One of the most important things we can do as parents is spend some time as a family, each week, taking time to check in and see what’s working and what we need to adjust going forward. Did you have a family planning meeting this week? 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes 💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube 💚 Access the free resources mentioned i...
Aug 06, 2023•10 min
How can we use a chunk of time - usually the summer, but not always - to work on readying our child for something? This might be a school / nursery start, a transition, or simply learning to be independent and confident. I share my top five tips and a free resource to help you get your child on board. Here are the highlights: (3:10) Work with the end in mind (6:40) Focus on the overall skills that your child is learning rather than the specific task (14:43) Be creative in how your child may show...
Aug 02, 2023•28 min•Ep. 113
We simply ask our child to do something and repeatedly get the answer… No! It can be incredibly frustrating. We know our children naturally go phases of saying no, but what can we do to help minimise the repeated no answer? I’ll talk you through a few quick strategies which should help, whatever the age of your child. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes 💚 You can wa...
Jul 30, 2023•9 min
Whether it's your child pulling the age old nag "everyone else is / has", or you get caught in the parental comparison that "everyone else is, so maybe we should" I'll help you navigate this minefield from both sides. Here are the highlights: (3:10) Understand that the request comes from wanting to fit in (6:40) Acknowledge what the request means to your child (8:36) Avoid lecturing! (10:50) Focus your response around ‘every family is different’ (17:08) Consider an allowance (22:30) Draw yoursel...
Jul 26, 2023•32 min•Ep. 112
As parents we often find ourselves in patterns and cycles which have become habitual, and which don’t serve us, or our family. Maybe we tolerate behaviour because we’re too exhausted to make the change, or we know we are likely to encounter challenges, so we maintain the status quo to keep everyone happy? A good morning routine helps us step out of auto-pilot and more into conscious parenting. I challenge you to try my SHINE Daily Practice for one week! Let me know the difference you notice at c...
Jul 23, 2023•12 min
What can we do when we find our parenting varies so drastically from our partners that's it’s causing real issues at home - impacting our children, our relationship and making family life feel like a battleground?? Here are the highlights: (2:30) Not minor disagreements, but core values (5:00) Parenting is a reflection of what is happening in your entire life, not just your role as a parent (11:22) Is your relationship sound? (15:25) Never undermine your partner’s parenting in the moment, unless...
Jul 19, 2023•28 min•Ep. 111
"Kiss you Grandma Oliver, there's a good boy" "No, I don't want to!!" Sound familiar? We can get caught in the middle between wanting to support our children, but also trying to keep our own parents happy. Join me as I share my strategies, and why it’s so important we support our children with the decisions they make about consent. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes...
Jul 16, 2023•9 min
These three heartbreaking words elicits one of two responses from us - deep hurt, or anger at their ungrateful rudeness!!! I'll explain why our children and teens throw this at us and how best to respond - not only in the moment, but in longer term. Here are the highlights: (2:00) We’re not meant to be their best friend (4.50) Try to stay compassionate and balanced (8:45} Please don’t panic (10:18} Take a moment if you can (15:35) Acknowledge they’re experiencing a big feeling (17:30) Deal with ...
Jul 12, 2023•27 min•Ep. 110
Before you listen to this episode you need to listen to Part 1. Have you? Great, you've listened to the episode on guilt, now I’ll talk about judgement. We all feel judged as parents. By other parents, by friends and parents of our children's friends, as well as our own internal judgement, and the comparisons we make with the parenting influencers and high-profile mummies on social media. It's everywhere!! Do you ever feel judged as a parent? 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this...
Jul 09, 2023•10 min
How can we cultivate generosity within our children and an understanding of how privileged they are? I'll share the three common things we do which don't work, and my top five tips for encouraging generosity, so we don't have to nag about how lucky they are! Here are the highlights: {1:00} What is generosity? {3:30} Three things we shouldn’t do… {10:40} Don’t wait for entitlement to show itself {11:30} Model generosity graciously {13:47} Privilege in the context of fairness {16:45} Encourage vol...
