For this week's episode, I dived deep into the topic of sleep regressions, addressing common parental concerns such as its impact and management strategies.  Sleep regressions as natural developmental milestones that can disrupt a child’s sleeping patterns, arguing against the notion that such regressions are a negative phenomenon. Instead, I promote understanding and positive management of these periods. Also, I emphasize that sleep regressions are a sign of healthy growth and advise...

Here's why embracing the inevitable bumps on the road to better parenting can actually be a good thing. In this episode, I discussed seven reasons why parenting can be challenging. I also explored how these challenges can be a learning curve, filled with emotional ups and downs. But fear not! I also shared some great tips for navigating these early days. Leaning on your partner, family, and friends – your "village" of support – is key. I emphasized the importance of self-care (because a...

Change is a constant in life, but why does it often feel so hard? In this episode of Thriving Parenting, the focus is on the complexities of change, particularly how it can incite discomfort and fear, yet ultimately lead to personal growth and better parenting. I share insights into the neurological aspects of change, emphasizing that discomfort is a normal and necessary part of the process. Key points include understanding why change feels so daunting, recognizing the importance of...

Picture your body as a symphony orchestra, and sleep as the conductor ensuring every instrument plays its part to perfection. Without this maestro, the melody of your health and well-being falls out of tune. That's the power of sleep – the unsung hero orchestrating harmony in our lives. This episode of Thriving Parent-ing explores the importance and benefits of establishing a sleep routine for babies, detailing the differences between a sleep routine and a schedule, and how each can...

In today's episode, we're diving deep into a powerful parenting tool that promises to revolutionize your approach to raising kids. This tool is not only accessible to every parent out there but also packs a punch with a trifecta of benefits. You guessed it—humor. Now, I know what you're thinking. "But how do I incorporate humor into my daily parenting routine?" Don't worry; I've got you covered. Throughout this episode, we'll explore examples and practical strategies to infuse humor into your...

We’re all familiar with the phrase, “where there’s a will, there’s a way” and, when it comes to making changes in parenting and throughout our lives, we need both a strong will and a clear way, to achieve successful change that lasts.  In this episode, I explore the reason why change is so important as our children themselves change, grow and evolve, and the secret to how you implement real change, that is long-lasting, in your parenting. So, if you’ve been feeling stuck lately, or feel like...

In today’s episode we are busting the longstanding myth that we need to ‘teach’ our babies how to fall asleep! This powerful mindset reframe will change your approach to your baby’s sleep and will provide you with what you can be focusing when it comes to supporting your baby in this process. We’ll also be exploring the difference between self-soothing and self-settling and how you can use this to identify the areas you can control and can harness to improve your baby’s transition to...

In today’s episode we are talking all about mindset, which is one of my favourite areas to talk about because it is such a powerful tool when it comes to our quality and fulfilment in life.   Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology, identified that people tend to fall into two categories when it comes to mindset – a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities and intelligence cannot be changed, and a growth mindset, where people believe they can develop and improve through effort,...

There’s no escaping the fact that parenting sometimes just feels hard, and there are many valid reasons for this; we’re doing it without prior experience, we’re sleep-deprived, and we’re raising human beings from scratch!   But we have the power to shift our mindset and reframe our thoughts, to make conscious changes to how our brain thinks and how our body feels.   In this episode, I explore 5 areas that are holding you back from thriving in your parenting and making it feel harder than it...

Welcome Thrivers, to the first episode of Thriving Parent-ing! I’m so glad you’re here! Today I am talking about self-soothing, why I believe that having it as your baby’s ultimate sleep goal is actually your parenting nemesis, and what to focus on instead. By reframing this focus point, you can shift your perspective and feel more secure and confident in your parenting. I’ll be breaking down what self-soothing and self-regulation are, the ages at which these tend to develop (whilst...

Welcome, thrivers! Yep, we are changing the narrative from survivors to thrivers right now because I know that, if you’re here, then you’re already on the campaign to level up your life in parenting. You want the support to evolve and become a parent you are proud of, creating a more confident (and 100% less tired) sustainable existence and that, my friend, is something to celebrate because to thrive in parenting really does start with a thriving you. I'm your host Jen, a RN, a mama of 3,...