Why Play Matters in Parenting: Kathy Lee Eggers on Motherhood, Presence, and Play

Written By Lori Lane

“95% of what we worry about as mothers doesn’t even matter. What matters is connection, presence, and pointing our children to Christ.” – Kathy Lee Eggers

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Lori Lane sits down with Kathy Lee Eggers, a dedicated Child Development Specialist, author, and a hot mess mom of many, to explore the life-shaping role of play in parenting. Kathy has spent over 30 years guiding families on a journey of joyful learning. As the author of beloved guides like A Year of Playing Skillfully and The Homegrown Preschooler, she shares her decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and homeschooling mom.

In today’s episode, Kathy shares her remarkable story of motherhood, through adoption, unexpected pregnancies, and even walking through the heartbreaking loss of her son Joshua. With both tenderness and conviction, she reveals how God used these experiences to anchor her view of family, presence, and discipleship.

Together, Lori and Kathy discuss why play is far more than just fun. It’s the sacred “work” of childhood. From building critical thinking skills to shaping character, play becomes a natural doorway to reaching your child’s heart and pointing them to Jesus.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Kathy’s extraordinary motherhood journey and how adoption shaped her family.

  • The life-changing lessons she learned while walking her son through leukemia.

  • Why presence matters more than performance in parenting.

  • How unstructured play develops the whole child and their mind, body, and spirit.

  • A biblical perspective on discipling through connection, not control.

This first part will leave you encouraged, challenged, and ready to release some of the pressures you’ve carried as a parent. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Lori and Kathy dive deeper into practical strategies for reclaiming imagination, curiosity, and joyful play in your home.

Resources:

Connect with Kathy Lee Eggers

Lori Lane
Next

Family Rhythms That Matter: Biblical Margin in a Culture of Hustle