Jul 06, 2023•29 min•Ep. 109
This episode is personal as I discuss the guilt and judgement we experience as parents, and specifically mothers. In fact it means so much to me that we had to split the recording into 2 episodes. This is Part 1 discussing guilt. I wanted to record an episode about the guilt and judgement we feel as parents, especially mothers. In fact it's a topic I feel so strongly about that we had to split the recording into 2 episodes as I share some of my personal experiences. I think that guilt comes with...
Jul 02, 2023•11 min
Natasha Devon MBE is a writer, presenter & activist. She tours schools, universities and events delivering talks as well as conducting research on mental health, body image, gender & equality. You’re in for a real treat as we discuss her latest book ‘Clicks: How to be your best self online”. Here are the highlights: {3:00} Universal mental health challenges {9:48} What affects mental health {15:15} Don’t assume – ask lots of questions {17:58} Get your child to teach you {28:56} How to su...
Jun 28, 2023•48 min•Ep. 108
This episode responds to a listener question highlighting something so many parents worry about. "How can I make separations easier for my child, for instance when being dropped at school, friends etc?" In this episode I’ll explain separation anxiety and share strategies to support you, and your child understand why it is happening and to manage the situation. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what ...
Jun 25, 2023•10 min
This episode is about how you can achieve sibling harmony. Now let me start by being totally honest and upfront – sibling rivalry, disagreements and fall outs are normal. Your children will want to kill each other at times and really dislike each other most of the rest of the time – and that’s normal, you aren’t a bad parent, we don’t all get along with everyone! However, there are things we do as parents which can make the situation worse, which we need to stop doing, and there are strategies w...
Jun 21, 2023•26 min•Ep. 107
All we see if the huge emotional explosion when we ask our child to put their toys away, but their bucket is already full from their day's experiences. What is the bucket and how can we empty it? 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes 💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube 💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes 💚 Join our campaign One ...
Jun 18, 2023•7 min
This is the first of my new bitesize Bucket Emptying episodes. You’ll find shorter 5-10 minute episodes released each Monday sharing my top tips and answers to your questions, all focusing on emptying your bucket! 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes 💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube 💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes 💚 Join...
Jun 18, 2023•2 min
Here are the highlights: R egulate emotions (4:00) I nput matters (8:11) S leep (9:26) E xercise daily (13:36) S ilence (16:34) T oxins impact thinking (19:40) R eflective practice (21:20) O pportunities for growth (22:40) N ovelty fires neurons (24:42) G ratitude practice (24:00) 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes 💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Yo...
Jun 14, 2023•29 min•Ep. 106
Children want to talk at the most inopportune of moments, and there is a reason why they do this. If we lean into those moments we could significantly improve their emotional wellbeing and safeguard them from mental health issues. Here are the highlights: (3:26) Moments can make all the difference (8:35) Why does it matter? (10:01) Every interaction leaves a trace (13:37) Create connection (17:58) Lean in (19:55) Listen to fully understand (23:16) Learn 💚 Let's grow our village together, please...
Jun 07, 2023•28 min•Ep. 105
Being shy and being introverted aren't the same thing, although they may look the same. I'll help you understand which your child is, and how to best help them flourish more in social situations. Here are the highlights: (1:55) Difference between introvert and shy person (3:00) A shy child (6:02) An introverted child (10:26) Get super clear on whether it’s shyness or introversion (11:25) Do not label (14:37) Set up scaffolded social situations (18:31) Rehearse and role play (20:45) Set small goa...
May 31, 2023•24 min•Ep. 104
Is the pursuit of happiness for our children an illusion? Are we doing them a disservice making happiness our focus because it just isn't possible to feel that way all the time! Maybe we should be focusing on something else?? Here are the highlights: (1:44) Why do we focus so much on happiness? (4:08) We should be accepting of every emotion (5:15) Don’t rush in to fix (10:05) We need to regulate our own emotions in that moment (15:06) How need to be emotional role models (19:17) We need to empat...
May 24, 2023•27 min•Ep. 103
I’m talking about the question we all ask ourselves and each other. “ Is my child’s behaviour a phase, or is it a more permanent issue which they might need help with, and how do I know the difference??" We know our children will naturally go through ages and stages as they go from baby to adult - I’m talking about whether there’s a way of knowing for sure Here are the highlights: (2:00) Is it an age or stage or do you need support? (6:50) What else is going on in their life? (12:09) Consistent ...
