{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Enter the Chat: Less Guilt, More Play with Myriam Sandler of @mothercould","description":"She\u2019s back! In this special return episode, Vanessa catches up with Myriam Sandler of @mothercould, who first joined The MomForce Podcast three years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Myriam is now a published author, and her new book, Playful By Design, is a tool for parents everywhere to rethink how they approach play at home. From her viral take\u2014\u201cI hardly play with my kids\u201d\u2014to her genius strategies for cultivating independent play, Myriam shares how creating the right environment (not more Pinterest crafts) is the secret to raising curious, confident kids. As she puts it: \u201cYes, I engage and connect with them\u2026 but I\u2019ve built a space where they can play on their own and that\u2019s the goal.\u201d Vanessa and Myriam also dive into: The unexpected power of Play Dough   Why chia seed goop is a sensory win and a parental cautionary tale How to turn \u201cno\u201d moments into easy yeses And how Chatbooks photo books are actually made for kids to relive their own stories This conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs\u2014especially if you\u2019ve ever found slime in your carpet! I know you are going to love it.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Myriam  Order Playful By Design 5:35 Why Myriam "doesn't play with her kids"  9:36 The weirdest thing Myriam has made for her kids.  10:47 Why Myriam is not afraid of messes at her house  15:20 How Myriam organizes her family memories  22:17 What is the balance between sensory play and your sanity as a mom? 29:28 Connection is at the heart of everything  32:39 How to approach alone time and self care -- without guilt!  ","author_name":"The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks","author_url":"https:\/\/chatbooks.com\/podcast","html":"