
Why Play Is Essential for Parenting Emotionally Intense Children (Emotional Regulation… Bonus!)
05/12/25 • 38 min
Get Your FREE Ticket to the Calm Connection Parenting Summit
If your child melts down, shuts down, or struggles to find the words to explain what’s wrong—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. In this episode, we’re joined by play expert and counselor Deborah Woods to explore how play can become one of the most powerful tools for connection—especially when your child’s emotions feel too big for words.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present—and a little playful.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why play is a powerful connector for emotionally intense children
- How play helps kids feel safe, seen, and soothed
- Simple ways to build connection without adding stress
- What to do if play feels awkward or unnatural as a parent
- How just 30 minutes a week can begin to transform your relationship
🎧 Listen now and discover how playful presence can bring peace back into your home.
Attend the Calm Connection Parenting Summit Free! Enroll Here!
Deborah's FREE Resource: Resources for Parents | Moms & Dads & Kids | Play Therapy
- Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
- Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
- Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
- Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com
- Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store
*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.
#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
Get Your FREE Ticket to the Calm Connection Parenting Summit
If your child melts down, shuts down, or struggles to find the words to explain what’s wrong—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. In this episode, we’re joined by play expert and counselor Deborah Woods to explore how play can become one of the most powerful tools for connection—especially when your child’s emotions feel too big for words.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present—and a little playful.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why play is a powerful connector for emotionally intense children
- How play helps kids feel safe, seen, and soothed
- Simple ways to build connection without adding stress
- What to do if play feels awkward or unnatural as a parent
- How just 30 minutes a week can begin to transform your relationship
🎧 Listen now and discover how playful presence can bring peace back into your home.
Attend the Calm Connection Parenting Summit Free! Enroll Here!
Deborah's FREE Resource: Resources for Parents | Moms & Dads & Kids | Play Therapy
- Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
- Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
- Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
- Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com
- Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store
*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.
#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
Previous Episode

Let’s Choose Less: Why Simplifying Life Helps Highly Sensitive and Emotionally Intense Kids Thrive
What if your child’s meltdowns aren’t just about behavior—but a cry for less?
Less stimulation. Less pressure. Less chaos. If your sensitive or emotionally intense child seems to unravel in the hustle and overstimulation of everyday life, this episode will hit home.
This week, Jami sits down with parenting coach, writer, and mom of four, Jenna Michael, for a conversation every overwhelmed parent needs to hear. Jenna’s upcoming book Let’s Choose Less is all about simplifying home, schedule, and expectations—and today, she’s sharing how doing less can actually create more calm, more connection, and more emotional safety for your child.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why less clutter and fewer commitments help sensitive kids regulate
- What overstimulation really looks like in emotionally intense children
- How simplifying your home and routines reduces emotional meltdowns
- What it means to align with your values instead of cultural pressure
- Small, powerful shifts you can make today to create more calm at home
✨ If you’ve been waiting for someone to say it’s okay—even better—to do less, this is your episode. Let’s choose less... and experience more of what really matters.
Learn more about Jenna’s coaching at yourpurposefulparenting.com
Check out her new book Let’s Choose Less
🎉 And don’t forget to grab your spot at the Calm Connection Parenting Summit! Summit takes place May 13-16.
- Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
- Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
- Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
- Find out more: ParentingWithPersonality.com
- Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store
*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.
#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #sensoryprocessing #christianparenting #parentingtips #parentingchallenges #meltdowns #challengingbehaviors #childpersonality #personalitytypes
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