What if the secret to fewer power struggles, better behavior, and a stronger connection with your child isn't another parenting hack—but play?

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with licensed therapist, registered play therapist, professor, podcast host, and author Dr. Kim Van Dusen to discuss her new book, Parenting Through Play. Together, they unpack why play is one of the most overlooked parenting tools, how it helps children communicate emotions, and practical ways parents can use playful strategies to navigate tantrums, sibling conflicts, picky eating, transitions, and everyday family stress.

Dr. Kim shares the science behind play therapy, the inspiration behind becoming The Parentologist, and why connection—not punishment—is often the missing piece when parents feel stuck. She also offers simple play-based techniques that can be implemented immediately, even by busy, exhausted parents.

Whether you're raising toddlers, navigating the tween years, or supporting a neurodivergent child, this conversation is packed with practical tools that can help bring more peace and connection into your home.

In This Episode:

• Why play is a child's primary language
• The difference between connection-based parenting and permissive parenting
• How playful parenting reduces power struggles and tantrums
• Strategies for picky eaters and difficult transitions
• The "Do-Over Method" for correcting behavior without shame
• How play supports children with ADHD, autism, and sensory differences
• Practical ways to strengthen parent-child connection in under five minutes
• Why discipline works better when it's built on trust and attachment
• Behind-the-scenes of writing Parenting Through Play
• Lessons from nearly 20 years as a child therapist and play therapist

Connect with Dr. Kim Van Dusen

Website: The Parentologist

Instagram: @theparentologist

Podcast: The Parentologist Podcast

Book: Parenting Through Play

This week on The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with New York Times bestselling author Annabel Monaghan for an honest conversation about motherhood, caregiving, burnout, love, and the invisible mental load women carry every single day.

Annabel shares the inspiration behind her newest novel, Dolly All the Time — a story about a single mom juggling work, family, financial stress, and caregiving while slowly learning how to stop carrying everything alone. Samantha and Annabel dive into the “curse of capability,” why moms struggle to ask for help, and how women often become the emotional managers of their entire families.

They also talk about:

• Why romance shouldn’t magically fix a woman’s life
• Fake dating, family pressure, and financial stress in fiction
• The emotional reality of caregiving
• Raising capable kids instead of over-functioning for them
• The mental load moms carry every day
• Why women relate so deeply to Dolly’s story
• The famous “pants” mantra from the book
• Writing chemistry and emotional intimacy
• Rhode Island as the perfect summer-book setting

If you’ve ever felt like the default parent, the family planner, the emergency contact, or the one holding everything together — this episode will hit home.

Follow Annabel

• Website: annabelmonaghan.com
• Instagram: @annabelmonaghan

Follow Samantha

• Instagram: @therunningwinemom_

Books Mentioned

• Dolly All the Time
• Nora Goes Off Script
• Summer Romance

What actually is homeopathy — and why are so many parents curious about it right now?

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with homeopath and educator Marcus Fernandez to talk about natural healing, parenting instincts, nervous system overload, and how families can feel more confident navigating everyday illnesses.

Marcus is the founder of the Center for Homeopathic Education and creator of Homeopathy at Home, a program designed to help families use homeopathy in practical, everyday life.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• What homeopathy actually is
• The biggest misconceptions surrounding it
• How stress impacts healing
• Why parents panic during illness
• The connection between resilience and health
• Three remedies Marcus believes every household should keep on hand
• Why moms should trust their instincts more

Marcus also shares his personal journey from aspiring rock musician to becoming one of the leading educators in homeopathy.

Whether you’re fully immersed in holistic wellness or simply curious about alternative approaches, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation about parenting, healing, and slowing down enough to ask better questions.

Resources & Links

• Marcus Fernandez Official Website
• Center for Homeopathic Education
• Homeopathy at Home Book & Resources
• Free Home Prescriber Course

Connect with Samantha

• Instagram: @therunningwinemom_