How Not to Screw Up Your Kids

Do you feel overwhelmed with the task of having a full work life whilst being present for your children? Juggling work and being a parent can be a challenge, prioritising one without the other being affected is something many parents struggle with. In this episode I discuss tips and tricks on how to manage this balance and reduce stress. Here are the highlights: (03:23) 45% of parents feel burnt out (07:07) Asking for help (11:42) Managing expectations (17:38) Recharge (22:28) Plan B 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have all heard a variation of one of these comments from our children - “I am not very good at... ‘this is rubbish’, ‘I can’t’, I’m not good at…’ but what does it mean?? There are potentially 6 different reasons why and yet, it is doesn’t really matter which reason it is – the comments tell us something about how they are experiencing things right now AND how to help them.I will talk you through my 6-point solution – what to do and how to solve the issue longer term.Here are the highlights: (00:33) From low confidence to attention-seeking - what does it mean? (04:02) Children are insanely present (07:06) We have two ears and only one mouth (10:38) Acknowledging how our children feel (15:46) Failure is a part of life (19:46) We need to get real and be honest with our kids (23:02) Silencing the inner critic💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh is one of the UK’s most influential mental health advocates. Josh has also spoken in the House of Commons, contributed to mental health policy and even advised the scriptwriting team on Hollyoaks. He has run resilience workshops for village schools and global brands alike. Additionally, he is an ambassador for Nacoa – a national charity supporting people affected by a parent’s drinking.In this episode he talks about being a dad, resilience, children’s emotions and how it all has to start with us. A must listen whether you’re a parent, someone who cares for children, or a friend of a parent.Connect with Josh: CLICK HERE TO VISIT HIS WEBSITE Here are the highlights: (02:19) Helping people to understand resilience (05:27) Learning from my own experiences (10:29) I lacked someone who could help me make sense of the darkness (15:48) The system needs to get their priorities straight! (20:59) Start from a place of being emotionally ready (24:09) Your kids have a right to feel mad and sad (29:10) Show up in your most authentic way 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk honestly about the impact of social media. From Twitter to TikTok and the whole Metaverse in between, it is now well documented to have a significantly negative impact on our children’s mental health – linked to depression, anxiety, and increase suicide rates. What do we need to know about these platforms, how do we help our children and teens navigate these platforms, and where do we draw the lines.I’ll be answering these questions and setting out my honest thoughts on social media and how mindless use, in my view, is as dangerous for their long-term health and wellbeing as smoking.Here are the highlights:(00:59) Jonah Hill is yet another A-lister quitting social media(04:57) Excessive social media use can also have physical repercussions(10:42) Maintain a continual dialogue with your children(16:26) Model the behaviour you want from your kids(19:53) Actively track social media use(23:42) You are the sum of your 5 closest friends  💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Siblings argue, this is perfectly normal. They are vying for a limited resource – our time.Yet the type of battles our children have with each other, are very much influenced by the ‘role’ our children play within the family dynamics. You cannot begin to make meaningful changes, until you fully understand, and potentially address any issues which arise from these roles.I will talk about ‘roles’ and how they are created, before moving onto how we can avoid constantly refereeing our children’s arguments.Here are the highlights:(00:22) Introduction(03:26) Sibling roles, from the naughty one to the mini-Mummy(06:03) Understanding the roles we have created within the family(07:55) Start with a family audit(12:14) Do not referee arguments you didn’t witness(17:23) How to de-escalate situations(20:53) My strategies to deal with sibling dynamics💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ll be talking “Back to School’ and how we can prepare our children and teens to go back to school, start school for the first time, transition to junior school, senior school, boarding school or university.Whether you are listening to this before you children start school or well into the school term, the principles I am going to share are helpful at any point in time when you need to reset patterns of being and behaviour which aren’t optimal for school and getting the best out of school and education.Here are the highlights:(01:03) Repetition is the mother of all learning(05:55) Bedtime routines slip during the holidays(11:13) Keeping and creating structure(13:58) How to help our children gain independence(18:43) Conversations to help kids deal with back to school anxiety(23:18) Role play is for everyone💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode isn’t just for you if you are step-mum, it’s for every mum, dad, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, nanny etc who stands at the school gate, does nursery or pre-school pick up.Blended families are on the increase and societally we have failed to recognise and support step-mums and the unique challenges they face.Being a step-mum can be incredibly isolating and as a result the incidence of mental health issues are much higher than birth mothers.Join my