Safer Stronger Kids - The Podcast

Are your kids able to fit in with the rest of his or her classmates at school? Are they able to freely express their individuality?In this episode, we delve into the concept of "the box" and discuss how it relates to the education system and our children's development. The box represents the systems we exist in, such as the political, social, and educational systems. These systems were not designed to cater to everyone's unique needs and abilities, resulting in many individuals, particularly children, feeling like they don't fit inside the box.We focus on the education system as an example, highlighting how it primarily caters to a specific group of students while leaving others feeling inadequate or wrong. In addition, we also discuss the need to recognize the existence of the box and understand that it is not our children who need fixing, but rather the system itself. By acknowledging the limitations of the box, we can advocate for change and push for more flexibility and individualized approaches to education.We explore the importance of empowering children by helping them understand the box and its limitations. By fostering a sense of self-worth and emphasizing that their unique abilities are valuable, we can encourage them to break free from the constraints of the box and embrace their individuality.Ultimately, the goal is to expand or even eliminate the box, creating systems that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals. By doing so, we can nurture a love of learning, empower both children and teachers and pave the way for a more inclusive and adaptable future.Today's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy.  Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

What were the taboo topics you never got to discuss with your parents? Could they be the same topics your children might have wanted to talk with you about?In this episode, I discuss the importance of creating an environment where we can talk about anything, no matter what it is. I reflect on my experience teaching body safety to children and how telling them that they can talk about anything doesn't always align with their lived experiences. I invite listeners to share their own experiences of taboo topics from their childhood and how they knew those topics were off-limits.I then delve into the reasons why it is crucial for children's well-being and how to create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing anything.I acknowledge the challenges in creating such an environment and the potential impact it can have on our children's well-being. I urge listeners to actively work on building this culture of open communication, emphasizing that even mistakes or difficult topics should be addressed without shame or judgment. By doing so, we can support our children and ensure their safety and emotional health.Today's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy.  Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Are we raising our kids to be aware that they can readily seek help whenever they need to?Seeking help, both formal and informal, is crucial for our mental health and overall well-being. While seeking help has always been important, our awareness of it has improved over time. This is not just an individual issue; it is a systemic one influenced by social support, education systems, and the pressures of social media.Along with it, I discussed the five ideas for raising kids who seek help. They need to know who they can go to for support. They need to hear stories of other people seeking help and how it made a difference. They need the skills to describe what they are feeling. They need to trust that it is emotionally safe for them to seek help. And finally, they need to understand that seeking help is not just for extreme situations but for any time they feel that life could be better or when they are carrying a burden that feels too heavy.By following these ideas, we can raise kids who are more likely to seek help without hesitation, empowering them to improve their well-being and live healthier lives.Today's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy. Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Wonder how we can cultivate critical thinking in our children, especially considering the rapidly changing world they are growing up in?I realized that we might have overlooked the importance of home life in developing critical thinking skills. We tend to associate critical thinking with education and overlook the role of parents in fostering these skills. However, our children need critical thinking not only for academic success but also for navigating their everyday lives.In our parenting journey, we often prioritize behavior control and compliance, especially when our children are younger. We want them to cooperate and do what they're told. However, as they enter their teenage years, we suddenly expect them to think for themselves and make their own choices. It's interesting how we have this shift in expectations without necessarily preparing them for it.In this episode, we explore why critical thinking skills are crucial for our children, particularly in today's world and how we can cultivate critical thinking skills in our children. Critical thinking skills are vital for our children's success and well-being in an ever-changing world. As parents, we play a crucial role in fostering these skills, both at home and in conjunction with their education. By creating a secure environment and providing opportunities for critical thinking, we empower our children to become independent thinkers who can navigate the complexities of life with confidence.Today's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy. Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Have you heard statements such as, “You're unlikable, you don't belong here, you don't fit in”?One of the things where shame comes from is the sense of not belonging. Those negative messages convert to shame. Children either try to prove themselves to the world or completely reject the world.Repeated experiences of feeling they do not belong usually occur in schools but it can also happen in the family, as well.In this episode, we will discussthe effects of shame and praise on a child,the ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child' disciplinethe role of the family in a child's shame.That's what this podcast today is about. It's taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy.Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

