Episode Description

What happens when a research analyst with expertise in paediatric immunology turns their attention to creating developmentally sensitive resources for families? In this conversation, Dr Kate sits down with Monica Jones from My Binkie Bear to explore how rigorous research translates into joyful, practical tools that support children through life's transitions.

Monica shares her unique journey from reviewing academic literature on child development to designing playful resources that invite caregiver involvement. We discuss what makes a resource truly 'evidence-based', why developmental sensitivity matters, and how seemingly simple tools can support complex emotional processes.

This episode challenges the false dichotomy between research rigor and playful accessibility, demonstrating that the evidence consistently points toward relationship-based, developmentally appropriate resources as most effective for supporting children's wellbeing.

Key Topics Covered

The Research Foundation

• What the literature tells us about supporting young children through transitions
• The importance of playful, developmentally sensitive resources that can be scaffolded by caregivers
• How research translates into practical, accessible tools families can actually use

From Evidence to Creation

• Monica's journey from research analyst to resource creator
• The intentional design elements informed by research (sensory components, narrative structure, attachment objects)
• Why co-regulation and caregiver involvement matter developmentally
• The distinction between resources used WITH children versus given TO children

Real-World Impact

• How families have adapted and used My Binkie Bear resources in unexpected ways
• The powerful story of a child using her Binkie Bear during hospital surgery
• Supporting children's agency within secure, loving relationships
• Creating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) through everyday transitions

For Parents and Professionals

• Why "doing your best" is genuinely enough
• Remembering that play is children's primary language of communication
• How evidence-based resources support rather than replace parental presence and attunement
• Bridging therapeutic and everyday contexts

Resources Mentioned
My Binkie Bear

• Website: mybinkiebear.com
• Social Media: @MyBinkieBear
• Connect with Monica Jones on LinkedIn

What if science could demonstrate that authentic connection between parent and child creates literal brain synchronization? In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Kate Renshaw welcomes Dr. Ezgi Kayhan Wagner founder of Mumbi, neuroscientist and clinical psychologist to explore the remarkable intersection of brain science and playful parenting.

Dr. Ezgi reveals groundbreaking insights about what happens in our brains when we sit down to play with our children, why stressed parents struggle to find creative solutions, and how the simplest, most "boring" play might actually be exactly what overwhelmed families need.

From the concept of the brain as a "prediction machine" to the power of tiny surprises in everyday play, this episode transforms how we think about those precious moments of connection with our children, and reminds us that taking care of ourselves is actually one of the most important things we can do for our kids.

Key Topics Covered

Brain Science & Connection

• Brain synchronization during parent-child play
• How modern neuroscience can measure authentic connection
• The role of technology in understanding human relationships

Translating Science to Practice

• The challenge of bridging research and real-life application
• How COVID changed science communication
• Integrating play seamlessly into daily life vs. treating it as another task

The Mumbi Parenting Buddy

• Voice-based AI parenting companion concept
• Personalized, real-time support for parents
• Augmenting (not replacing) human connection and therapy
• Early user feedback and development progress

Stress and the Parent Brain

• The "Goldilocks zone" of optimal stress for functioning
• How high stress blocks creativity and problem-solving
• Why parents literally "can't see" solutions when overwhelmed
• Impact on play capacity and vision

The Power of "Good Enough" Play

• Repetitive, familiar play as "autopilot" connection
• Brain's preference for tried-and-tested pathways under stress
• Practical examples across different ages (babies to teenagers)

The Brain as Prediction Machine

• How our brains actively predict outcomes
• "Prediction errors" and novelty effects in play
• The car detour example: small tweaks, big impact
• Why tiny surprises enhance learning and engagement

Emotional Splashback & Joy

• How playful responses refuel

Connect with Dr Ezgi Kayhan Wagner's work:

• https://www.mumbi.app/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezgikw/?originalSubdomain=de

Dr Kate Renshaw 'aka' Dr Play in conversation with guest, Rachel Parker on the topic of the relationship between global citizenship and play.

Rachel Parker is the Founder of Global Play Lab and Voice of the Child Foundation Lead at Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Her experience includes:

• 20+ years in educational programming and research
• International work with Lego Foundation, UNICEF, and the Australian Government

Episode Highlights

The Natural Global Citizen

• Children naturally value animal life equally to human life
• Possess inherent ethical qualities and global citizenship perspectives
• Their perspectives elevate adult understanding of interconnectedness

Small World Play

• Miniaturized environments create safe containers for exploration
• Appeals to both children and adults
• Connection to language development and complex learning

Co-Creation vs. Consultation

• Moving beyond adult-designed programs to genuine partnership
• Gallery Victoria's approach: children as event designers
• Sustainability discussions in play-based learning
• Trust in children's capabilities creates empowerment cycles

From Loose Parts to Global Connections

• Abstract play challenges adults but energizes children
• Object substitution play unlocks creativity and innovation
• Different play types serve different developmental functions
• Connecting everyday play to broader global citizenship concepts

Cultural Humility and Playful Acknowledgment

• Play-based approaches for meaningful acknowledgment of country
• Children's wisdom informing authentic adult practices
• Balancing respect and engagement in cultural work

The Voice of the Child Toolkit

• Free resource from Murdoch Children's Research Institute
• Practical guidance for including children's voices
• Age-appropriate methods for consultation, collaboration, co-creation
• Focus groups to assessment approaches honoring children's strengths

Key Takeaways

1. Children are natural global citizens - they inherently understand interconnectedness and value all life forms
2. Play is communication - children's first language provides rich insights for adults willing to listen
3. Small spaces, big learning - contained environments enable complex exploration and development
4. Trust creates capacity - when adults trust children's wisdom, children rise to meet higher expectations
5. Authentic engagement matters - playful approaches can enhance rather than diminish serious cultural and educational work

Upcoming Events

• FREE Webinar: July 22nd - Murdoch Children's Research Institute presenting the Voice of the Child Toolkit. Register online https://mcri.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ykebDxyXSCGdv5f3CyukrA#/registration

Resources Mentioned

• Indigenous X - cultural humility training https://training.indigenousx.com.au/

Connect with Rachel Parker

• Website: Global Play Lab https://www.globalplaylab.com/
• LinkedIn: Professional conversations welcome
• Email: Available through website contact

About Dr Play Podcast

Hosted by Dr Kate Renshaw, play therapist and child rights advocate, exploring play as a fundamental investment in humankind.

"Play is children's first language - and when we learn to speak it, we unlock profound insights into global citizenship, interconnectedness, and our shared humanity."