conversation with Katie Harrison of Stepmumspace to get a glimpse into a step-mum's daily challenges, and how we can all better support each other – in whichever way we become parents.Here are the highlights:(00:00) Introduction(02:33) A coincidental journey fueled by passion(05:33) Fairy tale stereotypes of the evil step-mother(09:41) Our role in society(14:38) Bereavement versus separation(17:30) Societal gender biases(20:29) The relationship between step-mum and biologcal mum(25:01) Projecting our own anxiety on to our children(28:08) It’s ok to talk about feelings 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode “We Need To Talk’ is all about how we can have meaningful conversations with our children and teens. You know what I mean - conversations which are two-sided, you learn more than you teach, and you feel a connection. Whether that’s talking about big things such as sex, boyfriends and worries or everyday conversations about using their voice, kindness, compassion.These conversations are probably more important, more impactful, and more character building for our children than any other conversations we have.Here are the highlights:(01:07) Pick your moments(04:00) Chronological vs developmental age(07:06) You have got to listen!(08:54) Communication isn’t just words(12:21) Leave judgment at the door(15:52) Show empathy(18:39) Look for opportunities to avoid parenting hell!(21:33) Whatever you do, do it consistently💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toxic relationships are on the rise! They are friendships which aren’t healthy – they’re not about mutual respect, trust, and sharing. Instead, they are manipulative, controlling, one-sided and make our children feel awful about themselves.In this episode I will talk about how we can spot the signs our child or teen is in a toxic friendship and how we can then best support them to get out of it – and the answer isn’t to go all guns blazing and tell them to stop spending time with them! Here are the highlights: (01:03) Red and Green Friends (04:15) The signs of a toxic friendship (10:36) Do not villainize the other child (14:28) Acting with a growth mindset (17:55) The power of listening (20:25) Friendship is like a game of Jenga (25:48) Stopping the cycle of toxic relationships 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about school holidays and how we can not only survive them – we can thrive as a family. Cliché I know but go with it.I will share with you the tools I used when my children were younger, which worked so well – my children asked for them each holiday! The holidays are long but they don’t have to be a huge juggling act, battleground, or source of untold stress. I also have a bumper set of free resources to help you. Here are the highlights: (01:00) Suddenly everyone is home (06:37) Get children involved in planning your holidays (09:17) Set realistic expectations (13:14) It’s ok to ask for help (15:49) Cheerful Treats & Grumble Chores (21:35) GEARS (25:10) Setting challenges for ourselves 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is estimated 1.25 million people have an eating disorder in the U.K. and the data is pretty similar worldwide. Eating disorders are a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.The key, in my view, is being able to pick up on the early warning signs, so support and intervention can be put in place before it becomes an established disorder. In this episode I talk through the top 7 patterns of behaviour to look out for.If you’ve been affected by the content in this episode, you can access further information and support via BEAT EATING DISORDERS - THE UK'S EATING DISORDER CHARITYHere are the highlights: (01:44) From anorexia to bulimia - what is an eating disorder? (05:16) The warning signs of eating disorders (07:08) Brene Brown and guilt vs shame (11:50) Mechanisms of control (16:47) Body confidence and self-criticism (22:42) Role modelling positive relationships with food💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode touches on the slightly uncertain ground many parents face as to whether they should or shouldn’t be worried about their child’s mental health.Maybe your child lacks a little confidence, they struggle to manage their emotions sometimes or often, maybe they even say they don’t like themselves or they wish they weren’t around anymore. Is this something which all children go through or should you be worried???Here are the highlights: (00:27) Raising confident, resilient kids (02:30) Prevention is better than cure (07:37) Equipping our children with emotional literacy (13:00) Accept your child’s reality in that moment (16:52) Acknowledge how your child feels (23:58) Consider the impact of external factors (26:13) Let’s do a family audit 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about the six essential skills your children wish you'd teach them before they became adults. The skills which are crucial to successful adulting and you will be surprised by what’s on the list!  Some of them may seem too simple, possibly irrelevant but as every successful adult can attest – without these skills, the world of work and adulthood can be tricky to navigate.  And of course if you find this show helpful, please do subscribe, share and leave a review to help other parents find us so we can spread the love. Here are the highlights: (02:09) How to make small talk (05:58) How to use the telephone (08:55) How to use their voice and speak in public (14:42) How to time manage effectively (17:48) How to manage stress (21:19) How to manage money 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 50% of children worry about how they look, 36% say they will do whatever it takes to look good, and 57% have considered going on a diet! Scary statistics when all we want is happy children who celebrate their own uniqueness.  