How do we raise kids who know that they are worthy of and deserve relationships and respect? How do we raise them to know that they have the right to feel safe all the time?Respectful relationships. Not just with the family but with peers, close friends and even with coworkers in the future as well. We want them to identify a good relationship from a bad one.It's not about doing them perfectly but role modelling them in front of our kids, showing vulnerability, owning up to the mistakes, and getting and picking ourselves back up.In this episode, we will discuss:Characteristics of good relationship and bad relationshipRole of childhood experiences as to know we view the normBoundaries and how to express positive message through itToday's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy. Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Are we raising our kids to speak or live the truth? Or are they living the way we want them to live? Are they pretending to be someone they are not? Are they genuine and being themselves?Children are innately assertive. They don't stress or think about what others might think of them. They aren't afraid of what others think. In time, authenticity, and individualism start to go away. But why? Where does it go and why does it start to fade? In this episode, we will discuss:Different areas of why our kids' individualism start to fadeHow to encourage our children to show their true selfToday's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy. Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers'  **here **Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Have you heard statements as such as, “You're unlikable, you don't belong here, you don't fit in”?One of the things where shame comes from is the sense of not belonging. Those negative messages convert to shame. Children either try to prove themselves to the world or completely reject the world.Repeated experiences of feeling they do not belong usually occur in schools but it can also happen in the family, as well. In this episode, we will discuss:Effects of shame and praise on a child‘Spare the rod, spoil the child' disciplineRole of family in child's shameToday's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy. Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers'  **here **Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

What are the things you're ashamed of? Where has shame popped into your life? How has it shaped you? Is there a shame you are now ready to let go of?Shame is lurking in the darkness and filtering into everyday but likely you have not stopped to take time, think about it and let it go before it gets passed on to the next generation. In this episode, we will discuss:What shame is and how to identify itWhere shame could have stemmed fromThe effects of shame on our identity and how we view the worldShame vs GuiltThat's what this podcast today is about. It's taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy.Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers'  **here **Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Think back to your childhood. Were you labelled as the smart one, the pretty one, the clumsy one, or something else entirely? Did these labels shape the choices you made, and do you still believe them to be true about yourself?In this episode, we'll be exploring the power of shedding the labels we carry with us from childhood and adolescence and how they can limit our growth and potential.When we pause to notice, we can make different choices and remove the limitations on ourselves, and in setting ourselves free in this way, we can in turn do the same for our kids.I'm excited to share with you some practical strategies for challenging these labels and finding new possibilities for growth and expansion in your life.Today's podcast is taken from a training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy. **Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers' ** **here **Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteJoin the Village hereBook one on one coaching hereFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Have you ever found yourself feeling burnt out, reactive instead of proactive, or losing the joy of parenting?It is nothing to feel ashamed of.In fact, shame will only prevent you from seeking the help you may need.In my professional development days as a social worker, I learned that there was a name for this.It's called ‘blocked care'. It's when your ability to sustain care for your child in the most ideal, loving way, is blocked, due to your own needs for connection and care being unmet.But if you understand what is happening and why, you can also learn what you can do about it.And that's the good news.There ARE things you can do.That's what this podcast today is about. It's taken from training from inside my group membership called, ‘The Village'. Of course, it has been edited to protect people's privacy.If you're curious about my group coaching membership- there's a link below In this episode, we discuss:the types of blocked care: chronic, acute, child-specific, and stage-specific.Dan Hughes and Glennon Doyle and the helpful perspectives they shareHow to identify if you are experiencing blocked careThe brain neurology involvedHow we can rewire our brain and nervous system, reducing the size of the amygdala and helping that “guard dog” learn that it doesn't need to be so sensitive. Download your FREE guide, ‘Six Steps to Safer Sleepovers'  hereGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfilePodcast Produced by LIvvi Music Media

