Life Skills 4 Kids

On the first episode of Season 2 of our podcast, we are joined by a very esteemed guest, Dr. Claire Rubman.Unlocking the Joy of Early Reading!

Episode 57 of the Superstar Practical Strategies helps parents check and manage if their child is experiencing anxieties while in recovery after the floods. After a flood, many families will take time to recover. This will depend partly on the level of trauma a family suffered during the actual event, and how quickly life can return to normal after the event. Children and young people don't always talk about what's going on inside, so check the list below to help you figure out if your child is anxious after the floods.

Unless you refuse to partake of any form of media, it's impossible to miss mentions of the war in Ukraine. The TV is constantly bombarding us with images of the conflict, and we see people just like us being forced to flee with their children and pets into a very uncertain future.Kids see it, too. And it can cause or escalate anxiety, especially for children who are already prone to worrying. Fortunately, parents and carers can take steps to minimize the harm and equip kids with the skills they need to cope.

In episode 55 of Superstar Practical Strategies, Deb talk about how to manage anxiety when bad things happen because many children and adults are experiencing heightened worry and anxiety as our world faces wars and natural disasters, unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. Our TVs and newsfeeds are full of bad news and terrible things happening to ordinary people just like us.We must do what we can to manage our response to these things because it's the only way we can stay mentally healthy in a crazy world. This podcast will discuss tips for ways to help the whole family deal with the worry of living with events such as wars and floods. Managing anxiety over world events: tips for a stress-free life

In episode 54 of Superstar Practical Strategies, Deb talk about the importance of Goal Setting in the Family as well as tips on how to make it work. Goal-setting is the common theme of January as New Year's resolutions are made. Things start out well at the beginning of the month, but by the end of the month, many of our grand plans have fallen in a heap and we give up on the idea of achieving our goals.So, what are some ways that you can make goals and keep them? How can you help your child to achieve some sustainable goals when it comes to life skills and learning?

In episode 53 of Superstar Practical Strategies, Deb talk about hidden anxiety among children is surprisingly high, undoubtedly because it often masquerades as something else. And without understanding what they're dealing with, the adults in a child's life are often not equipped to handle it in the best way for the child.Anxiety arises when the amygdala, a small organ in the center of the brain, sends out signals chemical signals intended to give a person extra speed or strength in times of danger. It puts the whole body on high alert as it goes into “flight, fight, or freeze” mode whenever it perceives a threat.But anxiety doesn't often wave a banner and announce its presence, especially in children. And unless a parent or carer knows what to look for, what is essentially a cry for help may go unrecognized.So, what does hidden anxiety look like? (It's important to remember that each child is different and anxiety patterns are not uniform).

Covid anxiety is something no one has talked about much, especially when it comes to children and teens, who have been silently suffering from the side effects of the pandemic.But research is emerging now that we are almost two years into the pandemic and it's revealing some grim truths about the effects of the social upheaval on the health and wellbeing of our younger generations.

Technology anxiety is real amongst children and young people who have been in lockdowns, back to face-to-face returning to the classroom and another change coming up – back into school holidays and the threat of the Omicron arriving in countries all over the world.During the last 2 years, most children have been learning online or through an increased amount of screen time rather than face-to-face. For children with anxiety or worries about the problems in the world, this has often been less stressful than engaging in activities in the real world.But what about when they return to face-to-face learning for a short time, and then back into school holidays shortly? And what is technology anxiety, anyway?

In Episode 50 of Life Skills 4 Kids, Deb is featured as a guest speaker in Julia Hasche podcast. Julia is a blogger, author, and mentor for single parents who also created the Single Mother Survival Guide in 2016.Deb talks with Julia about some of the verbal cues and behaviours that children do when they are anxious. Deb also discusses about the ways on how we, as parents, can make it easier for our children who experience anxiety.In this episode they cover:Defining anxiety and how would you know if your child might have it?Ways on Managing anxietyHow life can be better for children with anxietySigns/behaviors that your kids might unintentionally say or do leading to anxietyWhat is the difference between "normal kid behavior" vs anxietyWays on how we can reduce anxiety in childrenTeaching Kids to Manage anxiety book

In Episode 49 of Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb talks with Julia Hasche, a blogger, podcast host, author, and mentor for single parents. She became a single mother in 2013 when her daughter was just a few months old and created the Single Mother Survival Guide in 2016.In this episode they cover- The challenges of single motherhood. Tackling feelings of loneliness, lifestyle changes, dating, co-parenting, and communication.- Top tips to give to single moms especially in the grieving process.- Finding your support and working on your mindset.- Prioritizing self-care

