Improv Your Parenting

In this episode of Improv Your Parenting, host Jeremy talks with improviser and festival organizer Jessica Keith about how improv skills show up in daily life with kids—especially through imagination play with her nearly five-year-old daughter. Jessica shares how characters like Paddington Bear and their nightly “Push Down Salon” routine help her daughter process school experiences, and how improv tools like leading questions, offering silliness alongside guidance, and anthropomorphizing everyday objects support connection and learning. They discuss the challenges of repetition in play, managing parental frustration and limits (timers, clear next-step expectations, walking away when needed), and how Waldorf education’s predictable rhythm reduces anxiety and supports confidence. Jessica reflects on how parenting has simplified her character work while also making it harder to switch back into adult performance at times, including a recent disorienting on-stage experience. The conversation expands into Jessica’s view of play and improv as a non-religious spiritual practice, a way to cope with a heavy world, and a path to community-building. She describes founding Gather Improv during COVID restrictions at her in-laws’ wedding venue, growing from about 45 participants in its first year to around 130, and experimenting with community experiences like “Sunday Moss.” Jessica also shares ideas inspired by Bluey for helping parents access playful interaction with their kids and imagines an “improv church” where people gather regularly to play.00:00 Welcome + Meet Improv Mom Jessica Keith01:08 Improv with Kids: Daily Imagination Play at Home & School02:33 Paddington Bear as Play Therapy (Processing School Stuff)06:02 Staying Present Without Burning Out: Time Limits & Solo Play07:57 How Improv Training Shapes Parenting (Non-Human Characters & Worldbuilding)10:15 Her Childhood Imagination & How It Led to Theater12:51 Bedtime Characters: Finger Dudes & “Push Down Salon” Routine15:10 Handling Frustration + Waldorf “Rhythm of the Day” for Smoother Transitions22:29 When Parenting Feeds the Improv: Simpler Characters, Harder Shows24:34 Improv vs. Parenting Play: Switching Scene Partners25:54 When Play Gets Repetitive: Safety, Tropes, and Losing Discovery29:49 Parent Guilt & Setting Boundaries: ‘Not Right Now’ Without Shame32:04 Distractible Parent Brain: ADHD-ish Moments and Keeping Promises33:16 Preparing for What’s Next: Capacity, Presence, and ‘Woo Woo’ Play34:29 Play as Spiritual Practice (and Antidote to Heavy Times)38:19 From Kids to Community: Bringing Improv Play to Parents40:07 Bluey-Inspired Parent Play: Simple Games and ‘Thoughts in a Box’42:59 Building Joy in Ireland: The Gather Improv Festival Origin Story44:42 Sunday Moss & Improv Church: Nature, Community, and a Big Vision48:02 Final Wrap: Gratitude, Recording Jokes, and Where to Find More

Embracing "Good Enough" Parenting: The Power of Improv in Connecting with Children with Lacy AlanaWelcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we explore the art of turning parenting into play. In this episode, we're joined by Lacey Alana, a psychotherapist, trainer, and applied improvisation specialist. Lacey, the founder of Yes. And Brain and co-director of Camp Yes And, shares her expertise in integrating play, neuroscience, and relational work across various settings. We discuss how improv can be effectively used in therapy, education, and community contexts to support neurodivergent youth and the adults in their lives. Lacey offers insights into the importance of being present, flexible, and adaptable, whether you're working with young children, teens, or adults. Learn how to meet kids where they are, foster connection, and navigate the challenges of parenting through the principles of improvisation.00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting00:04 Meet Lacey Alana: Psychotherapist and Improv Specialist01:07 Lacey's Journey into Improv and Therapy02:11 Integrating Improv into Therapy and Education07:05 Adapting Improv for Different Age Groups09:44 The Importance of Flexibility and Perception19:32 Practical Tips for Parents Using Improv25:46 Facing and Accepting Emotions27:11 Modeling Emotional Awareness for Kids28:07 Reflective Parenting and Teaching28:42 Managing Classroom and Parenting Chaos30:43 The Good Enough Parent40:13 Navigating Neurodivergence in Kids48:04 Iterative Learning and Growth