Can you think of the last time you needed to address an issue with one of your children? Can you think back to the last time that happened? How did it go when you tried to address it?Perhaps you found yourself escalating. Perhaps you felt like you and your child were on the opposite sides of the Grand Canyon, staring at each other, knowing that you needed to find a way to communicate, but just stuck at that moment where you are unable to reconnect with each other and really work together.In this episode, we will be:encouraging you to value your child's perspective helping you listen to their voicehelping you bridge the gap between you and your child.Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Do you know that there is a parenting challenge that is so normalized, so expected, so talked about that there's ever a chance that you would've known this stage before you even became a parent, and even before you had children, just accepted that this is a challenge you will face that you didn't really give it much thought after that?We have normalized the idea that parents will be sidelined, no longer relevant to their teenagers and even to their tweens. We have normalized it to the point where parents now take it for granted. They stop knocking. They think their child doesn't want them to knock, and instead they wait. They accept.In this episode, we will be:encouraging you to check in instead of checking out your teenager, your tween guiding you to let them find their place in the world without interfering or controlling themhelping you to let them individuate while still being able to stay connected with youmaking sure that our children or our teenagers have the freedom that they need Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Are you ready to make parenting a fun, positive experience for both you and your children?We're focusing on a powerful technique I'm calling, ‘Love Bombing' that will help you create and maintain deep, loving connections with your children.In this episode, we will be:exploring a variety of simple, yet impactful ways to show our love and supporttransforming everyday moments into opportunities for both bonding and growth from the magic of physical touchdiving into our children's worlduncovering the secrets to making parenting not just manageable but truly enjoyable.Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Do you remember the last time your kid said something and you didn't know what to say in response?Have they asked you a question or commented about something that shocked you so much which made you silent for a minute?Whenever I am faced with these moments, my favorite trick is to ask a question instead of offering an advice.Instead of offering a story of the same experience or starting off with the word “at least” – just ask a question and make them feel that you are interested to know what's going on in their mind. In this episode, we will be discussing more about:Tricks to do when you don't know what to say in responseHandling sticky conversationsHow to properly ask a question instead of offering an adviceBuilding stronger communication and connection Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile 

Have you ever thought about ways on how to strengthen your connection with your child?Have you heard about “Emotion Coaching”?It is one of the most powerful tools that can help us strengthen our relationship with our kids.As parents, this will help us recognize the significance of our children's emotions and improve ability to self-calm and label their feelings by being receptive and accepting through spoken directives.In this episode, we will be discussing more about:What is Emotion CoachingFive Steps to Emotion CoachingFramework for responding to our child's feelingsReflective ListeningBenefits of Emotion CoachingGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Are there moments when you find yourself getting flustered and frustrated that none of your kids seems to be listening?How do you approach it at that moment?Did you ever find yourself wondering, how to get these kids to cooperate so you can do the things that you need to do in the timeframe that you need to do them?These are really common struggles. And you know what, you are not alone.In this episode, we will be discussing more about:The Power of OxytocinConnection and CooperationWhat Oxytocin DoesHow to Increase Sense of ConnectionGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

As a parent, is there a part of you that wants to control your child's outcomes for their life and their future?When you try to control them, how does it come out? What does it look like?Our reason for doing this may be quite reasonable and might be driven by the desire of keeping them safe.But we must remember that our kids need to experience having some control over their own body, their own choices, their own future and their own life.It doesn't mean that they get to control everything, but they do want choices. They want to be heard and respected.In this episode, we will be discussing more about:How Control Harms ConnectionImpacts of Controlling Everything for Your ChildFocusing on the quality of Relationship with your ChildEstablishing Influence and Guidance Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Connection is enjoying, savoring, being grateful for being in your child's presence.It is being not just physically present, but emotionally present.When you tune into your children, it gives them the message that they matter, that they are important, that they are loved, that they are worth your time.In this episode, we will be discussing more about:Why Connecting with Your Child MattersEstablishing Connections with Your ChildImpacts of Building Good ConnectionGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile  

Raising children is hard.They push us to our limits, invoking feelings of inadequacy.But instead of telling yourself that you're screwing up, shift your focus on what's going well.Pat yourself on the back for small accomplishments. Spend some time each day focusing on what you're offering your child and how well you're doing.In this episode, we will be discussing more about:Growing as a ParentSeasons of Parenting Life Self-appreciation and Self-careGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Do you feel like a broken record? Do you feel like you're always repeating the same messages to your kids, and it's just not getting through? Do you feel forced into a situation where you have to nag?Can you feel your frustration rise as you wonder, exasperated, why your children won't cooperate? You are not alone. There is another way. And that's what I want to talk about. In this episode, we will be discussing more about:Understanding your child's behaviourHealthy and effective discipline strategiesPositive family relationships Regulating your child's emotions and behaviourGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Good interaction and communication between you and your child is important for developing a positive relationship and will make it easier for you to talk about difficult topics as they get older.It's a reality for many parents that we don't always give our children full, undivided attention. Between cell phones, work, TV, and socialization, many parents struggle to be fully present with their kids. As parents, we should make sure that when we are having a conversation with our child, whether it's simple or complex, we are really listening. Otherwise, they might feel like their information isn't valued.In this episode, we will be discussing:Importance of being a good listener Encouraging honest communicationAsserting that you're available any time your child wants to talk.Listening to what your child have to say with empathy and without judgmentGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile

