In this episode of Untidy, Hannah and Matilda discuss what’s really happening in your child’s brain when they play. They’re joined by Dr Annette Henderson, a New Zealand child development expert and Professor at the University of Auckland. Specialising in how children develop communication, cooperation, and social understanding, Annette brings a deeply researched and reassuring perspective on why play is central to children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. She also offers easy tips for making the most of even a little bit of playtime with your kids, no matter how fast you’re juggling!

They explore how children’s brains are shaped through everyday play experiences, from building and imagining to rough-and-tumble and solitary play. Annette explains how play supports problem-solving, language development, emotional regulation, empathy, and executive functioning.

This conversation also tackles the things parents can worry most about:
– Why children gravitate toward certain types of play
– How preferences can be influenced by environment and experience
– How to support play without over-directing
– How to praise in ways that build confidence and curiosity

Whether you’re sitting on the floor building with LEGO® bricks, watching your child disappear into their imagination, or simply being there, ‘playing rock’, this episode will help you understand what actually matters and why you’re probably better at playing than you think. Happy listening!

This episode has been proudly brought to you by the LEGO® Group. SHE BUILT THAT – LEGO sets for creative storytellers.

Mentioned in the episode:
Learn more about Annette Henderson

If you’re enjoying Untidy, the best way to show your support is by tapping the ‘+ follow’ button in your podcast app and subscribing on YouTube! That way, fresh episodes will always be ready and waiting for you. Help us to keep building this supportive community – share an episode with a mate, and chuck us a 5-star review – it helps more people find our Untidy, unfiltered, and relatable chats. Thank you for listening, contributing and supporting this independent production! We’re grateful to have you here! – Hannah & Matty xx

Don’t forget! Untidy is made for YOU – the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Follow the show and DM us on Instagram @untidypodcast or email hello@untidypodcast.com. Your stories and ideas to help shape the show! Find us online at Untidy podcast.

In this episode of Untidy, Hannah and Matilda discuss what&rsquo;s really happening in your child&rsquo;s brain when they play. They&rsquo;re joined by Dr Annette Henderson, a New Zealand child development expert and Professor at the University of Auckland. Specialising in how children develop communication, cooperation, and social understanding, Annette brings a deeply researched and reassuring perspective on why play is central to children&rsquo;s cognitive, social, and emotional development. She also offers easy tips for making the most of even a little bit of playtime with your kids, no matter how fast you&rsquo;re juggling!
They explore how children&rsquo;s brains are shaped through everyday play experiences, from building and imagining to rough-and-tumble and solitary play. Annette explains how play supports problem-solving, language development, emotional regulation, empathy, and executive functioning.
This conversation also tackles the things parents can worry most about: &ndash; Why children gravitate toward certain types of play &ndash; How preferences can be influenced by environment and experience &ndash; How to support play without over-directing &ndash; How to praise in ways that build confidence and curiosity
Whether you&rsquo;re sitting on the floor building with LEGO&reg; bricks, watching your child disappear into their imagination, or simply being there, &lsquo;playing rock&rsquo;, this episode will help you understand what actually matters and why you&rsquo;re probably better at playing than you think. Happy listening!
This episode has been proudly brought to you by the LEGO&reg; Group. SHE BUILT THAT &ndash; LEGO sets for creative storytellers.
Mentioned in the episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/a-henderson">Learn more about Annette Henderson</a></li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re enjoying Untidy, the best way to show your support is by tapping the &lsquo;+ follow&rsquo; button in your podcast app and subscribing on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Untidypodcast">YouTube</a>! That way, fresh episodes will always be ready and waiting for you. Help us to keep building this supportive community &ndash; share an episode with a mate, and chuck us a 5-star review &ndash; it helps more people find our Untidy, unfiltered, and relatable chats. Thank you for listening, contributing and supporting this independent production! We&rsquo;re grateful to have you here! &ndash; Hannah &amp; Matty xx
Don&rsquo;t forget! Untidy is made for YOU &ndash; the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Follow the show and DM us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/untidypodcast/">@untidypodcast</a> or email <a href="mailto:hello@untidypodcast.com">hello@untidypodcast.com</a>. Your stories and ideas to help shape the show! Find us online at <a href="https://www.untidypodcast.com/">Untidy podcast</a>.

Untidy podcast honours the person within the parent. Hosts, Matilda Green and Hannah Davison dive into the undergrowth of sex and relationships, mental health, healing, body issues, identity questions, and more with a range of guests. Connect, laugh, learn, and keep moving forward. 

Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @untidypodcast. Follow Matilda at @matootles and Hannah’s work at My Big Moments and @mybigmoments.

Untidy podcast honours the person within the parent. Hosts, Matilda Green and Hannah Davison dive into the undergrowth of sex and relationships, mental health, healing, body issues, identity questions, and more with a range of guests. Connect, laugh, learn, and keep moving forward. Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @untidypodcast. Follow Matilda at @matootles and Hannah’s work at My Big Moments and @mybigmoments.

Untidy

Made for you, the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Untidy podcast honours the person within the parent. Hosts Matilda Green and Hannah Davison dive into the undergrowth of sex and relationships, mental health, healing, body issues, identity questions, parenting, and much more with a range of incredible guests. Come along to connect, laugh, learn, and keep moving forward. 

Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @untidypodcast, watch us on YouTube, and TikTok. Follow Matilda at @matootles, Hannah at @hannahedavison, and My Big Moments kids' books at @mybigmoments. Check out the website at Untidy podcast. Get in touch!

Made for you, the people right at the heart of this steaming hot mess! Untidy podcast honours the person within the parent. Hosts Matilda Green and Hannah Davison dive into the undergrowth of sex and relationships, mental health, healing, body issues, identity questions, parenting, and much more with a range of incredible guests. Come along to connect, laugh, learn, and keep moving forward.&nbsp; Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/untidypodcast/">@untidypodcast</a>, watch us on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Untidypodcast">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@untidypodcast">TikTok</a>. Follow Matilda at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matootles">@matootles</a>, Hannah at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hannahedavison">@hannahedavison</a>, and My Big Moments kids' books at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mybigmoments">@mybigmoments</a>. Check out the website at <a href="https://www.untidypodcast.com/">Untidy podcast</a>. Get in touch!