The Podcast

Real conversations for the grown-ups raising and shaping the next generation

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TWO PODCASTS, ONE SHARED VISION

In a world overflowing with parenting tips and educational trends, The Play Way Podcast cuts through the noise.

We bring you real, research-informed conversations about what children actually need to thrive - and how the adults around them can feel empowered, not overwhelmed, in the process.

Whether you're a parent navigating the highs and lows of daily life, or an educator supporting children through their earliest learning years, this space is for you.

Each episode is grounded in developmental science and delivered with warmth, honesty, and a deep respect for the work you do - both at home and in the classroom.

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Hosted by Kait Cummins

Occupational Therapist. Mum of four. CEO + Founder of The Play Way.

With 20 years of experience across therapy, education, and parenting, Kait brings a unique lens to each episode -one that blends clinical knowledge with lived experience, storytelling, and soul.

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Why our listeners tune in

  • To hear what’s actually going on behind the behaviour

  • To rethink school readiness, play, regulation, and development in real-world terms

  • To feel seen in the messiness of parenting or teaching

  • To walk away with insights that are practical and powerful

  • To reconnect with what matters most: relationship, rhythm, and the real child in front of you

Podcast for Parents

All episodes

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Episode 1

The Pressure to be Everything (And Why You're Already Enough)

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Ever feel like you're not doing enough — at home, at work, for your kids, or even for yourself? In this debut episode, Play Way founder Kait shares a raw and relatable reflection on the mental load of parenting, the myth of perfection, and how to reconnect with what truly matters. It’s the reminder you didn’t know you needed: you’re not alone, and you’re probably doing better than you think.

This episode explores:

  • The silent stress so many parents carry

  • Why “getting it right” 30% of the time is enough

  • How your nervous system, intuition, and energy shape your child’s world

  • The six simple foundations of raising happy, healthy, confident kids

  • And how The Play Way can help you cut through the noise and find your own rhythm

Tune in for calm, clarity, and connection — you belong here.

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Episode 2

Beyond the Band-Aids – The 6 Foundations That Actually Change Everything

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Feeling overwhelmed by behaviour challenges, fussy eating, or emotional outbursts?

You’re not alone—and it’s not just about strategies. In this episode, OT and mum-of-four Kait Cummins shares the real story behind The Play Way and the 6 foundational pillars that changed everything for the families she works with.

From sleep and real food to movement and connection, Kait explains how going back to basics can have a transformative impact—without needing to do more. Tune in to rethink what really matters and discover why simple might just be the most powerful strategy of all.
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Episode 3

Inside The Hub – How it Started, Why it Works, and What's Waiting for You

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What began as a simple solution during COVID has evolved into a powerful platform supporting thousands of families. In this episode, Kait shares the story behind The Play Way Hub—how it grew from mail-out therapy packs into an all-in-one resource for emotional regulation, routines, language, movement, sleep, and more.

You'll hear the why behind the programs, the unexpected magic of family connection, and how the Hub is designed to support real change—on your terms, in your time.

If you’ve ever wondered whether The Hub could help your family, this is the episode to tune into.
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Episode 4

Small Habits, Big Impact – The Power of Daily Routines for Children

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Struggling with rushed mornings or chaotic bedtimes? In this episode, Kait unpacks why consistent routines are one of the most powerful tools we have to support our children’s nervous systems - and our own. From wake-up to wind-down, you'll learn:

  • Why routines reduce stress and decision fatigue

  • How to build habits that actually stick

  • The surprising link between routine and emotional regulation

  • Morning and evening routine tips that really work (even for shift-working families)

  • When to step in with support, and why it’s okay to do so

Whether you’re starting small or overhauling the whole day, this episode offers practical, compassionate advice for creating flow, fostering independence, and bringing more calm to your family rhythm.

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Episode 5

Cut Yourself Some Slack – Two Powerful Shifts for Showing Up as a Parent

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Overwhelmed by the mental load and constant ‘shoulds’ running through your head?

This episode is a gentle reset. Kait shares two simple yet powerful practices to help you regulate your own nervous system, show up more intentionally, and drop the pressure to be the perfect parent.

Learn about the 30/70 rule of secure attachment, how to move from fear to love, and why your self-care is not selfish - it’s essential.

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Voice Notes:

Why "Go With the Flow" Doesn't Work on Holidays (When You're a Parent)

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a relaxed, plan-free family holiday, only to find yourself overwhelmed, overstimulated, and underprepared - this one’s for you.

In this refreshingly honest episode, Kait shares why having a flexible game plan (even for holidays!) can be the difference between chaos and calm. With four kids and plenty of trial-and-error stories (including vomit at the airport and a wild goose chase for an open pool), she unpacks what she’s learned about setting clear expectations, simplifying logistics, and protecting everyone’s nervous systems, especially your own.

Whether you’re heading away or staying home, Kait’s tips will help you design a rhythm that meets everyone’s needs, while keeping connection front and centre.

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Podcast for Educators

All episodes

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Episode 1

Bridging the Gap – Preparing Educators for a Complex World

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Only 56% of kids starting school in Australia this year are developmentally ready. So, what does this mean for early years educators? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the rising challenges faced by children - including chronic stress, adverse experiences, and developmental delays - and the ripple effects on educators. We explore why preparing kids for life, not just school, means prioritising regulation, environment, and connection.

Discover the neuroscience behind brain development in early childhood, the importance of adult regulation, and why the simple basics - love, movement, connection - matter more than ever. Let’s shift the narrative from “fixing kids” to creating spaces where both children and educators can thrive.

Perfect for: Early years educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about creating environments where kids - and adults - feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

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Episode 2

Allied Health in Early Learning – What Works, What Doesn't

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Allied health professionals can be an incredible support in early childhood settings - but only when their presence is purposeful, coordinated, and aligned with your centre's goals. In this episode, occupational therapist Kait Cummins unpacks what actually works when therapists enter the early years space, and what often doesn’t.

You'll explore:

  • The difference between helpful collaboration and added disruption

  • How to set boundaries, clarify expectations, and advocate for your team

  • Why simplified, shared goals lead to better outcomes for kids

  • How The Play Way’s Educator Hub supports consistent, centre-wide learning without pulling staff off the floor

If you're ready to move from juggling to collaborating, and want to make every allied health visit count - this one’s for you.

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Episode 3

Building Better Care Teams – Why Coordination is Key

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As more children in early learning settings present with complex needs, the days of working in silos are over.

In this episode, we explore how to build and coordinate effective care teams - without it taking over your day. From initiating meetings to setting clear agendas and using tools like AI to streamline communication, you'll learn how to take the lead in a way that saves time and supports better outcomes for children, families, and your team.

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