In Episode 48 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb talks with Dr. Louise Metcalf, a senior psychologist at the Feel Good Clinic in Sydney and Gheorg.com.In this episode they cover:Three tips to help children and families cope.Knowing and managing your own anxiety as a parentHow Gheorg can help your kids to manage anxietyLearn more about Louise: https://www.gheorg.com/Connect with Louise on Social Media:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn - GheorgLinkedIn - Louise MetcalfTeaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://bit.ly/2AJNLDW

In Episode 47 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb chats with Nicole Santamaria founder of Miami Handwriting, where she works with children, families, and schools to help develop handwriting skills and the broader issues those kids are dealing with.In this episode they cover:Some fundamentals of good handwritingAll the different brain functions that need to coordinate in order to have good handwritingSensory systems that you need to tap into in order for the child to be regulated enough to learnFlexible seating opt in HEREHandwriting Resources opt in HEREBio HEREFollow Miami Handwriting onYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBJ...Instagram - https://www.facebook.com/miamihandwri...Facebook - https://www.instagram.com/miamihandwr...Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/miamihandwr...Website - http://www.miamihandwriting.comTeaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://bit.ly/2AJNLDW

In Episode 46 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb talks with Rebecca Spokes about all things related to handwriting! Rebecca is an Occupational Therapist who created The OT Notebook.In this episode they cover:Why pencil grip is important.What proper pencil grip looks like and others that are functional.Troubleshooting tricks for kids who have the wrong grip or hold the pencil tightly.Links:Rebecca’s Grip Demonstration Video:Rebecca’s Functional Pencil Grips Guide:Follow Rebecca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOTNotebook/Alex Learns that Changes are OK - https://bit.ly/3ehPS0z​

It’s difficult to help our kids cope with the many transitions and big issues that 2020 has brought so far. In Episode 45 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb answers questions from Liz, a counselor at NSWl.In this episode they cover:Deb’s transition to telehealth for her Occupational Therapy work.How different kids are coping with distance learning and the transition back to public school.Deb shares her Four Key Anchors for parents to help children transition.Liz Hurlow bio:I love being a mum of two beautiful children and a wife to an amazing husband. I value my faith, exercise, socializing with others and being in nature. I have lived across South Africa, New Zealand and now Australia and love the diversity in people and practice. Currently I work part-time as a school counsellor in NSW. My professional background is in Occupational Therapy and I completed a Master of Counselling to further develop my professional skills. I am passionate about working alongside young people and their families to navigate life well.Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://bit.ly/2AJNLDW

In Episode 44 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb does a check in to see how everyone is coping post COVID-19. Kids can be so sensitive, it’s tough to help them cope with the rapid changes in the world around us. First, online learning. Now they’re going back to school in person. And the world around us is struggling to adjust to in-person life again, safely. And she shares the four strong anchors she uses to steady our kids through these uncertain times.In this episode she shares:Feedback from listeners regarding how they’re coping.The pressure schools are putting on parents regarding school.The feelings that children are having in isolation.The effects of COVID-19 on multiple sectors of people.Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://bit.ly/2XMicRF

In Episode 43 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Deb chats with April Mundall. April and her husband Marcus are passionate about teaching kids financial management skills and April shares how she has had success changing children’s entitled attitudes to gratitude and increasing independence and responsibility.In this episode they discuss:How April got into doing Money Smart Kids workshops.Recognizing entitlement in kids and how to combat it.How to get started in teaching kids how to manage money.At each age how to “pay your kids” to help them develop money management skills.How to calculate the amount you give to older children to manageLinks:For more info or to connect with April, email: moneysmartkids@yahoo.comSample-Kids-Budget-Worksheet - https://bit.ly/2AgYm8STo-Share-Sample-Kids-Budget-Worksheet - https://bit.ly/3daor8fAlex Learns that Changes are OK - https://bit.ly/2M7d84O

