Welcome to the very first episode of Rewild the Village—a space for rethinking parenting, reclaiming connection, and rebuilding the village we all long for.
In this debut episode, I explore two of the most liberating and thought-provoking rules from Heather Shumaker’s book It’s Okay Not to Share:
• Rule #1: Don’t Steal Play
• Rule #2: It’s Okay if It’s Not Hurting People or Property
We’ll talk about the importance of uninterrupted play, why it’s okay for kids to say “no,” and how trusting their natural development can nurture empathy, focus, and a deep sense of fairness.
You’ll also hear why I started this podcast, who it’s for, and how we can rewild the way we parent—together.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
• 00:15 – Opening Song
• 02:50 – Welcome and why this podcast exists
• 05:49 – Rule #1: Don’t Steal Play
• 10:48 – Studies that back up free play
• 13:29 – How you can facilitate free play
• 16:51 – Words to try & Words to avoid
• 19:51 – Rule #2: It’s Okay if It’s Not Hurting People or Property
• 20:37 – Limits and play
• 23:36 – Personal story on how to set limits and reinforce them
• 25:39 – Setting limits on play
• 27:01 – Setting limits in daily life
• 30:05– Surprise shout-out to…
• 32:10 – A peek into what else is available and coming
“Empathy can’t be forced. But it can be witnessed, modelled, and grown—quietly, in its own time.”
Tag @diana.sewsanker with your reflections.
Resources & Links:
• Book: It's Ok Not to Share: And Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids by Heather Shumaker
• Website: sewsanker.co.uk
• Instagram: @diana.sewsanker
Credits:
• Podcast cover photo by @stephanievdwiel
• Intro music by Dinaram - http://Dinaram.pro
• Shout-out this week to: Yulia, whose wisdom and presence lit a spark @radical.radiant.rooted
Transcript & Extras:
Full transcript and bonus resources are available for free on Patreon.
If this episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone walking this path. Let’s rewild the village together.
