Childhood Matters by Bower Education
Welcome to Bower Education's Childhood Matters podcast, presented by hosts Jane Parolin, Sam Payze, and Chelsea Oliver as they delve into the complexities of childcare and child development—covering all the topics that matter to you as a parent. At Childhood Matters, we provide you with the essential tools for parenting, celebrating the wonderful surprises and joys that children bring into our lives.
Childhood Matters by Bower Education
A Deeper Understanding Of Play With Marc Armitage
In this episode, “A Deeper Understanding of Play,” we sit down with renowned play consultant Marc Armitage to explore what play really means for children’s development and well-being.
Marc shares powerful insights from decades of observing children at play what drives it, why it matters, and how it shapes emotional resilience, creativity, and social connection. Together, we discuss the growing tension between free play and screen time, and how adults can meaningfully support children without taking over, interrupting, or unintentionally limiting their play.
From the subtle cues children use to communicate through play, to the ways environments and adult behaviour influence their freedom to explore, this conversation offers a deeper, richer understanding of the world through a child’s eyes.
This episode will challenge assumptions, spark reflection, and inspire you to rethink the role of play in everyday life.
We acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country.We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal people visiting/attending from other areas of South Australia/Australia.
