podcast and the desire to make a difference in relationships between mothers and daughters-in-law. The conversation ends with memories of laughter and the importance of being real and finding genuine connections in life.

Follow us on Instagram at GrayRootsPodcast! Can't wait to go on this multigenerational journey with you all!!

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.

Hey all, I am getting ready to launch our new season of the Play Skillfully podcast so I thought I would re-release this timely one from last year, Enjoy!!!

In this episode, Kathy talks about the approaching school year and offers tips and suggestions for making the transition a smooth one for preschoolers. 

1. Start by setting goals for you and your family. Kathy’s favorite way of doing this is to gather magazines, pencils, paper and glue and invite children to make goal posters and include topics they would like to learn about. 

2. Keep it FLEXIBLE: Consider your season of life when planning. Moves, new babies, and health issues have all caused Kathy to adjust her school goals over the years. Flexibility and the willingness to pivot will help parents and children keep their sanity during times of transition. After considering your season of life, adjust goals and create a routine. Remember, routines often work better than schedules, especially for preschoolers (and free spirit mommas). 

3. Keep it CONCRETE: Young children learn through their senses. They need to touch it, smell it, taste it, hear it, and see it for their brain to connect with it. Encourage curiosity and be willing to follow that curiosity to completion. 

4. Keep it SIMPLE: Preschoolers do not need hours with worksheets. In fact, research shows that preschoolers don’t need worksheets at all. Helping children fall in love with words, books and stories will inspire children to fall in love with reading. Math can be done as you go… cooking, cleaning, sorting and exploring are all ways to teach basic math concepts. Sensory and Science are a must for building a strong foundation in the brain for abstract learning. Give children plenty of time for discovery, experience, and wonder if you want to develop lifelong learners. 

Have fun and have a delightful year of wonder!!!

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.

Dr. Christy Montes joins Kathy to discuss the impact of food on children's brain function, learning, and emotional well-being. She emphasizes the importance of providing the body with unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods to fuel optimal brain function. While it can be challenging to navigate social situations and balance healthy eating, Dr. Montes suggests finding a balance and providing alternatives when possible. She also addresses the effects of sugar and artificial dyes on children's behavior and recommends focusing on positive food choices and educating children about the benefits of nutritious foods. Dr. Montes highlights the benefits of raw honey and suggests being aware of food sensitivities and their potential impact on behavior and overall health. She provides guidance on identifying sensitivities and offers various testing options. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between food and children's well-being and making informed choices for their nutrition. In this conversation, Christy Montes and Kathy Eggers discuss the importance of nutrition and self-care for parents and children. They emphasize the need to cultivate a relationship with children and understand their individual needs. They also highlight the impact of a regulated nervous system on parenting and the importance of self-care for mothers. The conversation covers topics such as reading labels, choosing natural products, and making healthier food choices. They encourage parents to make wise choices and teach their children to make balanced decisions.

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 and Keri Vasek discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and homeschooling. They reflect on the importance of trusting one's intuition and not letting outside voices dictate parenting decisions. They also explore the bittersweet experience of watching children grow up and the grief that comes with it. The conversation touches on the duality of parenting, the need for self-compassion, and the power of modeling happiness for children. They also discuss Keri's journey of writing and publishing her first children's book, 'Kisses from Space,' which is about a mother dragon who has to leave her children and finds ways to stay connected with them.

You can purchase Kisses from Space from your favorite Book Outlet.

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, 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 [email protected] 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 [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 episode, Kathy Eggers and Rachel Ryder discuss the decision to homeschool and provide resources and advice for getting started. They emphasize the importance of understanding your why and finding support from other homeschoolers. They also recommend resources such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Instagram accounts like Days with Gray and The Workspace for Kids. The conversation highlights the need for a playful attitude towards homeschooling and the flexibility to adjust and adapt as needed.

To contact Rachel regarding Homeschool coaching, visit www.rydergroupcc.com/homeschool

To contact Kathy regarding Conversations with Kathy, visit www.kathyeggers.com/appointments

Instagram accounts:

@thekathyeggers

@maryvangeffen

@simplyonpurpose

@dayswithgrey

@theworkspaceforchildren

Homeschool Resources:

- A Year of Playing Skillfully by the Homegrown Preschooler

- Conferences like Great Homeschool Conventions or your state homeschool conference. 

- Pam Barnhill, pambarnhill.com- Homeschool Better Together and Morning Basket ideas

- Sally Clarkson, sallyclarkson.com

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 [email protected] 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 [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.

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 [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.

This Podcast was originally recorded in November 2020. 

Definition of Thankfulness from Websters 1828 Dictionary: 

“Impressed with a sense of kindness received and ready to acknowledge it”

Thankfulness implies a readiness to act!  In this podcast, Kathy and Lesli talk about concrete ways to teach this to children throughout your day.  This is a great month to not just think happy thoughts about how much we appreciate people but verbalize and repay their kindness. 

1.     Focus on you! What are you modeling?

2.     Teach your children to notice large and small things that others do for them and make sure they follow through on being thankful.  

3.     Cultivate a thankful heart through out the day. Let your children hear your appreciation.

• Use concrete teaching methods:

• Playing Highs and Lows at the dinner table           

• Creating a “Thankfulness Jar” to add to and review as a family

• Car games:  What is the best thing about…….? Let everyone take picking things and answering….

 read more . . . 

For more information, check out Kathy'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 at [email protected] 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.

This week Kathy and Lesli talk about the A Year of Playing Skillfully October character trait, Orderliness. Orderliness is often described as systematic arrangement. Put simply, everything has a place. Kathy and Lesli share the importance of modeling orderliness for young children and practicing orderliness at home. 

When practicing orderliness, Kathy and Lesli suggest:

1.     Keep it short – children need 1-2 step instruction.

2.     Keep it simple – children can help put away dishes, clothes, etc.… but only a few at a time. Often children’s rooms and playrooms contain too many toys. This can overwhelm children, especially at cleaning time. 

3.     Keep it at their level – make sure children can safely reach areas to put items away.

Kathy also recommends the book, The Home Edit and The Home Edit Life for anyone needing help with orderliness. 

This podcast was originally recorded in October of 2020. 

For more information, check out Kathy'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 at [email protected] 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.