May 17, 2023•28 min•Ep. 102
Is it really possible for us to help our children unplug on a regular basis?? Absolutely! We just need to know how. I will help you recognise when your child or teen needs to unplug, and ways we can create balance for our children and family. Here are the highlights: (1:15) Is it possible to unplug children completely? (4:00) Patterns of behaviour that show your child needs to unplug (6:21) Why is unplugging important? (11:16) Tech has no place at mealtimes (14:06) Tech has no place in bedrooms ...
May 10, 2023•26 min•Ep. 101
How can we help our children and teens when they are taking tests and exams? Whether they are lacking motivation and doing absolutely no work, or they are overworking and getting themselves super stressed. Understanding some basic principles is crucial. We can then step up to be the support they need, and they can step up and be their best. Here are the highlights: (01:40) Revision should be a time our children refresh something they already understand (03:00) Our role as parents (4:00) Practica...
May 03, 2023•26 min•Ep. 100
Friendships can be hard at any time, however when you're also juggling a new school, raging hormones, and working out who you are it can feel like a whole new ball-game. I’ll share how we can support teens to build their friendships, how to spot an unhealthy friendship and ways we can support a shy / anxious teen to make friends. Whilst the focus is on the specific challenges teens face, the advice holds true for any age child. Here are the highlights: (03:02) Keep the line of communication open...
Apr 26, 2023•32 min•Ep. 99
Sleep and routines are probably the two biggest challenges we want answers to as parents regardless of how old our children are! Cat and Sarah's approach is refreshingly honest and super practical so you're in for a treat. Listen to The Sleep Mums podcast Buy the book 'Sleep Better Baby' Here are the highlights: (02:45) Do you have a routine or not? (08:37) Every child has different needs (10:46) The difference between babies and children (15:11) Routine is like a crib sheet (17:44) Don’t get su...
Apr 19, 2023•39 min•Ep. 98
Repetition is the mother of all learning, which is why this week I'm revisiting an important past episode. Today’s episode “We Still Need To Talk’ is all about how we can have meaningful conversations with our children and teens. You know what I mean - conversations which are two-sided, you learn more than you teach, and you feel a connection. Whether that’s talking about big things such as sex, boyfriends and worries or everyday conversations about using their voice, kindness, compassion. These...
Apr 12, 2023•32 min•Ep. 97
A conservative estimate states 3-5% of the worldwide population has ADHD. With numbers of children being diagnosed increasing, what can we do as parents if we suspect our child has ADD or ADHD? I am joined by the incredible Lucinda Miller who shares her 20 plus years experience supporting neurodiverse children using nutrition. Here are the highlights: (02:23) A neurodivergent family (09:38) Genetics are the gun and your environment is the trigger (15:59) It’s all about the protein (18:35) The ro...
Apr 05, 2023•36 min•Ep. 96
The hashtag 'glass child' has been trending on social platforms and refers to children growing up in home where a sibling requires a disproportionate amount of parental energy. Leaving them feeling as though we look right through them. What can we do as parents to avoid our children growing up and feeling they were 'glass children'? Here are the highlights: (02:28) Don’t overplay the guilt (07:22) They might say they’re ok, but they’re not (12:19) Communication is crucial (14:42) Apportioning ti...
Mar 29, 2023•25 min•Ep. 95
Attachment theory argues a child's early experiences creates a blueprint for all future relationships. Secure attachments are the result of emotionally sensitive parenting and the child feeling their emotional needs are met. So it's crucial for teaching emotional regulation, and how we achieve this isn't just what we do when our children are babies. In this episode we go back to basics to help you understand what attachment theory is, how it can manifest in our children's actions and behaviour, ...
Mar 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 94
Wouldn't it be amazing if our children and teens could conquer their fear of failing? So often they stop doing something or don't even try because they worry about not being good enough, being judged, not being accepted or looking silly. This episode is for all parents and educators who want to help their children or teens feel the fear and do it anyway!! Here are the highlights: (02:20) Imagine a seesaw (07:23) Whats does success look like to our children? (09:39) Identify the internal chatter ...
Mar 15, 2023•35 min•Ep. 93