In Episode 42 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks about staying connected with your teenager. She welcomes Pauline Duncan, a former teacher and homeschooling mum to teenagers, to the show. Pauline has a burning passion for helping families connect and grow.In this episode they discuss:The importance of validating the transition period between being a child and being an adult.The role parents play in facilitating growth in that time period.Several ways to stay connected with teenagers during this transition time of life.The benefits of staying grounded and present as parents and suggestions for how to do that.Links:Find out more about Pauline Duncan and how she can help you and your teen in her Facebook Group: Fun Back To Basics, https://www.facebook.com/funbacktobasics4teens/Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 41 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks about anxiety in kids with Deb’s cousin Lisa Pratt and her son Andrew Pratt. Andrew shares how he dealt with panic attacks and anxiety.In this episode they discuss:Anxiety in their family and Andrew’s panic attacks as a childFinding the triggers for anxiety in children and addressing themHow Autism affected Andrew’s lifeWhat daily routines were affected by Andrew’s anxietyHow Lisa dealt with her own realization about anxietyLinks:Check out Deb’s book, Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety Superstar Practical Strategies, here: https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/teaching-kids-book/Alex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 40 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb chats with Stacy McBride Wilson. Stacy is a fitness and wellbeing coach for mums. She is passionate about mums being healthy and thriving so they can bring their full selves to their families.In this episode they discuss:What things drain our energy and attention on a daily basisThe importance of taking time to reflect on what drains or fills usStacy’s three gems for refilling yourself and loving on your familyLinks:Grab Stacy’s Three Gems freebie here: www.thehealthyhappysoul.com/freebieVisit Stacy’s website for more information: https://www.thehealthyhappysoul.com/Alex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 39 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks with Karli Mckeown, a Teen and Parent Empowerment Coach who helps parents and teens connect and create meaningful relationships during the challenging adolescent years.In this episode they discuss:How children change from childhood to adolescence and some of the frustrations that come with these changesCommunication changes and challenges that come with adolescenceHow to pivot our parenting to balance their need for independence and helping them to feel supportedA great approach to setting boundaries and consequences with tweens and teens in order to teach the kids how to do things betterKarli shares her top three tips to boundary and consequence setting with teens and tweensLinks:Visit Karli’s website for more information: http://karlimckeowncoaching.com.au/Find Karli’s Course, How to Talk to Your Teenager Masterclass, here: http://karlimckeowncoaching.com.au/how-to-talk-to-your-teenager-masterclass/Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

Deb Hopper talks to Interventional Specialist and best selling author Beth Ellen Nash from Wisconsin, US about the changes to school delivery and school shutdowns in the US and how she is supporting parents to create structured academic learning that is achievable and easy for parents.Her business "Wings to soar online academy" has been supporting parents across the US and the world for 10 years, so she is used to deliverying a variety of supports for all children including typically achieving as well as students with special needs.Beth Ellen and Deb talk about the importance of creating structure and boundaries for our children in these unpredictable and uncertain times, and how this can help reduce both parental and children's anxiety.Podcast links1. Beth Ellen's Covid-19 school closing packagehttps://www.wingstosoaronline.com/product/covid-19-school-closings-online-learning/2. Non academic learning record spreadsheethttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aIuKNzE89FwsHcBGaMi2KOkKQLVC2TKLTcEKyfEqlUE/edit?usp=sharing3. Receive first chapter FREE of Deb's book Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - Superstar Practical Strategies.https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/teaching-kids-book-freechapter/