Improv Isn’t Parenting, but Helps: A Journey of Exploration and Connection with Matt LarsenIn this episode of Improv Your Parenting, we welcome Matt Larson, a veteran improv performer and father of two, to explore the intersection of improvisation and parenting. Matt shares insights from his extensive experience in improv at io Chicago, Second City, and more, explaining how the principles of improv—such as listening, emotional connection, and adaptability—translate into valuable parenting strategies. From balancing humor and discipline to navigating neurodivergence within the family, Matt offers practical advice and engaging anecdotes that highlight the importance of curiosity and non-judgment in both improv and parenting.00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting00:05 Meet Matt Larson: Improv Veteran and Parent00:42 Improv and Parenting: The Early Years01:49 Lessons from Improv Applied to Parenting04:03 The Importance of Listening in Improv and Parenting07:46 Exploring and Heightening with Kids10:10 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges18:07 Neurodivergence and Parenting22:51 Conflict Resolution and Improv Techniques29:36 Final Thoughts and Parenting AdvicePlease join the community at Improvyourparenting@substack.com

Unlocking the Joy of Learning: How Improv Connects with Teaching and Parenting with Elke ReidJoin us in this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting' as we welcome Elke Reed, a dynamic actor, voiceover artist, and improv expert from New York City. Elke shares her journey and expertise in integrating improv techniques with children, making learning and interaction playful and engaging. Discover how she adapts and tailors her approach to suit different age groups and personalities, fostering a fun and creative environment. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or someone new to working with kids, Elke's insights are invaluable. Tune in to explore how to turn everyday interactions into delightful and educational play.00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting00:04 Meet Elke Reed Halene00:42 Elke's Teaching Journey02:25 Adapting Improv for Different Age Groups05:27 Engaging Older Kids in Improv10:32 Elke's Early Life and Passion for Performance14:58 From Childhood Play to Professional Improv18:13 Weekly Improv Jam Beginnings18:30 Hosting and Teaching at Study Hall19:13 Festival Participation and Networking20:28 Transition to Teaching in Schools22:00 Engaging Kids Through Physical Games29:46 Challenges with Special Needs Students33:14 Interacting with Parents and Recitals35:59 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Teachers37:33 Conclusion and Community Invitation

The Art of Connection: How Improv Transforms Parenting and Teaching with Robin FoxIn this episode of Improv Your Parenting, we sit down with Robin Fox, a seasoned special educator, SEL specialist, and professional improv actor with over 40 years of experience. Robin shares insights into how improvisation can be a powerful tool in parenting, teaching, and building strong connections with children. From personal anecdotes of using improv with her own grandchildren to professional applications in schools, Robin discusses the transformative impact of play and mindfulness. Discover practical techniques for making everyday interactions with kids more playful and engaging, and learn about the potential of improv as an informal assessment tool. Join us for a rich conversation on cultivating creativity, connection, and presence in your parenting journey.00:00 Introduction to Robin Fox: A Multifaceted Educator00:59 Robin's Journey with Improv02:15 The Impact of Improv on Personal Growth04:58 Using Improv to Connect with Children08:30 The Role of Play in Parenting13:26 Empathy and Presence in Education17:55 Mindfulness and Mistakes in Learning21:03 The Power of Improv in Child Development21:35 Overcoming Fear of Mistakes in Learning23:41 Encouraging Playfulness in Adults24:40 Building Connections Through Play28:45 Navigating Play with Teenagers35:13 Apologizing and Growing as Parents37:13 Using Improv for Assessment42:16 Final Thoughts and ResourcesPlease join the community at Improvyourparenting@substack.com

Building Stronger Connections with Your Children with Tracy Shea-PorterWelcome to Improv Your Parenting where we turn parenting into play! Join us as we chat with Tracy Shea Porter, CEO and Co-founder of Yes Unlimited. Tracy shares her incredible journey from the corporate world and improv community to using improvisation techniques to strengthen communication, adaptability, and trust. She discusses how improv helped her as a young mom and single parent and how it continues to shape her relationships, especially with her daughter. Learn about her passion for improv, her professional journey, and how she's bringing these skills to organizations to promote better teamwork and leadership. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the benefits of integrating improv into parenting and daily life!00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting00:04 Meet Tracy Shea Porter01:12 Tracy's Journey into Improv02:40 Improv and Parenting03:23 Navigating Single Parenthood05:52 Improv's Influence on Relationships07:30 Tracy's Early Life and Improv10:33 Raising a Child with Improv13:15 Challenges and Lessons in Parenting14:27 A Funny Incident with the Police14:45 The Importance of Being Present15:27 Using Improv in Parenting15:54 Dealing with Irritation Through Improv16:38 The Bonding Power of Improv18:40 Returning to Improv After a Break20:35 Building a Career in Improv24:13 The Benefits of Improv in the Corporate World26:35 Advice for New Parents28:58 The Active Form of Meditation29:44 Final Thoughts and GratitudeLearn more about Tracy here:tracy@yesunlimited.cawww.yesunlimited.caTracy's Book: The "Yes, And" Business Evolution: Improv Skills for Leadership and LifeNow available: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CSB3JF1FHot New Release in Workplace Behavior and #1 in Team Management on AmazonPlease join the community at Improvyourparenting@substack.com