That’s why today’s episode is all about body image - a tricky subject for us as parents to navigate, so hope by listening to this podcast you come away with some easy to implement techniques.And of course if you find this show helpful, please do subscribe, share and leave a review to help other parents find us so we can spread the love.Here are the highlights: (01:04) Children worry about body image too! (04:31) The media has a huge impact on our children (08:53) We must be self-aware about our own body image first (14:28) Being fit does NOT mean not feeling fat (16:43) Making healthy choices (22:46) Teach our children to be media savvy (24:22) Creating a healthy narrative 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast episode is a bit different - it’s about my worldwide campaign - One Million Moments which launched on 8th June 2022 and aims to positively impact 1 million lives. Can you help me spread the word, and give your children the tools to be emotionally resilient?Click here to find out more about ONE MILLION MOMENTS   Here are the highlights: (00:36) Children’s mental health is a global issue (02:57) One in six children (06:49) Seize the moments to connect (09:16) Let’s really listen (11:45) How you can support One Million Moments 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about how we can help our children succeed at school. Success at school is of course linked to academics, but it is also linked to social aspects such as friendships, and confidence. So I will talk about how our children can succeed by becoming independent learners, and owing their learning journey.   You might find this useful if your teen is studying for big exams as well as for children owning their school success - whether it’s homework, friendships, reading, or just being curious about the world and wanting to learn. Here are the highlights: (00:37) It’s about more than academics (03:00) Focus on process, not outcomes (06:41) Set regular goals as a family (11:19) Confidence is contagious (16:10) be prepared for trial and error (20:24) Setting up a good study routine 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I am joined by Stephanie Haynes, education coach and consultant. We talk about how we can raise children who believe all options are open for their furure - whether that’s going to university, an apprenticeship, entrepreneurship, or something else AND it starts earlier than you think. Some truly mind-blowing revelations and advice. A must listen whether your child is 2 or 22!  BUY STEPHANIE’S BOOK ‘COLLEGE IS NOT MANDATORY’ HERE Here are the highlights: (03:09) What is an education coach? (08:15) More awareness around the impact of student debt (14:23) Our goal is to help our children be happy and successful (18:33) Live the values you teach (24:20) What kind of adult do you want to raise? (29:24) Become the best version of yourself (32:38) How to check in with yourself (35:35) Helping our children choose the right path (39:55) Return on investment  Connect with Stephanie: Visit the Website  Follow on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Subscribe on YouTube  Follow on Facebook 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I want to talk about how we can promote a can-do growth mindset in our children. Helping our children to see they are capable of almost anything they set their minds to and helping set high aspirations for themselves. Here are the highlights: (02:07) A fixed versus growth mindset (05:35) Teaching our children how the brain works (09:27) Using the right vocabulary (12:04) Turn it back on the adult (17:11) Use problem solving language (18:23) The power of yet 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to talk about children’s mental health. What is it, why do we keep hearing about rising numbers in it, what are the common factors which affect it, and are some children more likely to have issues with it???? I will then share my top 5 tips on how we can best equip our children to safeguard their mental health.   Here are the highlights: (00:52) What do we mean by mental health? (04:19) Our experiences leave a chemical signature (07:20) Common factors affecting mental health (13:19) It’s ok to be a parent with mental health issues (17:03) Children must learn how to problem solve (19:52) Teach our children about self-care (24:42) Promote regular reflective practice (28:15) Maintain connections 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enjoy my conversation with the amazing Anna Mathur, a psychotherapist, mother of three and best selling author of Mind Over Mother.  Anna’s passion for taking therapy out of the therapy room has culminated in her wonderful new book The Little Book of Clam for New Mums, which I feel is a must read for any mother regardless of the age of your children. We talk rage & irritability, fears of judgements, self-care, and missing our pre-children life. A must listen for every mum.    Click here to buy THE LITTLE BOOK OF CALM FOR NEW MUMS by Anna Mathur Here are the highlights: (03:17) The Little Book of Calm for New Mums (05:51) Dealing with overwhelm as a new mum (09:08) Losing your voice of intuition (15:44) We don’t always like our children... and that’s ok! (21:57) Validate your emotions (24:23) The importance of self-care (28:24) The shame of missing our old lives (35:42) It’s harder to reflect when you’re full of feeling 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have had a number of conversations this week with friends - without breaking any confidences - who’s children have either become very drunk, they have caught their children vaping, looking at porn, taking drugs, or sneaking downstairs to switch the wifi back on and grab their devices!These are all incredible parents, wonderful parents in fact who have a great relationship with their children. They talk a lot and they thought they had several years yet before they had to have that difficult conversation and than bam!!   