In Episode 37 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb continues her talk with Rachel Howe. Rachel is an Occupational Therapist who works with children in Queensland. She wants to support children by also incorporating the whole family.In this episode they cover:Using mindfulness to make the evening routines easierRachel shares several techniques to help kids calm down at nightHow to arrange some sensory-friendly stuff around at nightLinks:Rachel’s Mindfulness Download: https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/My-Mindful-Morning29214.pdfAlex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 36 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb continues her talk with Rachel Howe. Rachel is an Occupational Therapist who works with children and is moving into family-based therapy. She wants to support not only the children but also the whole family.In this episode they cover:Using mindfulness to make the afternoon routines easierThe busyness that comes with kids and school and how can parents help them to remain mindful when you’re not with themHow we can help children during homeworkWhat mindful eating is and how it can help children (and even adults)Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 35 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks with Rachel Howe. Rachel is an Occupational Therapist who works with children and is moving into family-based therapy, She wants to support not only the children but also the whole family.In this episode they cover:The definition of mindfulness and how that applies to our internal and external worldsHow busyness affects usWhat skills kids need in order to develop mindfulnessUsing mindfulness to make the morning routine easierHow Bubble Breathing helps to encourage mindfulnessMy Mindfull Morning Download - https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/My-Mindful-Morning29214.pdfLinks:Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 34 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks with Landy Peek from Roswell, New Mexico, in the United States. Landy is an Occupational Therapist who works with kids who need pelvic therapy and today they are discussing potty and toilet training!In this episode they cover:Potential issues with early potty trainingWhat it takes for kids to be ready for toilet trainingWhat Landy recommends to her clientsTraining children on the Autism SpectrumThe difference between training boys and girlsFind Landy at:Peek Possibilities: https://www.possibilitiesot.com/https://www.facebook.com/peekpossibilitiesAlex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 33 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks with Landy Peek from Roswell, New Mexico, in the United States! Our first international podcast guest! She’s an Occupational Therapist who works with kids who need pelvic therapy and they’re getting into the down-and-dirty world of poo!In this episode they cover:Constipation’s prevalence in children with disabilitiesSigns of constipation in childrenWho to see for concerns about constipationDietary changes that can help keep children regularStrategies for getting kids to drink more waterFind Landy at:Peek Possibilities: https://www.possibilitiesot.com/https://www.facebook.com/peekpossibilitiesTeaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 32 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks with Andrew Pratt, a Seventh Day Adventist Pastor of two churches in the North Coast Region. Andrew has High-Functioning Autism and shares how he incorporates self-care into his busy and demanding days.In this episode they cover:Boundaries and their role in self-carePrioritizing margin in our schedulesThe guilt that comes with taking a break from responsibilitiesHow to combat that guilt with regular routinesHow Andrew's Autism affects his self-careThe role that boredom can play in child developmentAlex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In this re-broadcast of episode 24 Deb talks about how to address wildfires and the anxiety surrounding uncertainty with kids.In this episode we cover:Her personal experience with recent bushfiresThe things that kids believe are valuable when packing up to evacuateThe massive emotions hidden underneath anxietyHow to recognize signs of anxiety in your childrenHow managing yourself is keyLinks:Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids To Manage Anxiety, Superstar Practical Strategies https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/debs-books/Buy Internationally HERE. Fireworks Freakout : How Eddy and Monica Chill-Out - https://www.bookdepository.com/Fireworks-Freak-Out-Deb-Hopper/9780994448378?ref=grid-view&qid=1543456201010&sr=1-3/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In this re-broadcast of episode 20 Deb speaks to Bonny Marsh from Small Connections, a Speech Pathologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in the birth to five age range. She’s spent her career supporting teachers, families, and children with communication issues, including receptive and expressive language delays.She created the CALM Model, which is a child and family-centered approach to speech difficulties. It came about from the last 17 years spent working to support the community around children.We discuss the CALM Model and how she uses that to engage and support families and children. She shares some tips and tricks for helping children learn to communicate with words.Click here to access the downloadable PDF of tips and what communication milestones to look for from birth to age four.Visit Small Connections Website here. Links:Anxious to Calm Membership GroupDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical StrategiesAlex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In this re-broadcast of episode 1 Deb will share with you the top 10 things that kids say that may indicate that they are anxious. As parents, we need to be detectives, listen closely and become aware of what our kids are saying to tell if they are feeling anxious. In this episode, Deb will be explaining the phrases they use to express their anxiety and how you can respond, as a parent, to these feelings.Links:Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical StrategiesTeaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In this re-broadcast of episode 23 Deb talks with Michelle Dean, founder of Kallima. Michelle is a Children’s Life Coach who specializes in helping kids learn how to express and process through complex emotions like anxiety in their day-to-day lives.In this episode we cover:· The importance of allowing space in your children’s schedule to just be kids who run and play.· Ways to address emotions in our kids.· What resilience is and how to build it up in our kids.· Some causes of anxiety in children as young as seven and how to reduce it.Links:https://m.facebook.com/kallimaalburyhttps://kallima.com.auTeaching Kids to Manage Anxiety - https://www.bookdepository.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Deb-Hopper/9780994448347?ref=grid-view&qid=1550630995978&sr=1-2/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In Episode 27 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb shares her top 5 tips to help kids transition from school to the summer holidays.In this episode she covers:How the fun and excitement of summer holidays can impact kidsStrategies to help children cope with the changes to their routinesLinks:Deb’s Book: Alex Learns That Changes Are Okay can be purchased here - https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/alex-learns-book/Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are/dp/0648471004/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=deb+hopper+alex&qid=1575757288&s=books&sr=1-1

