Improv Your Parenting

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

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 DesMaisons01:03 Ted's Interaction with Kids and Improv01:58 Improv Stories and Personal Background03:40 Ted's Improv Journey05:44 Applying Improv in Teaching06:29 Philosophy and Improv in Parenting11:42 Building Trust Through Improv15:50 Improv with Adults and Future Plans18:51 Parallel Tracks for Parents and Kids19:34 The Magic of Inclusive Play20:12 Helping Adults Rediscover Play21:05 Building Trust Through Gradual Exercises22:42 Applying Playfulness at Home24:42 Celebrating Failure and Self-Compassion27:26 Mindfulness and Play for New Parents30:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

Unleashing Creativity: Lisa Lynn's Guide to Using Improv with KidsIn 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 Parenting00:06 Meet Lisa Lynn: Actor, Improviser, and Teacher00:39 Lisa's Co-Parenting Experience During the Pandemic01:21 Teaching and Interacting with Kids02:10 The Role of Play in Learning and Development03:39 Empowerment Through Play and Improvisation05:47 Personal Reflections on Parenting and Teaching12:52 Gender and Play: Observations and Insights14:53 Innovative Teaching Methods: The Child Soldiers Unit18:07 Building Empathy and Understanding Through Role Play24:22 Engaging with New Children: Approaches and Techniques25:15 The Power of a Calm Voice26:35 Engaging with Children Through Humor29:44 Creating Safe and Open Spaces34:16 Balancing Authority and Play41:24 Tips for New Caregivers44:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Accepting Grace: The Art of Playful Parenting with Burgert KirstenIn 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 Parenting00:05 Meet Burgert Kirsten: The Multi-Role Parent00:39 The Role of Kids and Improv in Life01:22 A Day in the Life of Burgert02:54 Discovering the Joy of Improv04:54 From Clowning to Improv Workshops06:27 Improv and Organizational Psychology12:09 Improv in Parenting and Family Life20:01 Balancing Safety and Adventure in Parenting24:59 The Importance of Play in Parenting27:57 The Power of Playful Creativity28:12 Letting Go of Control29:17 Financial Anxiety and Family Decisions30:10 A Story of Family Expansion32:47 The Unexpected Fourth Child39:16 Parenting Insights and Improv46:25 Embracing the Chaos of Parenting51:19 Final Thoughts and Resources