Improv Your Parenting with Olivia Walton: Transforming Parenting into Play

In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' host Jeremy Strozer sits down with Olivia Walton, a seasoned improv performer and instructor from the San Francisco Bay Area. Olivia shares her journey from high school theatre sports to professional improv, teaching at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and working with Comedy Sports and MopCo Improv Theatre. They discuss the intersection of improv and parenting, including how Olivia uses play and curiosity to engage with children, overcoming initial fears, the balance of boundaries and creativity, and conflict resolution techniques. Olivia also touches on her approach to teaching children, particularly those who are neurodiverse, and the importance of setting intentions and being present. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for new parents on integrating improv practices into daily parenting. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to turn the art of parenting into an enjoyable and engaging practice.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:06 Meet Olivia Walton: Improv Expert

00:12 Olivia's Journey in Improv

00:46 Improv and Interacting with Kids

01:51 Finding Play in Interactions

02:48 Overcoming Fear in Teaching Improv

04:32 Setting Boundaries and Being Playful

05:16 Practical Tips for Parents

09:04 Adapting to Neurodiverse Needs

11:17 Energy and Presence in Parenting

16:45 Conflict Resolution and Redirection

19:18 Future Parenting Challenges and Goals

21:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Play is The Relationship - Discover the Playful Art of Parenting with Deana Criess

Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we transform parenting into play! In this episode, host Jeremy welcomes Deana Criess, a seasoned professional improviser with over 25 years of experience as a master instructor, director, and performer. Deana shares her journey of integrating improv into her professional role at Perkins School for the Blind, where she uses it to teach job and socialization skills to students with disabilities. She also opens up about how improv enriched her personal life, making her a more connected and responsive parent. Deana highlights the importance of being present, engaging in play, and fostering emotional regulation in children. The episode delves into using 'Yes, And' in parenting, handling conflicts constructively, and creating an inclusive and supportive environment both at home and in educational settings. Stay tuned until the end for a touching discussion about Deana's collaborative book project with her daughter, exploring the lifelong impact of improv on their family dynamics.

00:00 Introduction to Deana Criess

00:41 Deana's Professional Journey

01:09 Improv in Parenting

03:00 Personal Parenting Stories

03:41 The Power of Play

05:48 Improv and Parenting Techniques

09:46 Evolving Play and Parenting

12:46 Impact on Deana's Children

15:50 Handling Conflicts with Improv

18:07 Comforting New Parents

18:49 Engaging in Physical Play

18:58 Finding Agreement and Intentional Choices

19:40 Handling School Challenges

22:12 Validating Children's Emotions

23:28 Improv in Education

24:49 Career Journey in Improv

31:11 Writing a Book on Improv and Parenting

33:28 Reflecting on Parenting and Future Plans

You can learn more about Deana at  deanachriess.com

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting with Play: Engaging and Connecting with Your Child with Erica Marx

Join us in this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting' as we sit down with Erica Marx, a leadership coach and facilitator, to explore how the principles of improv can inspire playful and effective parenting techniques. Erica shares personal stories and insights about being present, creating structure, and adapting to children's changing needs. From engaging toddlers to navigating the preteen years, discover how improvisation can build trust, enhance communication, and foster mutual understanding within families. To learn more about Erica's work, visit ericamarxcoaching.com.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

00:32 Erica Marx's Approach to Parenting

02:07 Balancing Adult and Child Perspectives

03:25 Evolving Parent-Child Interactions

05:02 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting

12:45 Conflict Management and Improv

14:00 Applying Improv Skills in Parenting

16:56 Building Mutual Understanding

18:07 Dynamic Parenting Strategies

19:53 Playful Parenting Dynamics

20:50 The Role of Trust in Play

22:25 Building a Safe Home Base

24:11 Understanding Children's Perspectives

26:47 Navigating Conflict and Mediation

34:24 Parenting Principles and Advice

You can learn more about Erica at: https://www.ericamarxcoaching.com/

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.