In Episode 26 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb discusses how to help our sensory-sensitive kids enjoy the holiday fireworks.In this episode she covers:Her personal experiences with sensory-sensitive kids and fireworksTips to help prepare the child(ren)How to help transform the fear into fun and enjoymentLinks:Deb’s Book: Fireworks Freak-Out: : How Eddy and Monica Chill-Out (So-Sense: Stories That Make So Much Sensory-Sense): https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/debs-books/Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fireworks-Freak-Out-Chill-Out-So-Sense-Sensory-Sense/dp/0994448392/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=deb+hopper&qid=1574881598&sr=8-6

In Episode 25 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks about the importance of self-care and how to incorporate it into our lives more often. In this episode she covers:Being present and mindful in our daily livesLooking after yourself while caring for kidsHealthy options from her own tableEasy exercise suggestionsMonitoring your thoughts Links:Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids To Manage Anxiety, Superstar Practical Strategies https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/debs-books/Amazon link: http://bit.ly/anxietyPB

In Episode 24 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks about how to address wildfires and the anxiety surrounding uncertainty with kids.In this episode we cover:Her personal experience with recent bushfiresThe things that kids believe are valuable when packing up to evacuateThe massive emotions hidden underneath anxietyHow to recognize signs of anxiety in your childrenHow managing yourself is keyLinks:Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids To Manage Anxiety, Superstar Practical Strategies https://www.lifeskills4kids.com.au/debs-books/Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Kids-Manage-Anxiety-Strategies/dp/0994448368/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=deb+hopper&qid=1574178756&sr=8-6

In episode 23 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast Deb talks with Michelle Dean, founder of Kallima. Michelle is a Children’s Life Coach who specializes in helping kids learn how to express and process through complex emotions like anxiety in their day-to-day lives. In this episode we cover: The importance of allowing space in your children’s schedule to just be kids who run and play.Ways to address emotions in our kids.What resilience is and how to build it up in our kids.Some causes of anxiety in children as young as seven and how to reduce it. Links: https://m.facebook.com/kallimaalburyhttps://kallima.com.au

In Episode 22 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Bunny Marsh, speech pathologist and owner of Small Connections joins us again as we talk about the 5 things that speech pathologists wish parents knew. With over 20 years of experience, Bunny supports parents and carers in building up the communication development of young children.In this episode we cover:Communication starts at birth.Parenting, life and development for children is a marathon not a race.The importance of having a support crew around you.Teaching conversational skills and promoting serve and return for growth and brain development.Making sure that their hearing is right.Understanding what your child is can be helpful in what your expectations can and should be.Sensory processing in children.The importance teaching toddlers feeling words.Links:Small Connections WebsitePDF: Typical Milestones for Communication DevelopmentSmall Connections FacebookSmall Connections Instagram

In Episode 21 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, we have an engaging chat with Dr. Andrew Pennington of the Sanctuary Lifestyle Clinic on anxiety and mental health issues in children. We will be hearing a medical practitioner’s point of view on kids’ anxiety including statistics and causes. He will also be sharing very interesting information on how nutrition can both affect and help anxiety in children and his top tips on how to help anxious children.In this episode we cover:The frequency of families and children who visit his clinic for anxiety.Common age of starting and increasing anxiety for children today.Statistics on the growing number of children and parents with anxiety disorders.Looking at the 2 causes of anxiety: genetic and environmental factors.The Sanctuary Lifestyle Clinic and its unique features versus traditional general practitioners.Working with children who are anxious about food and have restricted diets; and the deficits linked to that kind of difficulty.Nutrients that are important and beneficial for anxiety.Meaning of the “NEW START” Acronym.The importance of trust for the development of children’s brains.Easy and actionable tips for parents to start helping their anxious child.Links:Sanctuary Lifestyle Clinic WebsiteSanctuary Lifestyle Clinic FacebookSanctuary Lifestyle Clinic YouTubeAnxious to Calm Membership GroupDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

