Ep. 396 - Why Play Might Be the Missing Link in Parenting, Healing & Connection with Dr. Kim Van Dusen

What Most Parents Are Getting Wrong with Kim Van Dusen

Motherhood. Business. Healing. Purpose. This conversation has it all.

In this deeply honest and incredibly empowering episode of the Hi Felicia Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen—licensed psychologist, founder of The Parentologist, podcast host, entrepreneur, and author of Parenting Through Play.

Dr. Kim opens up about what it's really like navigating motherhood, building a six-figure brand, surviving breast cancer—twice—and continuing to pursue big dreams even in life's hardest seasons.

We dive into parenting, emotional regulation, women's health, play-based connection, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to lead your family from a place of presence instead of perfection.

This episode is for every mom, parent, entrepreneur, and woman who's ever wondered…

"Can I do hard things… and still build the life I want?"

In this episode, we cover:

✔ Why most parents focus on the child before regulating themselves
✔ How play becomes one of the most powerful healing tools for connection
✔ What surviving cancer taught Dr. Kim about life, motherhood, and purpose
✔ How to repair after "messing up" as a parent
✔ The emotional toll of women always being the strong one
✔ Building a six-figure brand while raising a family
✔ What it takes to finally write the book you've dreamed about for years
✔ How to pursue your calling—even in the middle of uncertainty

Connect with Dr. Kim:

Follow Kim Van Dusen on Instagram @theparentologist

Grab her new book:

Parenting Through Play — available now

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And if this episode spoke to you, tag me at @thehifeliciapodcast and Dr. Kim so we can hear your biggest takeaway.