25. THE LINK BETWEEN PLAY AND PARENTING WITH DR MARTHA DEIROS COLLADO
In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with Dr. Martha Deiros Collado (@dr.marthapsychologist), a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting and child development. Episode notes: Guest Introduction:* Meet Marta, a clinical psychologist, author, and Instagram creator known for her practical, compassionate advice for parents.* Marta shares her journey from working in the NHS to becoming a trusted voice in the parenting community.Key Topics Discussed:* Childhood Play and Its Influence on Adulthood:* Marta reflects on her favourite types of play as a child, including imaginary role play, building, and scientific exploration.* How these forms of play shaped her career and approach to life as a clinical psychologist and mother.* The Importance of Play in Parenting:* Why play isn’t just for kids—it’s a tool for connection, understanding, and empathy.* How Marta uses play therapeutically in her practice to build trust with children.* Lessons from Parenting:* Exploring the nuances of guilt vs. shame as a working parent.* Why parenting has grown Marta as a person and deepened her relationship with herself.* Siblings and Individuality:* The challenges and joys of parenting multiple children with different personalities.* How focusing on individuality instead of fairness fosters stronger family bonds.* Adolescence and Letting Go:* The importance of trust and communication during the teen years.* Why letting go and allowing teens to become their own person is critical.* Parenting in the Social Media Era:* The impact of information overload on modern parenting.* Marta’s advice on being intentional with parenting content and protecting intuition.Marta’s Book – How to Be the Grown-Up:* An empowering guide that focuses on the parent’s role in shaping a healthy, trusting relationship with their child.* Why emotional accountability, self-awareness, and modeling behavior are key to being a great parent.Key Takeaways for Listeners:* Play is more than fun—it’s foundational for empathy, connection, and understanding both in childhood and adulthood.* Parenting isn’t about controlling your child but growing alongside them.* Guilt can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth if approached with curiosity instead of avoidance.Closing Thought:“Play isn’t just a childhood pastime—it’s a lifelong tool for connection, growth, and joy.”Follow Dr. Martha here for more parenting advice and resources: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.comThis episode is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of parenting, interested in child psychology, or simply curious about what helps children and families thrive. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com
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