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Crystal Haralambou, a seasoned theater artist and educator with over 25 years of experience in performance and improvisation. Discover how Crystal uses improv to build communication, creativity, and connection among her students, both young and old. From theater and educational settings to modern workplaces, Crystal shares insights on how improv can enhance collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Learn about her innovative approaches to teaching social skills to children with ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia, and find out how she encourages adults to reconnect with play. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about the transformative power of improv.00:00 Introduction to Crystal Haralambou00:22 Crystal's Journey in Improv01:06 Improv in Education01:52 Engaging Students with Improv02:42 Improv for Social Skills05:42 Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Improv08:50 Improv with Different Age Groups17:27 Improv Beyond the Classroom20:42 Professional Development with Improv23:05 Engaging Students in the Classroom23:50 Teaching Audience Etiquette and Nonverbal Communication24:50 Encouraging Bravery and Participation26:26 Using Visual Aids in Improv27:31 Focusing on Executive Functioning28:33 Improv Games for Executive Functioning30:39 The Hitchhiker Game and Higher Order Thinking33:51 The Importance of Play for Adults37:02 Advice for New Teachers41:45 Final Thoughts and EncouragementYou can learn more about Crystal and her work at these links: https://improvxchange.com/LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalharalambouIGImprovXchange https:www.instagram.com/improvxchange/Please join the community at Improvyourparenting@substack.com

In this heartwarming episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' we dive into the world of playful and authentic parenting with Chris Kenworthy, an embodiment coach, facilitator, and improviser. Chris, founder of the improv CoLab community, shares his journey of embracing improv to enhance human relationships, including those with children. Despite not being a parent himself, Chris explores how discovering his playful side has transformed his interactions with kids and offers valuable insights into letting go of judgment, being present, and embracing our messy, human nature. Learn how Chris uses improv to help adults reconnect with their playful selves, build better relationships with their children, and navigate the complexities of parenting with more joy and authenticity.00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting00:06 Meet Chris Kenworthy: Embodiment Coach and Improviser00:23 Chris's Journey with Improv and Authentic Relating00:56 Chris's Initial Reactions to Improv03:31 Transforming Judgment into Playfulness05:08 The Impact of Improv on Personal Growth08:10 Facilitation Techniques and Trauma-Informed Approaches09:53 Building Playful Relationships with Kids13:49 Creating a Playful Environment for Parents and Kids19:21 Chris's Path to Leading Improv Workshops20:39 Exploring Applied Improvisation21:21 Parent-Child Relationships and Playfulness22:32 Insecurities in Parenting23:41 Rediscovering Playfulness25:24 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability26:57 Modeling Humanity and Mistakes32:13 Navigating Reactions and Authority38:09 Relating to Kids and Adults40:56 Final Thoughts and AppreciationJoin Improv Your Parenting on Substack at: improvyourparenting.substack.com

Join us on Improv Your Parenting as we explore the transformative power of improv with Craig Price, Director of Community Enrichment at the Naples Players Theater. Discover how Craig uses improvisational techniques to teach core communication skills to kids and adults with developmental disabilities and Alzheimer's. Learn about the journey that began with ski lessons and evolved into innovative programs for neurodivergent individuals and care partners of those with dementia. Craig delves into applying improv principles at home, the importance of listening, and the impact of playful interaction on personal growth and stress reduction. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers profound insights into using improv to enhance communication and connection in various settings. Join our community for more resources and videos on turning parenting into play.00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting00:05 Meet Craig Price: Director of Community Enrichment00:38 Craig's Journey in Improv and Theater01:19 The Role of Improv in Parenting02:02 Combining Passions: Improv and Teaching03:10 Improv Techniques in Daily Life05:51 Expanding Improv to Special Needs15:34 Improv for Neurodivergent and Elder Care20:05 Gamified Communication Skills20:28 Interactive Name Game21:13 Wizarding Communication Curriculum21:47 Learning Through Play22:12 Balancing Therapy and Fun22:41 Patience and Turn-Taking25:45 Relearning How to Play27:49 Improv in Parenting32:27 Guidance for New Parents35:02 Creative Communication Workshops37:02 Final Thoughts and Resources