So this is going to be a slightly different type of podcast. I want you to imagine I am your friend and we are sat having a cup of something, and I am sharing my advice. Enjoy! Here are the highlights: (02:22) Get comfortable with the uncomfortable (3:28) Use age appropriate information (07:54) If the conversations feels uncomfortable, think about why (12:30) Educate yourself (17:09) Be non-judgmental (21:44) Focus on safety over prevention 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doesn’t every parent want an independent, self motivated, resilient child or teen who takes ownership of their learning (and revising), their bedroom, their behaviour and their choices??  Sound too good to be true?  It’s really not but the secret is starting early and please don’t worry if you’ve already got a teen - all is not lost!!  Independence breeds confidence and confidence leads to resilience. What distinguishes those who are the most successful in life is their ability to pick themselves up, dust themselves down, and start all over again!! I’ll share my top seven tips.   Here are the highlights: (02:42) Are we too risk averse with our children? (06:36) Our role is to raise independent children (11:12) Set growth-appropriate expectations (13:58) Reflect on your own attitides towards risk (17:31) Your children should contribute around the house (21:29) Encourage children to do tasks in their own way (24:26) Help them to problem solve independently (26:04) Teach responsibility through an allowance Also Mentioned in this Episode: Old Enough – Watch Now on Netflix 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode I am doing something a little different. I am answering 4 listener questions which cover ADHD, Autism, Teen Friendships, Death and a Fear of Flying. Your children or teens might not be struggling with the exact same challenges but I can guarantee you will get some very useful tips from listening. So here goes.. Here are the highlights: (01:10) I think my son has ADHD (16:54) My daughter is being excluded by her friends (25:42) Talking to my child about death (33:24) My child has a fear of flying – help! 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to talk about what might possibly feel like the elusive art of raising happy children. Everywhere we are reading about children and teenagers struggling with their mental health and yet there are a vast number of children growing up happy. What’s the secret??   Sometimes it is hard to get the balance right between what makes our children happy and what’s actually in their best interests. This episode is not about always taking the line to happiness but I do think happiness and what’s right are not mutually exclusive. You can most definitely raise a happy child by always doing what’s in their best interests. I’ll share my top 6 tips.   Here are the highlights: (05:06) A bit about my own children (08:58) You must work on your own happiness (12:15) Encourage your child to build relationships (16:29) Promoting optimism as a state of mind (22:00) Teach our children to connect with their emotions (28:13) Create habits (33:32) Connect regularly as a family 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk about being a mother and having personal ambitions.  Wanting something for you which feels worthwhile striving for and yet comes with a whole host of guilt about whether you are failing at motherhood because of your ambitions.  At 52 I no long worry what anyone thinks of me, my drive, or my ambition. I am unapologetically me, and by the way –  I know I am a great mother!!What I know now to be true has always been true, I just wish I could have told my younger self and spared myself years of unnecessary self-criticism and worry. So, allow me to gift you the wisdom I have gained over the past five decades. Here are the highlights: (01:41) My children didn’t need me anymore (05:36) Find your tribe (10:33) We set unrealistic benchmarks for ourselves (15:43) Leave comparison at the door (20:01) Practice self-compassion 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know that time when you are expecting and you’re lost on those dreams of what your child will be like? The interests you think they are likely to have because of you and your partner’s interests and passions. The qualities you feel they will inherit and how they will utilise them. Maybe you are both musical and you imagine them growing up to have an appreciation of classical music, as you do. Maybe you are super sporty and you imagine which sports they will choose to take up or maybe you are super creative and you imagine what form their creativity might take    Then they are born grow up and their natural interests could not be more out of alignment to your own and you wonder - what the hell happened??!!!!   