Have you ever argued with your partner about parenting? Most parents have and it's one of the big topics that clients usually want to talk or vent about.  This is especially an issue when you're following a different approach to the norm, and maybe you've even questioned whether it's worth implementing it if your partner is not 100% on board. In this episode I talk with fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, Joss Goulden about what you can do to create a more connected co-parenting relationship...

If you've ever tried to give your child the ideal day by throwing a birthday party or taking them on an exciting trip, only for them to have a meltdown or complain, then this episode is for you. In it, Devon Harris shares about how about a day spent doing mundane things with her son led him to declare it was "the best day ever" So what was it about that day that had such a profound impact? And how can you bring in the elements she talks about into your every day life? We also talk about her...

You are going to LOVE this episode. This is a very honest, raw and hopeful conversation with Michelle Puster, a long-term client of mine who is a therapist and Mom of 3 (including twins). Michelle opens up about how challenging life was with 3 children under 2 and the rage, shame, depression and anxiety she experienced. This difficult time led her to eventually find Hand in Hand Parenting, start working with me and discover meditation.  She shares how she went from crying in the bathroom to...

When you first start parenting this different way, you're probably worried about how your children will turn out and whether you can trust the process. In this episode, I have a heartfelt chat with Vivian Viester about the challenges and revelations of parenting, especially with teenagers. Vivian shares her journey of discovering Aware Parenting and what she's learned, especially when things are hard. We talk about the importance of self-compassion, understanding the underlying reasons for...

Parenting is such an important job and of course you want to do it really well. But sometimes you don't know what to do when your child is being challenging. And sometimes you can focus so much on the serious things, that you lose sight of what life and parenting is actually about - which is to be enjoyed!  Find out how you can bring more silliness throughout your day, and how to respond in those moments when you don't know what to do. ----- Timestamps:  00:00 Parenting can be tough 05:10...

If your child has ever said "Nobody will play with me" you'll know how heart-wrenching it is to hear your child struggling. Especially when you remember what it was like for you at school. So in today's episode I share what I did when my son (6) said that to me and how I helped him. This episode is a powerful one because social struggles are a big reason why children don't want to go to school. And when you can help them feel more confident socially, they feel more relaxed and able to...

Are you having the same old New Year Resolutions such as lose weight or earn more money? They can feel a bit boring and uninspiring, don't they? Instead, how would it be to instead focus on the one thing that actually determines the quality of your life? In this episode we dive into just that.  You’ll hear:  What's really important to have a fulfilling lifeWhat to focus on with your childThe power of micro momentsWhy you need to embrace imperfectionand much more! Listen today! -------- Helena...

Unless it's pesto pasta, fish & chips or pizza, George, 8, will complain about what I've cooked for dinner. Earlier this week, I could see that he needed to offload some big feelings he was carrying.  He'd been quick to temper for a while and so I used his refusal to eat my (delicious!) dinner to help him with his upset. I set the limit and I listened to his rage.... In this episode I share about what happened: - how he reacted - what I did to set the limit - how it's different to listen...

There's so much pressure to be the "perfect" mum. But, what is "perfect"? And is your desire to be perfect resulting in you feeling like a failure? This episode will dive into what most mum's feel, and how you can turn that around. Helena Mooney is a Parenting & Life Coach dedicated to helping your family AND you thrive. Book: 1:1 Mentoring Session Join: Annoying to AMAZING! Online program if you have a child under 9 Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook

If you find it hard to be playful with your child, then this episode is going to help. Because it's hard! And often you probably would rather do anything - ANYTHING! - than sit and play with your child one more time..... You're not alone and it's totally understandable. And.....there are things you can do to become more playful. It's not a case of you being that type of person, or not. Playfulness is born AND made!   In this episode I share something practical you can do that will help you to...

Do you worry whether your child is "normal", especially when they're having a meltdown (again!)?  If so, you're not alone. Tantrums have been seen as unacceptable for hundreds of years and very harsh methods were used to stop them - "spoil the rod, spare the child". But tantrums ARE normal. In fact, they're a healthy biological function that needs to be supported rather than squashed.  Because when they're squashed, the upset emotions stay inside your child which leads to anxieties,...

If you've ever been stuck in the anger > guilt > shame cycle, then this episode is perfect for you. Chiara Rossetti is an amazing Aware Parenting Mum and Instructor who shares how she has struggled with her feelings of frustration and rage with her children, and how she now uses playfulness to reconnect and repair after an outburst. Key Points: Healing & transformative power of playPlay can be easier than you thinkPlay is your child's language & is universalParenting doesn't...

