A survey by the NHS found that 29% of six to 10-year-olds had trouble sleeping on three or more nights in the previous week. Problems getting to sleep, waking in the night or waking early were even more common among older children, affecting 38% of 11- to 16-year-olds and the majority – 57% – of young people aged 17 to 23. To me, it’s no wonder we have rising numbers of mental health challenges with sleep data like this!!! I want this episode to be super practical and informative so you can help...
Jun 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 160
Today's bucket emptying episode is all an amazing breathing technique; Take 10. You can use this an adult, as well as also teaching it to your kids. I've tried all sorts of breathing techniques, and young people often really struggle with this notion of focusing in on the breath, anchoring themselves in the breath. Instead of asking them to focus on the breath itself and changing the breath, this strategy asks them to focus on counting their breath which is so much easier in the moment. 💚 Let's...
Jun 02, 2024•10 min
This episode was originally released in 2022, but friendships are still one of the biggest challenges our girls have to navigate. It can cause so much upset and make life miserable. So, Amy and Jess wrote a book to help their daughters so they never had to struggle with friendships as they did. They hope the hard lessons they learned help smooth the road for young girls and help them walk with their heads held high, never doubting who they are, or wondering if they are enough. Whilst the book wa...
May 29, 2024•50 min•Ep. 159
In this series of three episodes I'll share how to help our children make good friendships, keep them, and how to avoid the dramas and toxicity. Here are the highlights: (2:55) Friendships aren’t permanent (5:27) Different friends for different seasons and reasons (9:02) One friend or lots? (11:42) Gender differences (13:18) Support the way your child likes to socialise (15:12) Core skills that make a good friend are learnt at home (18:09) Importance of turn-taking (20:09) Encourage a curiosity ...
May 29, 2024•28 min•Ep. 158
Today's bucket emptying episode is for your children and I'm setting you a challenge and mindset shift to help your children take those plunges and not see mistakes or failures as catastrophic. The challenge is to start reframing mistakes and failure a full stop, and instead to start seeing it as a comma. Let me explain what that I mean. 💚 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 ep...
May 26, 2024•9 min
A must listen if you are struggling with sibling arguments and friction which is making life at home feel quite unbearable. The solution isn’t just in how you deal with it in the moment it’s in how your child sees themselves in your family. Here are the highlights: (1:25) Sibling rivalry is a natural part of family dynamics (3:39) How does your child feel about themselves? (5:31) What role does your child have within the family? (8:59) Birth order matters (10:50) Do you find one child easier to ...
May 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 157
Children who grow up in the same family experience the family very differently. Siblings vie over the same family resources. When siblings fail to find their niche - conflict ensues. I'll help you audit your family to unravel the root of the issues. Here are the highlights: (1:40) Psychological context of individual (7:37) Sibling rivalry is normal (8:21) Focus on needs (10:44) Comparison (12:20) You don’t have to like someone to love them (14:15) Respond to the motive, not behaviour (15:03) Fam...
May 22, 2024•25 min•Ep. 156
In today's Bucket Emptying episode, I want to show you a really great bucket emptying tool and strategy for your children that is the glitter jar. Now, obviously a glitter jar is rather lovely and beautiful and very aesthetic in your home, but it's also a superb way of explaining emotions to children and teens, whether that's big emotions around anger, frustration, annoyance, jealousy, or whether it is around overwhelm, stress and anxiety. I'd love to see your glitter jars, share your photos to ...
May 19, 2024•11 min
There are very real issues girls face growing up, which negatively impacts their resilience. Being a ‘good girl’ limits their potential. I’ll share my top tips for raising gutsy women who are not afraid to take chances. Here are the highlights: (2:20) Brain facts for context (12:10) Language matters (14:40) Be aware of confirmation bias & hyper vigilance (19:18) Shift the energy through action/movement (22:30) Play tricks with the mind (24:50) Praise bravery Here are the highlights: (2:20) B...