Being a parent comes with a lot of responsibility, decision making and struggles on how to best raise your child. Knowing your child takes time, desire and careful observation.You always have your child's best interest at heart, but sometimes your child may disagree with the rules you have set down and as a parent, we want our children to be able to make their own mistakes and learn from them.In this episode, we will be discussing:How acting as the only expert affects our relationship with our children and family Realizing that kids know themselves more than us parents doRespecting the fact that our children is the main character in their livesBuilding stronger relationship with our children by giving them guidance and supportGot any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile  

As a parent, we face different challenges as we try to figure out the best way to proper parenting. We discover that there are many challenges that we never expected or knew about before having children.It can be tough and exhausting to as we try to parent our kids based on who we think they should be instead of who they are.In this episode, we will be talking about something that might be sabotaging your parenting.We'll discuss: How did you expect parenting to be before you became a parent.The importance of finding the need to change our expectations.Building our expectations by not basing it on unreliable sources. Got any questions? Get in touch and connect with Caroline Ellen:WebsiteFacebook ProfileInstagram Profile  

Are you feeling overwhelmed and like you're constantly sacrificing your own needs and desires for your kids? It's a common struggle that many of us face, but it's important to remember that as parents, we need to prioritise our own well-being too. In this episode, we're talking about the belief that "A good parent always puts their children first," and how this belief can be harmful if we don't also make time for ourselves.Here are the main points we'll cover:How this belief can shape our decisions, time management, and spending habits. The impact on our own well-being and feelings of guilt or shame when we prioritise ourselves. The importance of examining and potentially challenging these beliefs in order to create a more balanced and fulfilling life for ourselves and our families.So grab a pen and paper, and let's dive in!Got questions? Get in touch! Use this link: https://bit.ly/3hyOgWU CONNECT WITH CAROLINE: Website: www.saferstrongerkids.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferstrongerkidsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferstronger/

Do you ever look around and think everyone is managing more easily than you? Do you ever watch others and assume you're the only one finding it this hard? Comparing ourselves to others seems to be human nature. It probably served some evolutionary purpose, somewhere along the line. But that doesn't mean it's serving us well anymore - ESPECIALLY if your brain assumes everyone is always doing everything better than you! In this episode, we'll explore what the real consequences are of endlessly (and even unconsciously) comparing ourselves to others. Are you doing it? Why? And how is it affecting you? Let's talk about it! Got questions? Get in touch! Use this link: https://bit.ly/3hyOgWU CONNECT WITH CAROLINE: Website: www.saferstrongerkids.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferstrongerkids Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferstronger/  

Do you ever get stuck? Do you wind up walking around the house, silently (or not so silently) fuming, for the best part of a day? Do you find that your day gets sucked into some sort of parenting vortex, where the kids just keep fighting, and nobody's having a good time? If this sounds like you, you're not alone. But as you likely already know, the getting stuck isn't serving you, and it might just be the reason that vortex appears. In this episode we'll talk about how you can start to learn to Let It Go. What basic steps can you take to shift your energy and move on from the bad moments, so that everyone's day gets better? Let's talk about it. Got questions? Get in touch! Use this link: https://bit.ly/3hyOgWU CONNECT WITH CAROLINE: Website: www.saferstrongerkids.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferstrongerkids Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferstronger/  

Have you ever taken offence to your child's behaviour? Have you ever found yourself either freezing up or lashing out, triggered by what your child's behaviour says about you?  Have you ever gotten hot and flustered, because their behaviour MUST show that they simply don't respect you enough?  If you have, you're certainly not alone. In this episode, we'll explore what your child's behaviour is actually about, and what they really need you to know.  We'll find one of the keys to helping you stay calm, more connected, and better equipped to help your child navigate the hardest moments.  Got questions? Get in touch! Use this link: https://bit.ly/3hyOgWU CONNECT WITH CAROLINE: Website: www.saferstrongerkids.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferstrongerkids Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferstronger/  