How do we get to know and parent the child we have, rather than the child we secretly hoped we’d have Here are the highlights: (00:26) Lost in dreams of what your child might be (04:04) Three health warnings (09:51) A practical exercise to get to know your children (15:14) Describing yourself in 10 words (23:09) Understanding your child’s aspirations (25:59) Applying this exercise in real life 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode is brought to you as a result of a listener email. We are going to talk about real parenting - the messy, dirty, ugly, crying, shouting, despairing trials which confront us - often it feels, on a daily basis!! Whether you’re feeling totally knackered, as though you’re failing. Feeling as though you are throwing random threats out when your children make poor choices and then not being able to follow through - maybe even feeling as though your children are ganging up on you - being deliberately non-compliant and hatching a plan to completely mess with your mind!!!! This episode is for you Here are the highlights: (01:26) We have all been there (04:40) Cut yourself some slack (08:10) Quick wins vs longer lasting changes (11:29) Review your household rules regularly (15:40) You are the CEO of your family (21:12) Check in on you (27:09) My give this week 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Societally we juggle more than our parents ever did when they were raising us.We are a generation raised on the notion we could have it all - a great marriage, fulfilling careers, wonderful children, holidays, a big house, nice cars, after school paid activities, tutoring, the best schools, and so on and so on.Add social media, rolling news, and the need to be constantly 'on' and it's no wonder we have the mental health issues we have today. Whilst some children will need the support of a specialist, there is so much we can do to help at home, and it starts with us asking ourselves "How am I really feeling, and what am I doing to take care of my stresses, anxieties and overwhelm?". Here are the highlights: (00:54) One in six children have a probable diagnosable mental health issue (06:50) Do a ‘stress audit’ on your typical day (10:18) Make small but meaningful changes (15:12) The power of family meetings (18:16) Include children in the decision-making process 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I want to tackle the complex subject of how do we have conversations with our children about scary world events. Now if you are listening to this episode in March 2022 you may find this relevant for explaining to children about what is happening with Ukraine and Russia. However, the advice I will give is relevant across a number of issues, whether it’s climate change, wars, riots, unrest or widely publicised prosecutions. Anything which bursts our children’s bubble of the world being an inherently good and safe place. Here are the highlights: (01:28) The world can be a scary place for children (05:01) Children pick up on others’ concerns (12:06) Focus on the facts (15:35) Be honest when you don’t know the answer (17:49) How to help your child manage their fear and anxiety (20:14) The balloon technique (26:20) A daily practice of gratitude 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode takes a slightly different tack to parenting - looking at it from the perspective of “If only I knew!”   It takes the approach if I knew then what I knew now - how would I parent differently? I believe quite strongly that it’s never too late to start afresh, we genuinely cannot screw up our kids, if we approach parenting consciously - constantly reflecting back on choices we’ve made and why we made them - and then making changes when we need to.   So if you’re an expectant parent with your first child and you’re listening to this, or you’re expecting your second, third, fourth child or maybe you’re a parent looking at making a fresh start with your parenting. This episode is for you. Here are the highlights: (00:32) It’s never too late (04:35) Listening to our Inner Child (07:33) What kind of adult do you want to raise? (12:50) Children do what they see, not what we say (15:22) Parenting is a work in progress 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are talking about back-chat and pushing boundaries. I get asked about this a lot as I know it’s something we can really struggle with as parents.  We usually associate this type of behaviour with the teenagers; thirteen, fourteen-year-olds being rebellious and pushing every boundary. Yet what I know to be true is this pattern of behaviour is not limited to any age. It’s much more to do with what is happening in our children’s internal world than something which is specifically related to a given age or stage of development. I’ll share my thoughts on why we are seeing this behaviour more and more, and in younger and younger children. I will also share my usual five top strategies to help and support. Here are the highlights: (01:05) Children want control over their lives just like us (05:25) All decisions come with consequences (10:39) Help our children make choices (15:24) Punishments don’t work, but consequences do (19:55) Be clear, be consistent and follow through (24:19) Regularly check in with yourself 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children’s willpower is like a rechargeable battery; it starts the day full and slowly drains away to nothing, before sleep recharges it for the next day.    How quickly your child’s battery runs flat depends in part on their character, how much their willpower has been used throughout the day, and whether they have regularly visited a recharge station.    In this episode I will share with you my five simple ways to ensure your child’s battery has enough charge to get them through their day.   Plus, I answer the question of the week from a parent who can’t get her child to talk to her. What should she do? Here are the highlights: (01:57) 5 simple ways to keep our children’s batteries charged (06:38) A simple card game (09:28) The marshmallow experiment (13:18) Promote the right mindset (20:35) Parent question of the week 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to regularly answer your most burning questions as part of my Help! Question. So here is our first. Help!! I’ve completely lost it with my children!!We have all been there right?? You know, those times when we become some sort of mum/dad zilla - unleashing anger, fury, and frustration in a way which almost feels like an out of body experience, and you just can’t seem to stop yourself. In this episode I will share my 5 step plan of what to do once it’s happened, and I will share a free resource to help reduce the chances of it happening again.   