This is the first of my new bitesize Bucket Emptying episodes. You’ll find shorter 5-10 minute episodes released each Monday sharing my top tips and answers to your questions, all focusing on emptying your bucket! 💚 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.

Here are the highlights:Regulate emotions (4:00)Input matters (8:11)Sleep (9:26)Exercise daily (13:36)Silence (16:34)Toxins impact thinking (19:40)Reflective practice (21:20)Opportunities for growth (22:40)Novelty fires neurons (24:42)Gratitude practice (24:00)💚 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 want to talk at the most inopportune of moments, and there is a reason why they do this. If we lean into those moments we could significantly improve their emotional wellbeing and safeguard them from mental health issues. Here are the highlights:(3:26) Moments can make all the difference(8:35) Why does it matter?(10:01) Every interaction leaves a trace(13:37) Create connection(17:58) Lean in(19:55) Listen to fully understand(23:16) Learn💚 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.

Being shy and being introverted aren't the same thing, although they may look the same. I'll help you understand which your child is, and how to best help them flourish more in social situations.Here are the highlights:(1:55) Difference between introvert and shy person(3:00) A shy child(6:02) An introverted child(10:26) Get super clear on whether it’s shyness or introversion(11:25) Do not label (14:37) Set up scaffolded social situations (18:31) Rehearse and role play(20:45) Set small goals💚 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.

Is the pursuit of happiness for our children an illusion? Are we doing them a disservice making happiness our focus because it just isn't possible to feel that way all the time! Maybe we should be focusing on something else??Here are the highlights:(1:44) Why do we focus so much on happiness?(4:08) We should be accepting of every emotion(5:15) Don’t rush in to fix(10:05) We need to regulate our own emotions in that moment(15:06) How need to be emotional role models(19:17) We need to empathise(23:10) Don’t create a habit of trading 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.

I’m talking about the question we all ask ourselves and each other. “Is my child’s behaviour a phase, or is it a more permanent issue which they might need help with, and how do I know the difference??" We know our children will naturally go through ages and stages as they go from baby to adult - I’m talking about whether there’s a way of knowing for sure Here are the highlights: (2:00) Is it an age or stage or do you need support?(6:50) What else is going on in their life?(12:09) Consistent scaffolding(16:25) Has there been any regression in other areas?(19:15) Are there accompanying changes in sleep, appetite or behaviour?(22:09) Is the change in behaviour affecting their daily 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.

Is it really possible for us to help our children unplug on a regular basis?? Absolutely! We just need to know how. I will help you recognise when your child or teen needs to unplug, and ways we can create balance for our children and family. Here are the highlights: (1:15) Is it possible to unplug children completely? (4:00) Patterns of behaviour that show your child needs to unplug(6:21) Why is unplugging important?(11:16) Tech has no place at mealtimes(14:06) Tech has no place in bedrooms whilst sleeping(17:10) No magic bullet(19:53) Not a one hit wonder; have regular conversations(21:19) It's about balance(23:00) Role model💚 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.

How can we help our children and teens when they are taking tests and exams? Whether they are lacking motivation and doing absolutely no work, or they are overworking and getting themselves super stressed. Understanding some basic principles is crucial. We can then step up to be the support they need, and they can step up and be their best. Here are the highlights: (01:40) Revision should be a time our children refresh something they already understand (03:00) Our role as parents(4:00) Practical support(10:00) Reasons your child may lack motivation(19:20) Self-care, especially for highly driven children 💚 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.

Friendships can be hard at any time, however when you're also juggling a new school, raging hormones, and working out who you are it can feel like a whole new ball-game. I’ll share how we can support teens to build their friendships, how to spot an unhealthy friendship and ways we can support a shy / anxious teen to make friends. Whilst the focus is on the specific challenges teens face, the advice holds true for any age child. Here are the highlights: (03:02) Keep the line of communication open (07:37) How to recognise the different types of friendship (12:37) An unhealthy or a toxic relationship? (21:38) Supporting a shy teenager (23:40) Internal back chat can be crippling (26:11) Help your children move forward 💚 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.

Sleep and routines are probably the two biggest challenges we want answers to as parents regardless of how old our children are! Cat and Sarah's approach is refreshingly honest and super practical so you're in for a treat. Listen to The Sleep Mums podcastBuy the book 'Sleep Better Baby'Here are the highlights: (02:45) Do you have a routine or not? (08:37) Every child has different needs (10:46) The difference between babies and children (15:11) Routine is like a crib sheet (17:44) Don’t get sucked into comparison (23:26) How to help older children settle (26:23) How to make sure you get enough sleep (32:11) Is there a difference between men and women’s sleep? 💚 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.

Repetition is the mother of all learning, which is why this week I'm revisiting an important past episode.Today’s episode “We Still 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.