Do you ever find parenting really uncomfortable? The noise. The mess. The feelings (so many feelings!). There's so many places to be. Shoes to keep track of. Mouths to feed. Bills to pay. It's a lot, and sometimes it might just feel like it's all too much. The mental load can be extraordinary. Because of all of that, parenting can create feelings of discomfort that run (literally) through our whole body. And for some of us, that feeling can get pretty hard to take.  If this resonates with you, then this show is for you.  In this episode, we'll explore leaning into uncomfortable moments. What does it mean? What difference can it make? And how do we do it?.  I can't promise it will be easy, but you and I both know it's worth it.  Let's dig in!  Got questions? Get in touch!  Use this link: https://bit.ly/3hyOgWU CONNECT WITH CAROLINE: Website: www.saferstrongerkids.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferstrongerkids Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saferstronger/  

Do you ever find yourself frustrated and flabbergasted at your child's behaviour? Do you ever wonder why they are still doing what they're doing, in spite of all the consequences? Are you simply sick and tired of repeating yourself?If this is what you're experiencing, this show is for you.In this episode, we'll explore where those behaviours are really coming from, and why you're still seeing them over and over. We'll talk about how behaviour really is just communication, and what this really means for us, our children, and our parenting. What shifts can you make that lead to actual, tangible change? How can you stop reacting, and start responding? And how can you do so in a way that improves your child's emotional literacy and resilience?Let's dig in!Got questions? Get in touch! Use this link:  https://bit.ly/3hyOgWUCONNECT WITH CAROLINE:Website: www.saferstrongerkids.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/saferstrongerkids

Holly-Ann Martin is the Managing Director of Safe4Kids. Since founding her business in 2007, Holly-Ann has gone above and beyond to achieve her mission: to protect as many children as possible from abuse, both online and in the physical world.Not only does Holly's Safe4Kids program educate and empower children, but it also educates and empowers teachers, educators, parents, and carers. In this episode, I ask Holly-Ann something I've wanted to ask her for a long time. What are the things she wishes every parent and carer knew? What does she think could really, truly make a lifetime of difference for a child? You need to hear what she had to say. Thank you for listening.

Mama, you're not broken! That's what Anna Cusack wants you to know. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist. As an author, podcaster, blogger and speaker, Anna reaches thousands of women every year with evidence-based information and inspirational, actionable content. Anna combines her knowledge in areas such as traditional postpartum care, breastfeeding support, sociology and exercise physiology to guide women through their transition to parenthood and early years of mothering. Her services include postbirth planning, in-home and online postbirth support, and mentoring for mothers and the professionals who work with them. Her book, “Mama, You’re Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood” is due for release in April. You can find her on the “Motherhood Made Magic” podcast, at www.annacusack.com.au, and on her socials as @annacusackpostpartum. It was such a privilege to speak with Anna and help her share her important, reassuring messages about motherhood. Warning: the things she has to say may result in lifelong changes to how you perceive, experience and understand motherhood! Happy listening, Caroline.

A couple of days ago on Instagram, teenage girls started sharing their experiences of sexual harassment at school. The call to action is asking for schools to place sexual consent education at the forefront of educational issues in schools from a young age. I wholeheartedly agree with them - consent education needs to be included, and can be included in an age-appropriate way - from the first years of school onwards. (My belief is that teachers have enough on their plate, and we need social workers trained in these topics visiting every school to deliver these programs). BUT, as parents, we can't expect schools to take on this type of education by themselves. We need to take ownership of the topic at home. We need to lead the way. We are the ones raising our children, and we need to step outside of our comfort zones and step up to the plate. The truth is, most kids can tell you what consent means when you ask them in a classroom. It's their exposure to explicit content across many platforms that is undermining that intellectual understanding. Even if they can explain the idea of consent, their neural pathways are constructed to look for something very different in real life. Tik Tok, Snapchat, and the endless lists of readily available porn sites mean that our kids are viewing wildly inappropriate content at alarming rates, at younger and younger ages, and it is shaping their sexual development. It's resulting in ingrained, subconscious beliefs that we never intended for them. This includes (but isn't limited to), the idea that when girls say NO - they really mean YES. It's treating girls as objects available for pleasure anytime, and it's setting girls AND boys up to believe that violence is an expected, normal part of any sexual encounter. This may be challenging listening, but I can't apologise for that. It's an uncomfortable topic. We can no longer leave our teenagers to manage this on their own. There ARE things we can do to turn this around for them. Let's talk about teaching our kids consent from the very beginning. For more support on teaching kids consent from the start, make sure you're following me at @saferstrongerkids on FB and @saferstronger on Instagram.