In this episode Deb speaks to Bonny Marsh from Small Connections, a Speech Pathologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in the birth to five age range. She’s spent her career supporting teachers, families, and children with communication issues, including receptive and expressive language delays.She created the CALM Model, which is a child and family-centered approach to speech difficulties. It came about from the last 17 years spent working to support the community around children.We discuss the CALM Model and how she uses that to engage and support families and children. She shares some tips and tricks for helping children learn to communicate with words.Click here to access the downloadable PDF of tips and what communication milestones to look for from birth to age four.Visit Small Connections Website here. Alex Learns that Changes are OK - https://www.bookdepository.com/Alex-Learns-That-Changes-Are-Ok-Deb-Hopper/9780648471004?ref=grid-view&qid=1548296569049&sr=1-1/?a_aid=LS4KAU

In episode 19 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Wendy Moloney of Wisdom, Wit and Wonder joins us as she talks about relating and communicating with your teenagers. Her blog speaks to mothers who are looking for resources and inspiration to turn their motherhood frustration into a joyful parenting experience.In this episode we cover:Wendy tells us about what her website is all about3 peak times of the day where teens struggle and how it differs with younger kids.How bedtime affects mornings for moms and kids.Tips for getting children out the door in the morning.How to make teenagers talk more to you.Teaching teenagers how to manage their money.Links:Wisdom, Wit and Wonder WebsiteBonus: Connect with Your TeenAnxious to Calm Membership GroupDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

In Episode 18 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast we are going to talk about something all parents have gone through - children having sensory meltdowns and tantrums. We know this can happen a lot and most of the time in the most embarrassing places. But how can we really tell the difference between a sensory meltdown and a tantrum? I’ll be sharing some helpful tips with you on how to tell what’s causing your child’s behavior and how you can best manage it.Links:Anxious to Calm Membership GroupDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

Episode 17 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast is a continuation of our conversation in Episode 16 where we are going to talk about the “Just Right Kids Model” - the kids who communicate when they are anxious, frustrated or angry. I will be explaining each section of the model below to help you understand it better and apply it to your life to be able to better communicate with your child or children and vice versa.Links:Download link of the Just Right Kids ModelAnxious to Calm Membership GroupDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

In Episode 16 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast we are going to talk about the importance of using visual communication for kids. It’s a very effective tool for supporting and understanding kids especially when they are having a hard time communicating their feelings, when they’re anxious, or struggling with behaviour. I’ll be discussing the top 7 reasons why visual communication is key in the work that we do with children.

In Episode 15 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, I will be talking about a concept that I have been trying to incorporate into my family, mummy, and occupational therapist life since I came across it a couple of months ago called parenting with open hands and how it can help with anxiety in kids.In this episode we cover:The meaning of parenting with open hands.I share my personal experience on my children struggling and feeling overwhelmed.Preparing ourselves, as parents, to help our children through these emotions.Things parents can do to support and guide their children.Listening and taking notice of children’s cues for expressing their emotions.Challenging children and help them through it to prepare them for problem-solving.Links:Anxious to Calm Membership GroupDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

In episode 14 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Andrew Pratt, a 7th Day Adventist Church Pastor who has high-functioning autism and anxiety, joins us to give us a peek into his world and how he has gone through life with autism from childhood to adulthood.In this episode we cover:The story of his diagnosis and how he knew about it.Educating children to do things better despite their diagnosis.His panic attacks when he was young.His pattern of extremes of exploding and shutting down.The importance of structure.His big stressors that increases his anxiety as an adult.The need for self-care.His doctors and therapists as a childAndrew’s experience with depression.Advice for parents on how to talk to their children about autism diagnoses.Benefits of having autism.Creativity in autism.Dealing with anxiety.Top 3 tips for getting through autism daily.Links:Anxious Kids Quiz Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

In this episode of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, Fleur Chambers, Founder of Harvesting Happiness, helps us become calmer despite the busyness of life. Harvesting Happiness is a community organization that supports mums, kids, and everyone in the community to wake up from the busyness and stress of life so they can see their life in more open and calm ways and respond more skillfully. She teaches mindfulness, meditation, and how to be more compassionate towards parents and their kids.In this episode we cover:Fleur tells us more about Harvesting Happiness and the work she does through the organization.How small mindful moments can help mums decrease stress and overwhelm.Remembering how to have mindful moments throughout the day.Tips on how to go about your mindful moments.Awareness as the first step towards a strategy.The challenges of trying to become mindful.Mindfulness as a gateway to experiencing other positive resources.Finding out where and how to start and what works for you.The benefits of becoming mindful parents or a mindful family.The importance of talking to your children about mindfulness.Helping kids who are in a cycle of worrying or futuring.Interesting ideas for kids’ bedtime.Links:Harvesting Happiness WebsiteHarvesting Happiness FacebookHarvesting Happiness TwitterHarvesting Happiness Instagram

