Toys and Aggressive Play : What's healthy for kids?

This episode is aimed at parents of young children through to preteens and I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.

Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5).

For context, I have two children as well, Cathal (8.5) and Clíodhna (4), so this conversation felt particularly relevant.

Debbie first joined me on the podcast back in March 2024, and that episode resonated deeply, for me personally and for so many listeners. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen.

This is Debbie’s third time on the pod, and in this episode we delve into all things kids and toys. What supports healthy development, the importance of aggressive play in childhood, which toys need clear boundaries around them…and one personal rule she stands firmly by: no unsupervised YouTube.

Debbie, along with fellow psychotherapist Hayley Rice, created the F.I.R.M.™ (Firm, Intentional, Regulated, Modelling) Parenting Approach, a therapist-designed, research-driven framework that supports parents in raising emotionally healthy, resilient children.

You can join their parenting hub, you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.

If you enjoy what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.

Go raibh míle maith agat.

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