Let's be clear: There is no "one sized fits all" approach to transitions like the moment of drop off to kinder and school. Some kids will be quite happy to run in on their own. Some kids will be nervous and worried, but basically ok. Other kids will feel deeply, deeply unsafe. We can't take the same approach for all kids - or we risk doing some of them a grave disservice. We set them up to stay in a place of stress, and in doing so, we risk them being unable to concentrate, learn and connect in the way that they might otherwise have been able to do. If you are about to drop your child off for the first time, or are currently struggling with the transition: this episode is for you. Enjoy! For more evidence-based advice, please follow me at @saferstrongerkids on FB and @saferstronger on Instagram, or check out my website, saferstrongerkids.com.

Have you got a child starting school for the first time? Me too! In this episode, I run through my top 11 tips to help your school starter feel more empowered, and make the transition more easily, on their first day. (And I wonder if they might help you feel more confident and comfortable, too!) I would LOVE to hear from you about how these tips help you navigate the first tricky days of school transition time. You can get in touch with me at caroline@saferstrongerkids.com. Happy listening, Caroline.

"Respect" is a loaded term in parenting. In this episode, I explore what I believe people really mean when they say, "that child needs to learn some respect!". When someone says that - what are the core beliefs they are holding on to about children and respect? What assumptions underpin those core beliefs? Let's go there. Then let's think about what we want the word respect to mean in the future, and how our children are going to learn it from us. When we unpack our subconscious beliefs about respect, we bring them out into the light. We can examine them, and then we can choose. We can ask ourselves if this belief serving us in our parenting, or is it sabotaging us? What do we want to leave behind, and what do we want to take with us? This is tricky, thought-provoking stuff. This session is the first module in my course, "Parenting Without Punishment". The reason for that is because it's often our subconscious beliefs about respect that sabotage our efforts to show up with empathy and love for our children, and that cause us to react with force, shame and punishments. If you'd like to find out more about this course, visit https://bit.ly/3n5K1Ps Thank you so much for joining me.

In this week's episode I answer a question from a listener, who asked "How do I teach my kids about tricky people?". It's a really important question, and one that I wish every parent was asking!I explore:What are tricky people?Why did we start teaching kids about tricky people?How do we start talking to our kids about them?And, what's the tricky part about teaching our kids about tricky people?I hope you find it helpful and I would love to hear your feedback!Happy listening, Caroline. In this episode, I reference a book called "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus" by Mo Willems. Here is a link to the book: Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1844285138/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_R7v4FbH7JA9M6

Having experienced first hand the risks children face online, Jen Hoey has become an active, dedicated advocate for child safety. Jen is the founder of ‘Not My Kid’, a Facebook group dedicated to parent education. She also volunteers as Parent Awareness Advocate for Youth Wellbeing Project and, as a parent of two teens and a 7 year old, contributes a parent’s voice to the online issues facing parents and caregivers today. Jen is also in the process of studying a degree in Cyber Security and Behaviour. In this episode, Jen and I explored her top three tips to help parents protect their children's experience of childhood.To join the 'Not My Kid' facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/NotMyKid.parentgroup

Are you parenting alongside a partner? Do you find it harder than you expected? Do the two of you argue about how to parent your kids, and what parenting "should" be like, more than you ever expected? This is a topic most people want to avoid. We can find ourselves looking around and imagining that every other couple is navigating this process more easily than we are, and we feel shame about our own struggles. The shame silences us, making it hard to reach out for help. Let's take a look at the top five reasons why (I believe) parenting together is so hard. My hope is that by shining a light on these reasons, I'll make it easier for you and your partner to sit down and have real conversations about what to do about it. I also hope that I can reassure you - you're not alone. You're not doing anything "wrong". If parenting together is feeling hard... that's because it IS hard. This podcast episode is actually the first module in my next online course, Parenting Partnerships. If you'd like to find out more about that course, visit my website here: https://safer-stronger-kids.newzenler.com/courses/parenting-partnerships.