Here are the highlights: (02:37) We need to own our mistakes (05:18) No ifs, no buts, just say sorry (10:11) We help our children build their own lives (14:40) We must reflect – the bucket analogy (23:43) Being a parent is just one of our roles 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about the importance of play for our children.I am often asked about how much time school-aged children should have to play each day. My answer is always the same…I believe play is the single most important activity for children to engage in, each and every day, for at least one hour.The research evidence is overwhelming in documenting the power of play for children’s emotional wellbeing, social development, AND academic achievement.  I will share with you my five top reasons why you should be scheduling play into your child’s day, before anything else. Here are the highlights: (01:00) Play has a huge impact on your child’s emotional wellbeing (08:14) Wind down and recharge through playtime (12:34) Play teaches social skills (16:35) Don’t stifle your children’s creativity (22:11) Let them communicate with their internal chatter 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about childhood friendships; the high and lows, ins and outs and how we can help our children navigate them better.As humans we are social animals - we want to belong, we want to be accepted, be part of a collective and friendships serve that purpose for us. When it comes to school - friendships are the reason children stay happy and bounce into school. When they are struggling with friendships it can create a whole host of other issues.These issues occur across all ages from pre-schoolers all the way up to our school leavers and university attending young adults - the language used is just different.I’ll share the qualities of a good friend and the five friendship truths. Here are the highlights: (01:55) The importance of friendships for our children (03:15) Qualities of a good friendship (14:33) Identifying our strengths and weaknesses (20:14) How to react when your child is struggling with friendships (22:09) The 5 truths about friendships your child should understand 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to talk about all things related to uncertainty. You might instinctively think about the global pandemic, yet there are so many other types of uncertainty our children, teens, and young adults will need to learn to navigate – changing school, applying to university, moving house, forming new friendships. Some people have a high tolerance to uncertainty, whilst others worry excessively and become paralysed with fear. I will share my top five strategies to help navigate uncertainty more successfully. Here are the highlights:(02:27) Does your child have a low tolerance to uncertainty?(07:49) Top 5 strategies to manage your child’s tolerance (09:17) No. 1 – Be fully present (14:19) No. 2 – Focus on the things you CAN control (17:16) No. 3 – Practice being contrary  (21:53) No. 4 – Manage your internal chatter (28:14) No. 5 – Practicing gratitude  💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I am joined by Clare Ford as we talk about how we can create a positive learning environment for our children to succeed academically. I know this is a topic I get asked about all the time! We talk through the common challenges we face as parents - how do we encourage our children to learn without nagging!!  Clare is an award winning education expert with over 20 years’ teaching experience, an international best-selling author and Founder of SwitchedON!, the cutting-edge global education platform offering inspirational education and parenting solutions.   Here are the highlights: (03:24) Let’s think about what we don’t want (07:31) Create a space to talk and identify the triggers (16:19) Trust your child’s better judgment (20:59) Respect your child’s unique skills and attributes (28:25) Every child is different (32:31) The benefits of being fully present (37:03) The higher self is where the magic happens Click here to find out more about SwitchedON! 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode I talk about all things Back to School! We’re talking about preparing our children’s mindsets, cultivating curiosity, dealing with back-to-school anxieties and creating good habits.  This episode is for you whether you have a 5-year-old or a 20-something your old going back to University/Work! Here are the highlights: (00:49) Creating the right habits (04:29) Tailor a back to school plan for your child (09:03) Sleeping patterns go out of the window during holidays (14:45) Cultivating curiosoty through reading (19:05) How to deal with back to school anxiety (21:30) Maintain good social connections during school breaks 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about what can often feel like the ‘icky’ subject of pornography, and why we need to have that conversation with our children NOW!!A recent study by The Children’s Commission in the UK has revealed over half of children will be exposed to online pornography before they leave primary school!! Some as young as 7 years old!Whilst this data is from the UK, the exposure is online, and so is likely to follow similar trends globally. As parents we have to act, and we have to act now!! I share my top four tips for broaching the subject of pornography and consent.Here are the highlights:  (01:24) Whatever age you think