Sense by Meg Faure

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we explore the transformative power of play in child development. Play is more than just fun; it’s a cornerstone of learning, curiosity, and connection. Joining Meg is Lara Schoenfeldt, co-founder of PlaySense and an occupational therapist. Together, they dive into the profound impact play has on children’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Whether you’re a new parent or looking to enhance your child’s playtime, this episode is packed with practical advice and fascinating insights. The Science Behind Play Play is critical for brain development, fostering connections between neurons through sensory and motor experiences. Lara explains the play cycle, showing how curiosity, exploration, and repetition fuel learning. Chemicals like dopamine and serotonin are released during play, reinforcing positive behaviors and supporting emotional growth. Structured vs. Unstructured Play The discussion highlights the importance of balancing structured and unstructured play. Structured play involves guidance and builds specific skills, like language and problem-solving. Unstructured play, or free play, allows children to explore, create, and develop independence. Both types of play are essential for holistic development. Practical Tips for Incorporating Play Lara shares actionable ways to integrate play into daily routines. These include simple activities like reading, messy play, and “serve and return” interactions. She emphasizes that the quality of parent-child engagement is more important than the type of play. Embracing Your Play Style Parents have unique strengths when it comes to play. Lara’s parenting play style quiz helps identify these strengths. Understanding your style allows you to focus on enjoyable activities, making playtime meaningful for you and your child. The power of play cannot be overstated—it shapes your child’s mind, emotions, and relationships. This podcast equips you with scientific insights and practical tools to make the most of playtime. Tune in to discover how small changes in your approach can unlock your child’s full potential. Don’t miss this enriching episode of Sense, by Meg Faure!

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into parenting with purpose for the New Year. Meg Faure and guest Tove Gant explore how small, compassionate changes can transform parenting in 2025. Together, they offer strategies for creating intentional parenting resolutions that prioritize both self-care and connection with children. This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to thrive, not just survive, in the year ahead. Moving from Resolutions to Intentions Meg and Tove discuss the pressure traditional resolutions create for parents. They advocate for replacing resolutions with flexible, compassionate intentions. Intentions focus on achievable goals while acknowledging life’s unpredictability. This shift fosters a more forgiving and empowering mindset for parents. The Four Buckets of Intentions Meg introduces four key areas for parenting intentions in 2025: Self-Care and Mindfulness: Parents are encouraged to schedule one act of self-care weekly to recharge and avoid burnout. Fostering Connection with Children: Intentional activities, such as reading together or prioritizing screen-free car rides, strengthen parent-child bonds. Positive and Patient Mindset: Techniques like speaking “low and slow” during stressful moments help parents model calm behavior. Healthy Boundaries and Routines: Establishing consistent routines, such as family dinners or limiting screen time, creates structure for children. Embracing Imperfection and Repairing Relationships The hosts emphasize that perfect parenting is unattainable. Instead, they highlight the value of repairing relationships when mistakes occur. Parents should aim for "good enough" parenting, as it builds resilience and teaches valuable life skills. Strengthening Partnerships A strong partnership between parents benefits the entire family. Meg shares practical ways to prioritize time with a partner, from shared hobbies to meaningful communication strategies. This episode inspires parents to approach the New Year with purpose and compassion. Listeners will gain practical tools to set achievable parenting intentions and strengthen family connections. Tune in to discover how small changes can lead to a more joyful and intentional parenting journey in 2025.

On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we tackle a vital topic: preventing baby allergies. Joined by Dr. Claudia Gray, a Cape Town-based pediatrician specializing in allergies, Meg explores actionable ways parents can reduce the risk of allergies in their little ones. The episode provides expert insights, from pregnancy through weaning, to help parents navigate the complexities of allergy prevention. With practical advice and evidence-based tips, this discussion is essential for any parent concerned about their baby’s health and well-being. 1. Understanding Allergies Dr. Claudia Gray explains what allergies are and how they result from the immune system’s improper response to harmless substances. She highlights genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors that contribute to the rise of allergies. 2. Pregnancy and Allergy Prevention Parents are advised not to eliminate allergens during pregnancy, as it does not reduce the risk of allergies. Claudia emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet and possibly including oily fish or omega supplements for added protection. 3. Weaning and Early Allergen Introduction Introducing allergens between 4-6 months is critical in reducing the likelihood of developing food allergies. Claudia shares guidance on safely incorporating foods like peanut butter and eggs into a baby’s diet. She also stresses seeking professional advice if the baby shows signs of severe eczema or allergy risks. 4. Managing Eczema to Reduce Allergy Risks Claudia calls eczema an "allergy emergency" due to its role in allowing allergens to penetrate the skin. She discusses effective skin care, including moisturizers and anti-inflammatory treatments, to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce risks. 5. The Role of the Gut and Skin Microbiome Claudia explores the importance of the gut and skin microbiomes in developing a healthy immune system. Recommendations include breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, and introducing a wide variety of foods to support gut health. This episode equips parents with evidence-based strategies to prevent allergies and navigate early signs of potential risks. With actionable advice and expert insights, listeners gain confidence in managing their baby’s health. Tune in to Sense by Meg Faure for a practical guide to reducing allergy risks and building a strong foundation for your child’s future well-being.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we reconnect with Julia and her 21-weeks-old daughter. Explore the exciting milestones of this developmental stage. From rolling over to engaging smiles, Aurelia’s journey offers valuable lessons for parents. Meg and Julia discuss sensory personalities, the transition to solids, and practical sleep strategies, providing tools to support confident and joyful parenting. Developmental Milestones at 21 Weeks Aurelia has transitioned from the newborn "blob stage" to actively engaging with her surroundings. She has mastered rolling, an essential milestone for motor and cognitive development. Meg explains how rolling strengthens the brain’s corpus callosum, vital for coordination and communication. Understanding Sensory Personalities Julia shares her observations of Aurelia’s emerging social butterfly traits. Social butterflies seek sensory and social interactions, often showing interest in new people and environments.Meg highlights the importance of identifying sensory personalities for tailored parenting approaches. Preparing for Solids Aurelia is showing signs of readiness for solids, such as stable sitting and interest in food.Planning to combine finger foods with spoon feeding, embracing flexibility in her weaning approach.Meg emphasizes making the transition enjoyable, encouraging parents to focus on exploration over perfection. Sleep Success and Self-Regulation Julia reflects on her surprising success with Aurelia’s sleep habits, avoiding the dreaded 17-week regression.Meg and Julia discuss the balance between responding to cries and allowing babies to self-soothe.They stress the importance of parental self-regulation to create calm and effective sleep routines. This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights for parents of babies in their early months. From celebrating milestones to preparing for weaning, Julia’s journey provides relatable and actionable takeaways. Meg’s expert guidance empowers parents to understand their baby’s unique personality, fostering confidence and joy in the parenting journey. Tune in to learn, reflect, and feel supported in these precious early months.