May 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 155
Self belief is the foundational layer to self-esteem and self confidence. Without it you're building on quick-sand. I will share ways to help children believe in their own capabilities - regardless of age. Here are the highlights: (5:25) I can have a go (8:47) Don’t jump in to fix (11:38) Provide options (12:54) Break challenges into bite size chunks (14:02) Feedback loop (15:45) Constructive feedback on effort (17:30) Social modelling (21:14) Tackle self-limiting beliefs (23:15) Fear of judgeme...
May 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 154
This week's Bucket Emptying podcast episode is a must-listen for everyone, not just parents! Have you ever stopped to think how many roles you juggle each week? It's easy to feel overwhelmed and out of control, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone happy with a limited resource - time. Listen in as I share my 3 practical tips. Oh, and don’t forget to share with friends and family who could use a little relief from their overwhelm. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this ep...
May 12, 2024•9 min
How can we get a non-communicative child or teen to open up? Feels like mission impossible yet with a few tweaks, and a whole lot of faith it is possible. I'll share my top four don'ts and my top five dos. Here are the highlights: (00:45) You can’t help your child with anxiety or confidence if they won’t open up to you (1:58) Don’t ask your child about their day (3:27) Don’t expect overnight changes (4:13) Don’t jump in with solutions (5:07) Don’t take things personally (6:55) Seize the opportun...
May 08, 2024•21 min•Ep. 153
In this week's episode of the Bucket Emptying podcast I tackle a very topical listener question: “Should we ban smart phones??” Whilst I have very strong opinions regarding children’s use of smartphones, the internet, and social media, I don’t believe that banning them is the solution. Instead, let’s teach our children how to use them safely, which starts with modelling moderation of use of ourselves! I’d love to know your thoughts on this topic. Do you know how much screen time you have each we...
May 05, 2024•9 min
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 01, 2024•25 min•Ep. 152
In this week's episode of the Bucket Emptying podcast, we tackle a wonderfully honest question: "Help! I hate playing with my children." As parents, it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times. But, we can learn a lot from our children by being authentic and vulnerable. Listen in to hear my top tips on how to connect with your children and make the most of your time together. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let...
Apr 28, 2024•9 min
How can we help our children change their constant self-critical talk? Whether it's " I can't" all the way to " I am not enough" - they become the sum of what they hear and it's time to change! Here are the highlights: (2:35) Why is this important? (6:06) A bit of science… (7:58) Self-audit (13:41) The brain mechanisms at play (15:20) Where do your child’s self-critical thoughts show up most? (19:00) Focus on the direction they want to travel (23:15) Get your child on board - don’t lecture! 💚 L...
Apr 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 151
As parents, we all want to cherish every moment we have with our children. But what happens when the thought of them growing up becomes overwhelming? This week's Bucket Emptying podcast episode tackles this listener question head-on. Listen in as I share my top tips on how to cope with this common fear. 💚 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 ...
Apr 21, 2024•10 min
Being vulnerable as a parent feels counterintuitive - aren't we meant to be strong, unwavering in our confidence, and stable?? Yes, and no! I'll share why vulnerability will in fact make you a better parent and how. Here are the highlights: (1:25) What do we mean by vulnerability? (3:20) Be mindful who you’re vulnerable with! (7:20) Vulnerability encourages and creates emotional connection (8:55) Vulnerability creates harmony and peace (8:29) Vulnerability cultivates a growth mindset (12:39) Vul...
Apr 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 150
In this week's Bucket Emptying podcast episode I answer a question from a listener who is expecting her first child and is worried she won't be a good mum. Firstly, thank you! I've had some amazing questions from listeners recently and your answers help every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle and educator that listens in. Your openness helps others. Back to the episode, listen in as I share my 3 top tips for anyone feeling like an imposter, not just expectant mothers. 💚 Let's grow our village to...
Apr 14, 2024•11 min
Ever wished I could speak directly to your children and offer them my tips and advice?? Well this episode is just for them - alright, and you if you really must listen to it!! I share with them 5 empowering truths. 💚 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 💚 Joi...
