25. THE LINK BETWEEN PLAY AND PARENTING WITH DR MARTHA DEIROS COLLADO

In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with Dr. Martha Deiros Collado (@dr.marthapsychologist), a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting and child development.

Episode notes:

Guest Introduction:

* Meet Marta, a clinical psychologist, author, and Instagram creator known for her practical, compassionate advice for parents.

* Marta shares her journey from working in the NHS to becoming a trusted voice in the parenting community.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Childhood Play and Its Influence on Adulthood:

* Marta reflects on her favourite types of play as a child, including imaginary role play, building, and scientific exploration.

* How these forms of play shaped her career and approach to life as a clinical psychologist and mother.

* The Importance of Play in Parenting:

* Why play isn’t just for kids—it’s a tool for connection, understanding, and empathy.

* How Marta uses play therapeutically in her practice to build trust with children.

* Lessons from Parenting:

* Exploring the nuances of guilt vs. shame as a working parent.

* Why parenting has grown Marta as a person and deepened her relationship with herself.

* Siblings and Individuality:

* The challenges and joys of parenting multiple children with different personalities.

* How focusing on individuality instead of fairness fosters stronger family bonds.

* Adolescence and Letting Go:

* The importance of trust and communication during the teen years.

* Why letting go and allowing teens to become their own person is critical.

* Parenting in the Social Media Era:

* The impact of information overload on modern parenting.

* Marta’s advice on being intentional with parenting content and protecting intuition.

Marta’s Book – How to Be the Grown-Up:

* An empowering guide that focuses on the parent’s role in shaping a healthy, trusting relationship with their child.

* Why emotional accountability, self-awareness, and modeling behavior are key to being a great parent.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

* Play is more than fun—it’s foundational for empathy, connection, and understanding both in childhood and adulthood.

* Parenting isn’t about controlling your child but growing alongside them.

* Guilt can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth if approached with curiosity instead of avoidance.

Closing Thought:“Play isn’t just a childhood pastime—it’s a lifelong tool for connection, growth, and joy.”

Follow Dr. Martha here for more parenting advice and resources:

https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com

This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of parenting, interested in child psychology, or simply curious about what helps children and families thrive.