“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step back and trust that children know exactly what they’re doing.” --Phoebe Wyllyamz, Playworker

What if someone told you the best way to build life skills isn’t through flashcards or structured schedules—but through play? Real, messy, child-led, joyful play.

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler introduces us to Phoebe Wyllyamz––a play work advocate, early childhood educator, and all-around childhood champion from the Catskills of New York.

Together they explore playwork, risky play, children’s rights, farts, freedom, and why the best grownups in play spaces don’t manage––they listen. It’s time to trust kids with autonomy and a little bit of risk to help them grow into confident, resilient humans. Doesn’t that sound magical? It kind of is.

Phoebe brings years of experience from Woodland Playhouse and shares insights from her upcoming book, An Invitation to Play. She’s here to remind us that kids don’t need us to micromanage their play. They need us to trust them.

Top 3 Takeaways from Episode 8:

• Play is serious work—especially when it’s messy, risky, and child-led.
• Adults need to know when to jump in…and when to back off.
• Trusting kids with their own play builds lifelong skills—and preserves the wonder of childhood.
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

Sword battle at Phoebe’s Play Pod video

Follow Phoebe @playphoebe

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

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