Join us in this enlightening episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' featuring Ted DesMaisons, an educator and facilitator known for integrating curiosity, compassion, and play into his teachings. Ted, who lectures at Stanford and leads global training in advanced applied improvisation, talks about how to infuse parenting with playfulness and mindfulness. Drawing from his extensive background, including degrees from Stanford and Harvard, Ted shares his journey into improv, stories of interacting with children, and insights on applying improvisation principles to build trust and connection within families. The episode also highlights Ted’s upcoming project in China aimed at helping parents and children bond through playful mindfulness in a high-pressure educational environment. Learn practical tips to bring more joy and play into your parenting and family life.

00:00 Introduction to Ted DesMaisons

01:03 Ted's Interaction with Kids and Improv

01:58 Improv Stories and Personal Background

03:40 Ted's Improv Journey

05:44 Applying Improv in Teaching

06:29 Philosophy and Improv in Parenting

11:42 Building Trust Through Improv

15:50 Improv with Adults and Future Plans

18:51 Parallel Tracks for Parents and Kids

19:34 The Magic of Inclusive Play

20:12 Helping Adults Rediscover Play

21:05 Building Trust Through Gradual Exercises

22:42 Applying Playfulness at Home

24:42 Celebrating Failure and Self-Compassion

27:26 Mindfulness and Play for New Parents

30:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

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

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

Unleashing Creativity: Lisa Lynn's Guide to Using Improv with Kids

In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' we sit down with Lisa Lynn, an award-winning actor, improviser, and teacher based in London. Lisa shares her profound insights on turning everyday caregiving and teaching into playful, empowering experiences for children. Drawing from her extensive background in acting, teaching, and personal caregiving during the pandemic, Lisa discusses the importance of play, the power of improvisation, and the significance of giving children a sense of control and authority. Join us as Lisa delves into practical tips and heartwarming anecdotes that illustrate how play can be a transformative tool in both education and parenting. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this conversation is brimming with valuable lessons for fostering joy and empowerment in children's lives.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:06 Meet Lisa Lynn: Actor, Improviser, and Teacher

00:39 Lisa's Co-Parenting Experience During the Pandemic

01:21 Teaching and Interacting with Kids

02:10 The Role of Play in Learning and Development

03:39 Empowerment Through Play and Improvisation

05:47 Personal Reflections on Parenting and Teaching

12:52 Gender and Play: Observations and Insights

14:53 Innovative Teaching Methods: The Child Soldiers Unit

18:07 Building Empathy and Understanding Through Role Play

24:22 Engaging with New Children: Approaches and Techniques

25:15 The Power of a Calm Voice

26:35 Engaging with Children Through Humor

29:44 Creating Safe and Open Spaces

34:16 Balancing Authority and Play

41:24 Tips for New Caregivers

44:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

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

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

Accepting Grace: The Art of Playful Parenting with Burgert Kirsten

In this episode of Improv Your Parenting, host Jeremy is joined by Burgert Kirsten to explore the intersection of improvisation and parenting. Burgert, a team coach and father of four, shares insights from his journey of integrating play, connection, and learning into both his professional and family life. Discover how his experiences in improvisation have shaped his approach to parenting, the importance of embracing adventure, and the value of intentional and open communication. Tune in to learn how to create a playful and joyful parenting experience while navigating life’s challenges with an improv mindset.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:05 Meet Burgert Kirsten: The Multi-Role Parent

00:39 The Role of Kids and Improv in Life

01:22 A Day in the Life of Burgert

02:54 Discovering the Joy of Improv

04:54 From Clowning to Improv Workshops

06:27 Improv and Organizational Psychology

12:09 Improv in Parenting and Family Life

20:01 Balancing Safety and Adventure in Parenting

24:59 The Importance of Play in Parenting

27:57 The Power of Playful Creativity

28:12 Letting Go of Control

29:17 Financial Anxiety and Family Decisions

30:10 A Story of Family Expansion

32:47 The Unexpected Fourth Child

39:16 Parenting Insights and Improv

46:25 Embracing the Chaos of Parenting

51:19 Final Thoughts and Resources

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

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

Inviting the Play: Parenting Lessons from the Stage with Declan King

Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we explore the art of turning parenting into play! In this episode, we're joined by Declan King, a theater maker trained in musical theater at ICMT Belfast. Declan shares his insights on using improvisation and playfulness to interact with children. From his extensive experience in working with children in theater, camps, and workshops, Declan discusses the importance of being present, responding to children's cues, and the parallels between improvisation on stage and engaging with kids. Tune in to learn how to foster creativity, connect meaningfully, and make parenting more playful!

