The Melissa Ambrosini Show 663: Why Play Is the Most Powerful Parenting Tool You’re Not Using | Georgie Wisen-Vincent
Jul 16, 2025
Georgie Wisen-Vincent, a child and family therapist and co-founder of the Play Strong Institute, shares her insights on the transformative power of play. She emphasizes play as a vital tool for fostering emotional development and resilience in children. Listeners learn practical strategies to incorporate intentional play into daily routines, helping kids express feelings and navigate challenges. Georgie also discusses the importance of understanding children's sensory needs and how joyful playtime can strengthen parent-child bonds.
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Talk Through Play to Teach Empathy
- Think out loud with kids about their play to show understanding of their thoughts and feelings.
- This helps kids develop empathy, reflection, and emotion regulation skills.
Pretend Play Builds Emotional Resilience
- Use imaginative play to help kids experience and process emotions safely.
- Pretending allows children to practice resilience and problem-solving for real-life feelings.
Playful Pivots Ease Transitions
- Use play creatively to solve everyday parenting challenges like bedtime resistance.
- A playful pivot can transform difficult moments into cooperative ones, even when parents are tired.