Whether it's Preschool, Primary or High / Secondary School, at some point your child is not going to want to go. Which is completely understandable. But it's also concerning and frustrating for you. So this episode gives you strategies & insights for what to do in the heat of the moment in those challenging moments, and what to do to reduce the chances of it happening. For more support: REGISTER for the Helping Your Child with School Workshop JOIN Annoying to AMAZING! Online...

When your child is crying or having a tantrum, it can be hard to know what to do in the heat of the moment. After working with many parents, these are 3 common mistakes I see that impact on children's ability to effectively process their upset emotions. Listen in to this episode to find out what they are, and what you can do instead. If you realise you've done any of these, please know that it's totally understandable and we've all done it too. Being with upset children is hard!  So be...

You spend so much time thinking about what others want, but what about YOU? Find out how to uncover what you REALLY want and how to make it happen In this episode Helena will take you through 2 processes to help you get clear about what you want in your life so that you can make it happen. Whether they are big life decisions, or everyday occurrences with your kids (because they make up your life), you CAN create the life you want to live. Helena also shares her personal news about a big...

Playdates can be fun and a great way to entertain your child. And...they can also be chaotic, noisy and end in tears. Discover how to help your child and their friend have a great time and deal with any friction or fights that may arise. For more help with your child, join me inside Annoying to AMAZING! where you'll receive: •more practical strategies to help your child with anxieties, aggressive behaviour, bedtime issues and more •the step by step approach to deal with tantrums, whining...

Discover why play is more effective than talking & reassurance when your child is anxious. You can play games in a therapeutic way that will help your anxious child become much more confident and able to cope with difficult situations. Find out more ways play can help & more games inside my FREE online Playful Discipline Workshop. Click here to join today! And if you're wanting to take your parenting to the next level so you can feel more confident knowing you're helping your baby...

How to make travelling much easier when you have a baby or a child. Travelling long distances on planes, trains or in your car doesn't have to be super stressful. Discover what practical things you can do to make it more enjoyable for you and your child. If you'd like to learn how to incorporate more PLAY into your parenting, join me for my online Playful Discipline Workshop - it's FREE! And if you're wanting to take your parenting to the next level so you can feel more confident knowing...

What do you tell yourself when your child is having a tantrum? •That you're a bad mum •That you've done something wrong - •That there's something wrong with your child •That they're being ridiculous •If they're like this now, what are they going to be like when they're a teenager •Is it always going to be this hard? •Why does it have to be like this? Your mental chatter can be exhausting! This episode is to offer you reassurance on your child's behaviour when they're having a...

With lockdowns being extended in Melbourne & Sydney as well as other parts of Australia, it's important we figure out the best way to help our children with their school work. This episode is going to help you to do just that. Whilst lockdown parenting is nothing like normal homeschooling, in this episode I'm joined by Joss Goulden, an Aware Parenting Instructor who has homeschooled her children (her 18 year old son will be going to university next year). Joss is so warm, down to earth...

As much as I hate to say this, lockdowns seem to be a part of our lives now. As the rest of the world opens up, here in Australia we're still in them. And there's a high possibility of lockdowns coming back in the Northern Hemisphere's winter... Mental health issues, particularly for teens, are soaring. And whilst you can feel hopeless that you can't control what's going on in the outside world, the good news is that you CAN transform what's happening for you and your family. So, how can...

I know it may not seem like it, but your children do not want to fight each other. They want to get along with each other. But there are times when it's really hard for them to do that. Their upset feelings take over and they lash out. Discover how you can help your children at a deep, emotional level which really shifts how they feel and how they behave in this fantastic conversation with Belynda Smith, a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor and former High School Teacher. She shares some...

Sending your child to daycare is a big time for both of you. So what do you need to look for in a centre and how do you help your child adjust to being away from you? In this episode I interview Steph Fleeton, an Early Childhood Educator, Aware Parenting Instructor who runs a Family Day Care, to give you these answers. About Steph Steph Fleeton is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Parenting Support Counsellor and Early Childhood Educator. She runs her own Family Day Care, with a strong focus...

Physical play helps to build your child's physical and emotional confidence. So be inspired with playful ideas for more high-energy, rough and tumble play with your kids with Stacy Wilson, a fellow Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor & Primary School Teacher. This type of play is perfect for bedtimes, transitions between separated parents, offloading frustrations & emotional upsets and so much more. We also talk about how beneficial vibrant play is for girls, as well as for boys,...