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:05 Meet Declan King: Theater Maker and Improviser

00:45 Declan's Journey with Kids and Improv

01:13 The Art of Playful Interaction

03:33 Improv Techniques in Parenting

07:24 Challenges and Mindset in Engaging Kids

14:59 Balancing Playfulness and Safety

17:38 Freelance Theater Work and Children's Engagement

17:54 Volunteering with Children's Charities

18:07 Immersive and Interactive Theater for Children

18:27 The Importance of Play and Improvisation

20:09 Engaging Different Types of Children

22:03 Techniques for Working with Teenagers

25:35 Improv Training and Its Applications

33:59 Practical Advice for Engaging with Kids

36:14 Final Thoughts and Future Conversations

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

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

Parenting Full Circle: Transforming Childhood with Improv, Agency, and Acceptance with Melissa and Nick Ruffilo

In this episode of Improv Your Parenting, meet Nick and Melissa Ruffalo, improvisers and parents who seamlessly integrate improv into their everyday parenting. Discover their improv journey, parenting techniques, and how they use playful interactions to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills in their 13-year-old son, Dexter. Gain insights into their gentle parenting approach, the concept of agency and acceptance, and how they use improv to help their son handle real-life situations and emotions. From teaching via playful games to processing emotions through role-play, Nick and Melissa share their unique parenting style that makes life both fun and educational for their child.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

00:06 Meet Nick and Melissa Ruffalo

00:21 Improv in Daily Life

01:49 Parenting with Improv

02:19 Gentle Parenting and Emotional Processing

08:04 Improv Origins and High School Days

11:30 Raising a Confident and Playful Child

13:26 Improv and LARPing

15:02 Parenting Advice and Reflections

24:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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

Improv Your Parenting with Sonja Stetzler: Mastering Communication Through Improv

Join us on 'Improv Your Parenting' with special guest Sonja Stetzler, founder and CEO of Effective Connecting. Sonja, an executive communication coach and international speaker, shares her journey of integrating improv techniques into parenting. Discover how listening and 'Yes, And... ' can transform parent-child relationships and lead to meaningful, empathetic communication. Sonja also touches on her TEDx talk and how these skills benefit professionals in business and healthcare. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical tips for better connections!

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:06 Meet Sonja Stetzler: Communication Expert

01:38 The Accidental Improvisation Moment

04:18 The Power of Listening in Parenting

06:20 Building Stronger Relationships Through Improv

08:53 The Importance of Communication Skills

22:12 Applying Improv Techniques in Professional Settings

24:28 Reflecting on Parenting and Play

26:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sonja's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewVwN7CCv6M&pp=ygUOU29uamEgU3RldHpsZXI%3D

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

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

Improv Your Parenting: Joe Bill on Improv and Parenting Strategies

Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting: The Art of Turning Parenting into Play'. In this episode, we're joined by Joe Bill, a renowned teacher of scenic long-form improvisation and storytelling. Joe shares his experiences and insights on using improv techniques to enhance parenting skills. He discusses the importance of listening, the role of vulnerability, and how improvisational principles can be applied to parenting to foster better communication and understanding with children. Joe also provides personal anecdotes about his parenting journey, including the challenges of co-parenting, the importance of agency, and the balance between providing structure and allowing creativity. This deep dive into parenting through the lens of improv offers valuable lessons for parents looking to connect more deeply with their children.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:05 Meet Joe Bill: Improv Expert

00:08 Joe Bill's Improv Journey

01:25 Parenting with Improv: Joe's Perspective

03:11 The Role of Listening in Parenting

04:02 Understanding Children's Cries

05:04 Self-Soothing and Parenting Instincts

05:52 Improv and Emotional Awareness

11:00 Parenting from a Distance

11:24 Encouraging Children's Interests

13:51 Developing Agency and Self-Awareness

17:38 Handling Failure and Disappointment

18:57 Play and Interaction with Children

21:35 Improv Techniques in Parenting

24:12 The Uncertainty of Parenting

24:29 Lessons from Cancer and Failure

26:10 Reflections on Childhood and Parenting Styles

27:06 The Role of Play and Education

33:07 Navigating Co-Parenting and Cultural Differences

42:33 Embracing Fear and Teaching Resilience

45:19 Consistency and Adaptability in Parenting

46:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

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

In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' host Jeremy welcomes Susan Messing, an acclaimed improviser and educator with global experience. Susan shares her unique blend of parenting, utilizing improvisational techniques to nurture and connect with her daughter. Susan discusses the importance of meeting children where they are, offering them choices, and allowing them to explore their interests. With insights on balancing structure and flexibility, and anecdotes from her parenting journey, Susan highlights the value of empathy and adaptability. This engaging conversation is filled with wisdom for parents and educators alike, demonstrating how to transform parenting into artful play.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:06 Meet Susan Messing: A Journey in Improv

00:44 Improv and Parenting: A Natural Fit

02:03 Parenting Techniques and Improv Insights

04:09 Navigating Challenges with Improv

06:32 Adapting and Evolving as a Parent

08:24 Balancing Structure and Flexibility

14:28 Encouraging Self-Discovery in Children

16:56 Managing Expectations and Realities

23:27 The Importance of Apologizing and Learning

25:16 Parenting Challenges and Humor

26:09 Adapting Parenting Styles

28:05 Religion and Parenting

29:19 Co-Parenting Dynamics

30:50 Encouraging Child's Interests

31:53 Navigating Parenting Rules

35:46 Improv and Parenting

43:46 Final Thoughts on Parenting

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

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