Dr. Kim Van Dusen | PSYD | LMFT | RPT

This is what a dream come true looks like. 💭 I have been floating on Cloud 9 because of this moment I had on @nbcnews this week in New York. I will never forget the feeling of pulling up to NBC Studios at 30 Rock, checking in as a media guest, and going on set and seeing my book larger than life! Ever since I received my Masters in TV Broadcasting/Broadcast Journalism from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University decades ago, it has been a dream of mine to be on a national television network. Having an experience like this has been on my bucket list for years and years, well before my book even came to life, but for it to come to fruition during pub week was the most meaningful timing. And not only did I have one segment, I was blessed to have two Modern Parenting segments! My first segment was with @sambrocktv and @vickynguyentv (thank you for asking for a signed copy of my book for yourself) and the second segment was with @tvkatesnow and @simplyzinhle (a special thanks to you because this wouldn’t have happened without you)! Thank you @nbcnewsnow for this opportunity of a lifetime. I am so grateful and will cherish this moment forever! This is what I’ve been manifesting. This is what I’ve been working towards. This is all based on a lot of hard work and perseverance. I’m just going to have this sit here because I’m still pinching myself and processing it all and I’ll share more about this day soon!!! #theparentologist #modernparenting #parentingthroughplay #nbcnews #nbcnewsnow

Happy Book Birthday to PARENTING THROUGH PLAY by Dr. Kim Van Dusen, @theparentologist . Unlock better communication with your kids by speaking their language: the universal language of play. Packed with practical strategies, creative games, and real-life insights, Dr. Kim’s guide helps turn everyday parenting challenges into moments of connection and growth. Available wherever books are sold. #theparentologist #parentingthroughplay #theparentologistpodcast #playtherapyweek2026 #pubday

BIG EXCITING NEWS! 🎉 I am beyond thrilled and grateful to share a 3-page feature article titled “Yay for Old School Play” I wrote for @laparentmag for their Spring Issue! And it’s the first time my book is in a print magazine!! This is my second time writing a piece for this award winning magazine. This time, I wrote about focusing on going back to a more simple way of life and parenting. In this current climate, many parents are determined to “get back to the basics.” Instead of reaching for the latest smartphone, they are choosing landline phones. Instead of allowing their children to spend hours in front of the TV, they’re participating in what we’ve coined ‘90’s play. Play doesn’t have to be complicated, take a lot of time, effort or energy. In this March/April issue, I also share a column of “Quick Ways to Play” that includes almost two dozen play-based activities that are simple, inexpensive and have connected tamilies tor generations - proof that meaningful play doesn’t require a schedule, a screen, or a big plan. A huge thank you to L.A. Parent Magazine and especially Cassandra, the Editor-In-Chief, for this opportunity! #theparentologist #theparentologistpodcast #parentingthroughplay #therapeuticparenting

I still think my birth certificate is lying. 🫠 I don’t feel a day past 30! I’m honestly still in disbelief and am in complete denial about the number, and don’t like privately or publicly admitting it, but it’s here so what other choice do I have other than to try and embrace it? It sure made the transition more fun to spend the weekend at the @hyattmissionbay and spend an entire day in a cabana by the pool celebrating my book and my birthday with friends and family! What a way to bring in this milestone year! #theparentologist

I woke up on my birthday to an email telling me that my podcast @theparentologistpodcast is currently ranked #13 out of the TOP 30 Family Therapy Podcasts in the US, according to Million Podcasts! Every subscriber, every listener, every download, and every review helps! If you haven’t subscribed or started listening yet, download your first episode today! And if you’ve been a subscriber and listener, please leave a review! It helps more than you know! #theparentologist

Good Day D.C.! ☀️ It was such an honor to be interviewed by @marissamtchll on Good Day D.C. on @fox5dc last Friday in a special segment about my book, Parenting Through Play, and celebrate Mother’s Day! It was a great pub week segment (I was live on the air at 6:05 PT but wouldn’t have had it any other way) and hope one day to be in the studio for an in person segment!! Always so grateful for an opportunity to be on the air and I don’t take these moments for granted! Thank you @jacqueline_matter - this moment wouldn’t have happened without you!!

