In this episode, Dr. Erica Buchholz — parent coach andfounder of Becoming Playful — reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury in parenting, it’s a lifeline. She shares her path from academic psychology to helping parents rediscover creativity, laughter, and lightness as antidotes to burnout. You’ll learn her three pillars of recovery — Recharge, Inner Power, and Time to Thrive — and even get a taste of laughter yoga. This one’s a powerful reminder that play isn’t just for kids — it’s how grown-ups heal, too.
** Let's Connect! **
🌐 Visit Erica’s Website: https://becomingplayful.com/
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** Key Takeaways **
Play for adults is about creativity and creation.
Burnout is a chemical change in the brain, not just exhaustion.
Laughter yoga can improve mental health and well-being.
Self-care is essential for effective parenting.
Curiosity about oneself is crucial for personal growth.
Intentional laughter can shift your mood and mindset.
Modeling self-care for children teaches them its importance.
Habit stacking can help integrate play into daily routines.
Taking breaks is not neglecting responsibilities.
You don't have to parent alone; support is available.
** Chapters **
00:00 Introduction to Playfulness and Parenting
02:56 The Journey from Psychology to Parent Coaching
06:08 The Importance of Play for Adults
09:09 Burnout Recovery: Three Pillars Explained
16:54 Curiosity and Self-Care in Parenting
23:00 Laughter Yoga: A Tool for Joy
29:55 Practical Strategies for Overcoming Burnout
36:28 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Support
** About **
Dr. Erica Buckholz is a parent coach with a doctorate inApplied Developmental Psychology and the founder of Becoming Playful. She helps parents recover from burnout and rediscover joy through play, flow, and even intentional laughter — also known as laughter yoga. Drawing from her own experiences as a mom and from the science of play, Erica teaches practical ways for parents to recharge, reconnect with themselves, and thrive.
Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhDfrom UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.
** Keywords **
parenting, playfulness, burnout recovery, laughter yoga,self-care, creativity, mental health, joy, adult play, parent coaching