the conversation should happen... it's younger (07:15) We project guilt and shame on our children (11:10) Porn is no longer reserved for top shelf magazines (16:40) This is not a one-off conversation but the start of many (21:00) Teaching our children about consent (24:15) Use the actual words 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to talk about how we can avoid entitlement at Christmas - you know what I mean - what feels like the constant “I want, I want, I want” Whether this come from a place of comparison - so and so has chocolates for breakfast in their advent calendar, to long list of demands for Christmas presents you can’t afford, or feels excessive and before you know it you’re being sucked into excess when you know that’s not what you want to do. Here are the highlights:  (00:34) Don’t be sucked into excess at Christmas (03:52) What does Christmas mean to you? (09:03) Let’s start by educating our children (12:21) Your traditions should reflect your family values (15:14) Overcompensating may be a manifestation of guilt 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I know we can all relate to this one! This week’s episode is all about how we can stop nagging and instead encourage our children to listen more, do more, and take on more responsibility. I can imagine a lot of you will be thinking this is an impossible task but I can reassure you there is a better way.  I will talk you through my 3 simple steps and then gift you my How To sheet.  It’s not a quick fix way, but a way which could genuinely be transformational for your family. It just has to start with some home truths and honesty and of course, in my usual way, I will say this all with love!! Here are the highlights: (06:11) Set clear and developmental appropriate expectations(11:06) Every child can make a contribution(13:43) Consequences work so much better than punishment(15:26) You need to communicate these expectations effectively(29:47) Follow through and be consistent💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to dedicate this episode to you as parents, first and foremost. We will do a separate episode for how you can integrate these principles for your children.   Trust me you are absolutely not going to want to miss this. I want this episode to be an inspiring one, one which I hope you will refer back to time and time again.   Whilst the context behind what I am going to talk you through is very much linked to the New Year - the principles are something which you can quite genuinely do any time of the year when you want to commit to making some real changes in your life! Here are the highlights: {1:01} New Year’s Resolutions do not work {4:25} Effective goal-setting for the new year {11:19} It’s about more than ticking boxes {16:33} Helping our children begins with helping ourselves 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children who find their voice have a strong sense of who they are, are able to stand up for themselves, can express their views without fear, are respectful of others, accept differences, and as a result are well-liked by their peers. I believe, as parents, we should all be striving to raise children with a voice as all these character traits are key to living an adult life confidently and compassionately. In this podcast episode I share my top five strategies and a great free resource to help you get started! Here are the highlights: {1:38} Children are buildings under construction {5:38} Create opportunities for children to express their opinion {8:03} The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary {11:42} The power of undivided attention {15:12} Introvert vs Extrovert {22:29} Pay attention and listen to your child’s perspective 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadly speaking I would put fear into two categories. The fear which is real and the fear which we perceive. Perceived fear occurs when we encounter a situation which feels overwhelming. We imagine all manner of scenarios which don’t bode well. We are in no real life threatening or immediate danger but our body reacts as though it were. Our fight, flight or freeze mechanism is activated.  This type of fear holds us and our children back from reaching our full potential. So, in this episode I get super practical and share with you exactly how I help children move on from fear to find their courage. Here are the highlights: {2:54} Fight, flight or freeze {9:52} The Serenity Prayer {13:30} Our perceived fear at work {19:32} Your inner cheerleader {24:05} Do not fear failure 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some of you may know that on 28th October 2021 I wrote across all my social media accounts that I had found my continued use of social media platforms untenable with my passion for children's wellbeing. I want this episode to be an honest conversation about social media so we can make more informed decisions about their use for our families.  As parents we should know the dangers these platforms pose for our children’s emotional wellbeing and feel confident we can help equip our children make better choices about social media use.  Here are the highlights: {0:32} My decision to quit social media {7:32} Social media can fuel self-confidence issues in our children {13:29} We need to educate ourselves as parents {17:13} With privilege comes responsibility {22:28} Our children can be accidentally exposed to harmful content  Find out more and connect with Dr. Maryhan at www.drmaryhan.com  To access the free resources mentioned in this episode visit https://drmaryhan.com/library  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This might be something you are right in the middle of, something you think might be coming, or you are simply listening because you want to be there for a friend or someone in your family. Either way I am glad you’re here and I hope you find it useful.  