STORYBOOK SOCIAL 💜🫧📖☀️ @theparentologist x @sdmomwalks with @caminobks start the week with ocean views and sunshine join in for a morning of play, connection and community! when - MON 05/18 time - 10 am to 12 pm where - @officialdelmarplaza rooftop expect | - 5 to 6 sensory stations @littlelearnersplayco - author chat plus meet & greet @theparentologist - bubbles, parachute, music @sdmomwalks - coffee for purchase @kinikoffee - lunch + cocktails options after the event @monarchdelmar @ilfornaiodelmar @tamarindosd @cottagerestaurants - goodies from @weareooly and @trycreate all stages of motherhood, all aged kiddos welcome rsvp - link in bio | complimentary event, books will be sold on site to purchase !! 🎉

Mom guilt is real and it can be even more difficult when managing postpartum and multiple kiddos at home. Lucky for us, for episode 30, we had the amazing @theparentologist come on to share more about her new book, Parenting through Play, plus some tips and reminders that connection doesn’t always have to be big to mean something. 😌 Listen in now, linked in bio!

The one where I went to New York. 🗽 (Did you get the reference? ☕️ What an honor it was to be one of the panelists and featured authors at the Meta @threads of Motherhood brunch to celebrate Mother’s Day and the launch of @allymisslove Clean Plate Club hosted by @springbysabrina the @springcafeaspen in NYC. An intimate group of incredible, intentional, and inspiring women creators joined each other for conversation, creativity, community, and coffee. Loved kicking off the morning hearing from @thedailytay who flew out on the redeye from Portland to “warm up the room”and then hearing speakers/authors discussing real motherhood, making beautiful flower arrangements and fresh granola, and ending the day with a meet n greet and author signing! Here are some of the featured authors/books! * Tracy Dalgleish — You, Your Husband & His Mother  * Sarah Hoover  — The Motherload  * Yasmine Cheyenne — Your Comeback Era  * Dr. Kim Van Dusen — Parenting Through Play  * Dr. Rachel Goldman — When Life Happens  * Sabrina Rudin — Healthy With a Side of Happy  * Taylor Wolfe — Just A Busy Season  Thank you @carlylynn for your support and for making this dream come true for me!! Photos: Anthony Steverson @asteverson 📸

We did it!! 🎉🙌🏻 I was almost in tears last night when @drrachelnyc texted me and told me my book hit Amazon’s TOP NEW RELEASES! When I checked, it was #1 on Amazon’s New Releases for Parenting Early Childhood, #2 in Parenting School-Age Children, and #7 in Parenting Overall! Thank you to everyone who purchased the book, shared about the book, and wrote a review!! Let’s keep it up and keep the momentum going! If you haven’t bought it yet, please purchase a copy! If you’ve already purchased a copy, spread the word and share about it in your stories with a link and write a review on Amazon (or your preferred book seller where you bought it)! Your continued support means everything to me!! What a phenomenal way to end PUB WEEK! #theparentologist

Some friendships aren’t measured by how often you see each other…but by how deeply you know and hold each other through every season of life. No matter the distance, the time zones, or the busy schedules, some people remain your safe place, your biggest cheerleader, and your chosen family. Long-distance friendships are special because they remind you that real connection isn’t built on convenience — it’s built on love, trust, loyalty, and showing up for each other through every chapter. Forever grateful for the friends who feel like sisters, no matter how many miles separate us.

Calling all San Diego and So Cal mamas!!! 📣🎉🏝️ Please join me on my book tour at the Play & Connection event in partnership with @sdmomwalks hosted by @caminobks at the @officialdelmarplaza rooftop on Monday, May 18th from 10AM-12PM. I will be doing a meet and greet and author signing! And all guests leave with a copy of my book - which is currently #1 in Amazon’s New Releases Parenting: Early Childhood Babies and Toddlers! All stages of motherhood and all children are welcome! And your ticket is only the cost of my new book! There will also be crafts. sensory play. coffee from local vendors like @littlelearnersplayco @kinikoffee with lunch options from @monarchdelmar @ilfornaiodelmar @tamarindosd and @cottagerestaurants Tickets are limited! Hurry and snag your RSVP today with the link in my stories, bio/profile, and bookstore website!