In this episode of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, we talk to Kyle Stretton from the Special Needs Super Moms TV. Kylie will share her experience about parenting children with and without special needs, the importance of self-care for parents and very helpful tips on mindset.In this episode we cover:Kylie tells us about her TV Show and why she created it.She shares her experience having children with and without special needs.The importance of self-care for mums with special needs kids and how it affects situations in their lives.Parenting with open hands.Stress-free strategies and techniques for parents to do when they are feeling anxious or when they need a break.Things to do 1 hour before going to bed.Tips on mindset.Links:Special Needs Super Mums WebsiteTo get Kylie’s free ebook, head over to the website: Special Needs Super Mums Website.Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies

In this episode of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, we talk to Pastor Darren Pratt on the importance of a village and mentoring in our child’s life. We also touch on the topics knowing how to identify if your child is lacking a village and how to build a strong tribe for them.In this episode we cover:Who is in a child’s life and how important this is.The challenge of the loss of the village around our children.How children spell love in a different way.Things that we can do with our children be more invested in their lives.Where to find a new tribe or village for our children.The 5:1 Ratio.One of the biggest disease today in society: loneliness.The negative effects of screentime.The meaning of and the effects on a child of Age Apartheid.Identifying kids who have or have less villages in their lives.The challenge in schools lacking male teachers.Taking stock of our child’s village.Tips on how to increase your child’s village.Links:Deb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical StrategiesThe Power Of Mentoring Children Booklet

Screentime for children has been higher than ever before. In this episode of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, we brainstorm with Pastor Darren Pratt and Pastor Rick Jernigan about screentime, how it is affecting children and give you some tips on why we need to limit and how to limit screens in this digital age.In this episode we cover:A discussion on David Gillespie’s claims and recommendations on the Conversations Podcast with Richard Fidler.The effects of using digital devices to young people.Negative effects of screen time in kids.Danger apps that you should watch out for.The importance of watching out for your digital footprint.The addictive effect of using screens in kids and teens.How to parent well in the digital age.Alternative activities you can offer children.Ideas for limiting screens.Links:David Gillespie on Conversations with Richard FidlerDeb’s Book: Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical StrategiesFamilies & Technology: Living Well In The Digital Age Booklet

Having an anxious child can really get to parents. Seeing our children struggling about something triggers different personal reactions for each of us. As parents, we often hold it together despite feeling overwhelmed, sad, etc. inside. It is, after all, really hard to bare our true feelings to others. But through sharing these feelings, we can be stronger and support each other with our children.I recently held a survey online on how parents feel about their anxious child and in this episode, I’ll be sharing the results with you. Here’s an overview of what was asked in the survey and some tips, ideas and strategies on helping your children:Feelings of parents when they think about their anxious child.The wishes of parents for their families and for themselves.Parents' activities for self-care.Common feelings of parents from the results of the survey.Tips, ideas and strategies for activities, homework time, transitions from screen time, etc.Links:Life Skills 4 Kids Website Life Skills 4 Kids Blog

Our role as mothers can become so overwhelming because of the many things that are expected from us. In Episode 8 of the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast, we have an interesting conversation with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz as she talks about the challenges that mums go through, the concept of matrescence and the importance of self-care for mums.Amy is a writer, a producer, a speaker, an international award-winning coach running numerous online programs to help mothers all over the world and, most importantly, a mother of three. She authored the best-selling book “Happy Mama: The Guide to Finding Yourself”, created the #1 iTunes meditations for children “Bedtime Explorers”, and hosts “The Happy Mama Movement” Podcast.In this episode we cover:Amy’s story of how she started working with mums.Why women are compelled to do so much more than what they can handle.The challenges, significant shifts and identity dilemmas that mums go through.Amy expounds on the role and the meaning of being a mother and how they can be nurtured.What is Matrescence?The importance of acknowledging matrescence as an ongoing experience for mums.How mothers can smoothly adapt to the processes of parenting development and self-care.Self-care for mums and parents who have children with additional needs. Dealing with anxiety in children.Amy shares her story of how her daughter has been her greatest teacher.Do fathers have the same experience as matrescence in women?Deb’s highlights from the conversation.Links:Happy Mama WebsiteHappy Mama FacebookHappy Mama InstagramThe Happy Mama Movement Podcast