Let’s start by taking away any guilt or judgement you might be harbouring. No one embarks on the process of separating from a partner lightly. It comes with a great deal of considered thought and guilt too. Quite often the relationship has not been right for a long time. Staying in an unhappy relationship for the sake of the children IS more damaging to their wellbeing than separating. Full stop. This episode is not about persuading people to leave an unhappy relationship but it is an episode which encourages us all to be more compassionate to those who find themselves in this heart wrenching situation. Please let’s park judgment and truly seek to understand and for those in the midst of this - please know you are not alone and things will get better in time - they just feel pretty rubbish right now. Here are the highlights: {1:02} Nobody takes a separation lightly {3:08} Children see and know more than we think {9:41} Sometimes we don’t have all the answers {16:27} Children thrive on boundaries {22:03} It’s not a popularity contest 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent survey by the NHS found that 29% of six to 10-year-olds had trouble sleeping on three or more nights in the previous week. Problems getting to sleep, waking in the night or waking early were even more common among older children, affecting 38% of 11- to 16-year-olds and the majority – 57% – of young people aged 17 to 23. To me, it’s no wonder we have rising numbers of mental health challenges with sleep data like this!!! I want this episode to be super practical and informative so you can help your child, or teen, if they are one of these children struggling. Here are the highlights: {1:03} The 3 different functions of sleep {5:36} Keeping the worries out of the bedroom {10:52} With privilege comes responsibility {13:25} Dressing the bedroom {18:34} Help them find their own strategies {22:52} The small things that shift the emphasis of the day 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world has never felt more divisive. Globally we have the hugely divisiveness of political views, whether this relates to vaccination, climate change or in the United Kingdom the whole division which was created around Brexit. Extremism and radical views aren’t born, they are made and when we live in a society in which we either consciously or unconsciously place people into groups or give them labels we are in real danger of dehumanising people.  How does this relate to compassion and children I hear you ask? It comes into our everyday living. When our child comes home from School and says another child has repeatedly pushed them over in the playground we might describe the other child as naughtily, unkind, mean, a bully and encourage our child to stay away from them.  These seemingly small acts lead to greater divisions. So how do we teach our children to be compassionate? In my view the secret is in 5 regular practices, which I share in this episode Here are the highlights: {00:53} Labels can be dehumanizing {04:10} Adopting a growth mindset {6:54} The power of yet {13:47} Modelling compassion {19:32} Practicing gratitude 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about the importance of a morning routine and how it helps us to become more effective parents. In fact, I’m going to be even more specific than that’s and talk to all you mothers out there. Now it’s not that this episode won’t be relevant to dads, it absolutely will, I have just found in my experience mum’s gain the most from the shift in emphasis - as will become evident as we go through the process. As parents we often find ourselves in patterns and cycles which have become habitual, and which don’t serve us, or our family. Maybe we tolerate behaviour because we’re too exhausted to make the change, or we know we are likely to encounter challenges so we maintain the status quo to keep everyone happy?  A good morning routine helps us step out of auto-pilot and more into conscious parenting Here are the highlights: {00:47} Getting stuck in habits {03:50} When we take care of ourselves, we can better take care of others {07:56} A good morning routine starts with bedtime {11:43} S is for Silence {15:01} H is for Hydration {18:22} I is for Intention & N is for Notetaking {23:10} E is for Exercise💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am delighted to be joined by the incredible Rania Robinson, MD of Quiet Storm the ad agency responsible for the Haribo ads we all love where the adults talk with children’s voices.  As a woman of colour raising two mixed race children she shares her personal insights on how she has navigated discussions around race and discrimination.  I believe we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our children so we can eradicate discrimination. So many parents have not known how to start discussions around Black Lives Matters and Rania shares the most incredible insights from her own family. This is a must listen for every parent - regardless of race or ethnicity.  She also just happens to be my sister. Here are the highlights: {1:58} Starting school for the first time {5:06} A strong sense of being different {11:40} The 'Angry Black Man' {16:07} Black Lives Matter vs All Lives Matter {19:03} Black communities are disproportionately affected {23:06} He's not a thief, he's my husband {28:00} Changing perceptions one ad at a time 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future episodes💚 You can watch the Bucket Emptying Episodes on Youtube💚 Access the free resources mentioned in the episodes💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.