Why Play Works When Kids Won't Listen

What if the reason your kids aren't listening isn't a discipline problem — it's a language problem? In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen — licensed therapist, mom of two, and author of Parenting Through Play — to unpack why play isn't just fun, it's the most effective parenting tool you have. Together they break down the science behind play-based parenting, why traditional punitive approaches backfire (especially with sensitive kids), and how the "fuck around and find out" parenting trend has swung the pendulum too far in the other direction. But this conversation goes beyond parenting. Tracy and Dr. Kim explore what happens when adults lose access to play — and why that loss quietly erodes our romantic relationships, our nervous systems, and our sense of being on the same team with our partner. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why kids connect through play the way adults connect through conversation ✅ Practical play-based scripts for tantrums, power struggles, and the witching hour ✅ Why gentle parenting and FAFO parenting both miss the mark ✅ How to set healthy limits without shaming your child ✅ Why adults stop playing — and how it shows up in our marriages ✅ How to bring play back into your relationship without dressing up in costumes (unless you want to) Whether you're a parent navigating bedtime battles, a partner who feels more like a roommate, or someone who's forgotten what it feels like to be silly — this episode is your invitation back. About Dr. Kim Van Dusen: Dr. Kim Van Dusen is a licensed therapist specializing in play therapy, solution-focused therapy, and positive behavior interventions. Her new book Parenting Through Play releases May 5th, just in time for Mother's Day. https://theparentologist.com/book/ Hey there! I’m Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert. I take the concepts, tools, and exercises that I use with real couples everyday and show you how you can implement them in your life and in your relationships. Backed by evidence and real clinical experience. Here are some of my useful links: My NEW book: You, Your Husband, and His Mother https://www.drtracyd.com/you-your-husband-and-his-mother My bestselling book: I Didn't Sign Up for This https://drtracyd.com/i-didn-t-sign-up-for-this#/ My Relationship Support Program | Be Connected https://drtracyd.com/be-connected 🎧 Podcast | https://www.drtracyd.com/podcast 📷 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/ 💻 Website | https://www.drtracyd.com/ 🧵Threads | https://www.threads.net/@drtracyd 📒 Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/