In this week's episode, I chatted with Sammy-Anne from "Map-the-Maze". Sammy Anne is a Parent Support Consultant and Social/Emotional Development Coach. She's particularly passionate about helping neurodiverse children and their families. Our goal with this chat was to talk through Sammy's top three tips for emotion coaching neurodivergent children. I had a great time listening to Sammy and hearing her insights, and I'm so pleased to be able to share her wisdom with you. If you'd like to learn more about the services Sammy provides for parents, carers and teachers, follow her at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SammyAnne.MTM Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sammy.anne.e/ Happy listening! Caroline

Understanding your own feelings ABOUT your own feelings is some of the most critical self-development work you can do, not just as a parent, but as a human. Unpacking the meanings you attach to different feelings, and exploring why you attach those meanings, will change how you relate to your own feelings - as well as how you respond to your child's feelings. This audio is pulled from a free training I presented recently via Facebook Live. The topic, "understanding our feelings about feelings", has become the foundation work in almost every one of my online courses. That's because, regardless of what we're trying to work on as people and as parents... we almost always need to start here. I can't wait to hear what you think.

In this episode, I chat with Jenn Trevaskis of Growth Education Support. Jenn has a background in teaching and a speciality in Inclusive Education. Jenn now runs her own business, Growth Education Support, supporting students with invisible disabilities, and their families and educators. Jenn talks us through her top tips for choosing the right school for your child and family. You can find out more about Jenn's work, follow her on Facebook and Instagram (@growtheducationsupport).

Raising kids who know they are the boss of their body is an important part of keeping them safe. But it means we HAVE to give up telling kids, "I'm the boss, just do as I say!", and "because I said so". We have to tool up, and find better ways that are collaborative and empowering. But how do we do that and still get daily life done, without losing the plot? Let's chat.

We start out with the best of intentions. We know we want to be a respectful / gentle / conscious parent. We know we want to raise our kids with compassion. We imagine ourselves calm and collected as we move through our parenting journey. Soon that turns out to be a whole lot harder than what we expected. Here's five steps that can help bring us back to the path we originally chose. These steps will help you feel more confident and grounded in your parenting approach. They'll help guide you through even the most challenging moments.

I'm not going to lie, I don't like Tik Tok. I know it can be creative, I know it can be a lot of fun. For adults. There's some important reasons why Tik Tok isn't suitable for children. Yet kids are on it in droves. This means that parents who don't want to allow Tik Tok are up against it. There's SO much pressure from kids to be able to join in, just like their friends. We all want to see our kids happy, and we don't want to be responsible for ostracising them. So what do we do? Let's chat.

Do you feel worn down by parenting in iso? Do you feel like you started with gusto, but now you're running on empty? Are you wondering how on earth you're meant to get through this (forget about 'making the best of it'). If so, you're not alone. This morning I jumped into a beautiful Facebook group called "Connected Mumma". I was there to have a chat about "A chance for connection: turning iso into an opportunity for growth as a family". My goal for this chat was to explore how we can shift out of survival mode, and make the best of a very, very crap situation. After I finished, I thought.... hmmm, more people need this right now. So I downloaded the live and made it into a podcast to share. I'd love to hear what you think.

If we can raise kids who can talk to us about anything, no matter what it is, then we stand a much better chance of raising kids who speak up and seek help when they need it. That's a really important step in helping them stay safe. But how do we do it? How do we raise kids who know that they really can talk to us about anything, no matter what it is? Let me share with you my top 3 tips for exactly that.

We all have the right to feel safe all the time. I've explained this to literally thousands of children. And when I do, I add, "That means no-one is allowed to make you feel unsafe. It doesn't matter who it is." Usually at least one child will put up their hand and say, "Except for your mum or dad". OUCH. We're not perfect, and we our kids don't need us to be. But they do have the right to feel safe around us, and we don't have the right to make them feel unsafe. Let's discuss.

Ahhh, we did it. We made it to the fourth and final value in safer, stronger parenting - curiosity. Embracing curiosity as a value in our parenting profoundly shifts the quality of how we show up for our kids. I can't wait to explore it with you.

I'm so glad you're here! Let's talk about value #3 in safer, stronger parenting - COMPASSION. What does it mean to really show up for our children with compassion? What does it mean to show up for ourselves with compassion? It's a great word with a beautiful vibe. Let's chat.