Play Your Way to Better Behavior and Stronger Bonds with Dr. Kim Van Dusen

In this episode, Tara is joined by Dr. Kim Van Dusen, a marriage and family therapist, founder of The Parentologist, podcaster, and author of Parenting through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication, who specializes in play therapy, for a conversation that feels equal parts validating and practical. They explore why play isn’t just “extra” in parenting. It’s essential. As parents, we tend to reach for conversation to connect, but kids speak a different language, and that language is play. Kim shares how breaking down our own barriers to play (time, guilt, exhaustion, the belief that we’re “bad at it”) can completely shift the parent–child relationship and create real connection, even in short, simple moments.

Tara and Kim also talk about how play evolves as kids grow, and how it can be used strategically, even for things like behavior challenges, homework battles, and chore resistance. Kim explains how understanding what’s happening emotionally for our kids can dramatically improve behavior, and how playful approaches can reduce power struggles while lowering stress for everyone involved. The big takeaway? Play doesn’t have to be complicated to create connection. Sometimes the simplest activities have the biggest impact.

Links:

https://theparentologist.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theparentologist/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/parenting-through-play-kim-van-dusen-psyd/1148218068

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