You are a good parent having a hard time.
Those two things can both true.
The chaos, the guilt, the gap between the parent you want to be and the one who shows up at the end of a long day … there is a reason for all of it.
And there is something you can actually do about it
You're not broken. You're not failing. You're a smart, caring parent who has never been handed the tools that change everything: the science of play, the nervous system, and how the two work together to transform your family from the inside out.
Featured on 20+ podcasts and summits · PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology · 15 Years Coaching Parents · Science-Backed, Always
You love your kids fiercely. That part has never been in question.
But somewhere between the school pickup and the third meltdown and the moment you snapped at someone you adore, you started wondering: why does this feel so hard?
Here's what nobody told you. It's not a discipline problem. It's not a patience problem. It's not even a time problem.
It's a nervous system problem. And it has a playful solution.
The research in developmental psychology is clear. When a parent's nervous system is regulated, a child's nervous system can follow. Connection isn't a reward you get to after all the hard work is done. It is the work. And the most efficient, science-backed path to that connection? Play.
Not performance. Not a perfect Pinterest afternoon. Five minutes of genuine, silly, present-tense play that tells your child's nervous system: you are safe. I am here. We are okay.
That is what Becoming Playful teaches. And it works.
Every family is different. You deserve a path that actually fits your real life. Choose the door that feels most like yours.
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Parenting
Restore the Joy in Your Home. 🏡
You don't need another thing on your list. You need one shift in how you see the moments you're already in. Science-backed strategies for the real chaos of family life. -
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Special Needs Parenting
You Are Not Alone in This 💛
You've tried everything. Here, the science meets the reality of your day, with tools, scripts, and strategies built specifically for the parent who is carrying more. -
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Divorce Consulting
Protect Kids Through Hard Stuff 🤝
Your family looks different now. The connection your child needs from you hasn't changed at all. Find your footing and put your child's stability at the center. -
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Career Clarity
Work That Feels Like You Again ✨
Career coaching that doesn't ask you to hustle harder. Whether you're burned out, in transition, or simply know something needs to change, let's figure it out together. -
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Teams + Corporate
Build a Culture People Want 🌱
Your team doesn't need another PowerPoint. From Laughter Yoga to LEGO Serious Play, bring science-backed connection to your workplace in a way people will remember.
Start here, for free.
What if five minutes was enough?
The most common thing parents tell Dr. Erica is: "I don't have time to play." The second most common thing they tell her, six weeks later, is: "I can't believe what changed."
The 5-Minute Reset is a free audio guide for the parent who wants to feel the difference before committing to anything. No purchase necessary. No long video series. Just what works, right now, tonight.
The person behind all of this
I know what it feels like to be the person everyone counts on while quietly running on empty.
I spent years studying the intersection of developmental psychology, neuroscience, and positive psychology, not just academically, but because I needed these answers for my own life too.
I created Becoming Playful because I watched brilliant, deeply caring people (parents, professionals, and entire teams) sacrifice their joy in pursuit of success, believing that's just how it has to be.
It doesn't.
My approach is different because I don't just help you cope. I help you fundamentally rewire the patterns that got you here in the first place. Using neuro-inclusive frameworks, the science sustainability, and positive psychology, we build a life that actually works for you.
I'm a developmental psychologist, a coach, a speaker, and someone who genuinely knows that playfulness isn't a luxury. It's the whole point.
Whether you're a parent in survival mode, a professional craving alignment, or a leader building something better, I am so glad you found your way here.
This work changed my life. I can't wait to see what it does for yours.
Free parent education + encouragement
The Playful Patter
Four minutes. One science-backed insight. One thing you can try tonight.
Dr. Erica releases short videos on the most real, most exhausting, most overlooked moments of family life, and exactly what developmental psychology says to do about them.
POP
Play on Purpose
A 15-minute morning routine so you can stop surviving your day and start enjoying the people in it.
Have the routine delivered straight to your inbox Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Easy Peasy.
What parents and professionals are saying.
“Erica is an absolutely PHENOMENAL coach. She is patient, gentle, accepting, and a reliably soft place to land, but she doesn't coddle, play safe, or let me stay small. No matter what we talk about -- career, parenting, organization, relationships -- she helps me come up with great ideas to move forward and makes it ok that I am where I am. She's an amazing mix of funny, compassionate, deep, and real, and I would give her a hundred stars if I could. Work with her. I'm serious. You won't regret it.”
— Kate“I enjoy working with Erica because she gives clear, practical suggestions but she's not pushy and never judgmental. I can tell that she genuinely wishes the best for me and it's awesome to have somebody like that in my court.”
— Veronica“I had the incredible opportunity to host Dr. Erica Buchholz on the Mindful Mondays TV Show, and she was an absolute delight! Her extensive knowledge in laughter, play, and positive psychology made for an engaging conversation that resonated with everyone. Erica's passion for helping adults reconnect with joy and lightness shone through as she guided us through often-overlooked concepts.”
— Laura
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Whether you're here for a free resource, a video that finally explains what's happening in your house, or to work directly with Dr. Erica, you are in exactly the right place. The door is open. Come on in.
Have Questions? Let's Talk
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