Apr 10, 2024•26 min•Ep. 149
In today's bucket emptying episode, I talk about something that will help you as a parent, and that's about knowing your weaknesses, and your vulnerabilities. Children and teenagers thrive from a very consistent approach to boundaries, but our approach can relax when we are vulnerable. Join me as I explain how knowing your weaknesses and our vulnerabilities is a really crucial part to knowing and understanding where you are being inconsistent with your parenting. 💚 Let's grow our village togeth...
Apr 07, 2024•8 min
Course correcting 101. How can we help children from 2 - 18 years operate outside their zone of comfort without compromising their emotional-wellbeing?? This is a super practical episode with lots of how toos. You won't want to miss it!! Here are the highlights: (2:30) Reminder of importance of high expectations, agency and boundaries (4:20) Why have I chosen a toddler, 8 year old and 15 year old ages/stages of development? (8:26) Examples of how to hold your child to high expectations for each ...
Apr 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 148
Have you heard of the "power of yet"? This tiny word holds an enormous amount of potential, and in this week's Bucket Emptying podcast episode, you'll learn how to harness its power. Discover how adding 'yet' to a statement can unlock a world of possibilities for both you and your children. 💚 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 Epis...
Mar 31, 2024•8 min
Have we given our children an opt-out clause, allowing them to avoid difficult things, because we're so worried about their emotional being??? I think so. How do we course correct? I'll share in this two-part episode. Here are the highlights: (1:14) Has the pendulum swung too far? (4:00) Children are a building under construction (5:55) Are you preparing them for their future? (11:16) Hold your children to high expectations (14:17) Create a sense of agency for your child (17:45) The importance o...
Mar 27, 2024•22 min•Ep. 147
I've got a great Bucket Emptying tip for you today - the one minute rule. This is super helpful to reset your mindset when returning home from work, collecting your children from school and is a great tip to teach your children too! I hope you enjoy the episode. Please share with anyone you think could find it helpful. 💚 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 w...
Mar 24, 2024•10 min
Big change can feel super scary. What we might see as routine our children might feel is their biggest challenge yet! How we prepare them is crucial - remember we're raising resilient adults. Here are the highlights: (01:08) The balanced see-saw (3:44) Acknowledge your child’s lens (6:12) Be prepared (9:31) Talk about it sooner rather than later (12:40) Actively listen to your child (15:21) Build your child’s toolkit and practice 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with...
Mar 20, 2024•19 min•Ep. 146
Why do parents need a village to raise resilient adults in the 21st century? Listen to this week's Bucket Emptying podcast episode as I discuss the premise behind the "it takes a village" proverb and its relevance in our modern world. I'll explore the 3 key reasons we all need a village to thrive and succeed. 💚 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 B...
Mar 17, 2024•11 min
When our child is throwing the mother of all tantrums what do we do? My advice has always been not to use ‘the naughty step’ for the simple reason that it takes a child who is experiencing some pretty big, sometimes scary emotions and isolates them. However, a 'time-out' can be used effectively when the timing is right. Let me explain... Here are the highlights: (01:00) Naughty steps and removal of a child can be negative if used inappropriately (5:10) Understand the driver behind the behaviour ...
Mar 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 145
This week’s Bucket Emptying podcast episode addresses a question from a concerned parent - how to support a child who is self-deprecating after making poor choices. Your child might say things like "I'm a bad person", "I'm a naughty person", or "I'm awful” after snatching a toy from a friend, getting angry when they’re frustrated or squabbling with a sibling. Listen in as I explain how to help your child understand that their behaviour is separate from their identity and doesn’t define them! 💚 ...
Mar 10, 2024•10 min
Here’s a thought for you – every interaction you have with your child will leave a trace – in the wiring of their brain. Repeated interactions of the same type will build permanent connections – so we want these to be helpful ones which build resilience rather than reliance. In this episode I’ll share the five core skills we should be teaching our under five year olds to give them the best possible start whilst reminding you it’s never too late to start. Here are the highlights: (01:02) Our chil...
Mar 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 144