A conservative estimate states 3-5% of the worldwide population has ADHD. With numbers of children being diagnosed increasing, what can we do as parents if we suspect our child has ADD or ADHD? I am joined by the incredible Lucinda Miller who shares her 20 plus years experience supporting neurodiverse children using nutrition. Here are the highlights: (02:23) A neurodivergent family (09:38) Genetics are the gun and your environment is the trigger (15:59) It’s all about the protein (18:35) The role of food in an ADHD diagnosis (21:13) Growth spurts, periods and puberty (27:05) Join Lucinda’s course 💚 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 hashtag 'glass child' has been trending on social platforms and refers to children growing up in home where a sibling requires a disproportionate amount of parental energy. Leaving them feeling as though we look right through them. What can we do as parents to avoid our children growing up and feeling they were 'glass children'?Here are the highlights: (02:28) Don’t overplay the guilt (07:22) They might say they’re ok, but they’re not (12:19) Communication is crucial (14:42) Apportioning time based on need (17:22) How to support your glass children (19:15) The elephant in the room 💚 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.

Attachment theory argues a child's early experiences creates a blueprint for all future relationships. Secure attachments are the result of emotionally sensitive parenting and the child feeling their emotional needs are met. So it's crucial for teaching emotional regulation, and how we achieve this isn't just what we do when our children are babies. In this episode we go back to basics to help you understand what attachment theory is, how it can manifest in our children's actions and behaviour, and what we can do as parents to support our children.Here are the highlights: (02:15) Why is attachment theory so important? (08:06) The Strange Situation (12:59) These behaviours are normal (18:34) Responding to our child’s emotional needs (20:35) Emotionally responsive vs emotionally sensitive 💚 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.

Wouldn't it be amazing if our children and teens could conquer their fear of failing? So often they stop doing something or don't even try because they worry about not being good enough, being judged, not being accepted or looking silly. This episode is for all parents and educators who want to help their children or teens feel the fear and do it anyway!!Here are the highlights: (02:20) Imagine a seesaw (07:23) Whats does success look like to our children? (09:39) Identify the internal chatter (17:13) Common symptoms of anxiety in children (22:19) Help our children build their ladder (29:15) Identify the root of the issue 💚 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.

They say 'repetition is the mother of all learning' so we've pulled together some of the best bits from my most downloaded episodes to help give you a little extra support, and a new booster resource.Enjoy!Here are the highlights: (01:33) Ep 001 - any attention is better than no attention (05:28) Ep 011 – needs over equality (08:55) Ep 027 – I've noticed that... (14:14) Ep 037 – I am the adult, do as I say (16:35) Ep 044 – no bad emotions (20:50) Ep 055 – small talk is an essential skill (24:37) Ep 060 – small opportunities make a big difference (26:04) Ep 072 – reframe the situation (29:44) Ep 084 – 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 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At some point our children will grow up and they will need to navigate adult challenges. They'll need to get a job, or start a business, manage their finances, cook, clean, learn to manage conflict, plan, prioritise, and so on and so on.What are the skills they will need, and how can we better prepare them in childhood so we’re not leaving all the learning until adulthood?Here are the highlights: (02:34) Striking up conversations with strangers (04:49) Building confidence in small steps (09:56) Making beds, laying tables and cooking meals (17:19) The lost art of the handwritten letter (20:17) How to answer a landline phone (25:36) The importance of life skills for children 💚 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 addresses what I feel gets stamped on our foreheads the moment we become parents. Guilt. This guilt comes from the stories we tell ourselves about what it means to be a good mum, so, what are the stories you are really telling yourself and how are they currently serving you??Plus, I answer a question from one of my listeners, who wants to know what to do about toys in the bedroom!Here are the highlights: (00:33) Listener question: toys in the bedroom (05:11) The geography of parenting has changed (07:31) What is mum guilt? (15:15) What you do versus what you advise your friends (18:14) How is your current behaviour serving you? (23:26) Trusting your instincts (26:21) Find a support group for your mum 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.

Social and emotional development is made up of skills which help children develop their resilience and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.For me, they are the crucial components to safeguarding our children's long term wellbeing.It’s no guarantee they won’t struggle with their mental health later in life - but it does mean they’ll be better equipped to navigate any future crisis. Here are the highlights: (02:41) The biggest factors to our child’s development (04:38) Helping our children manage healthy relationships (08:31) Building resilience, self-esteem and confidence (17:06) Identify and label emotions (20:05) The concept of “I am” (23:06) Make it fun! (28:42) The importance of active listening (31:16) Grab a spoon 💚 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 children who get physical and hit. How we respond to hitting follows the same general rules and principles however there will be some additional factors to consider depending on our child's age. For example a young pre-verbal child hitting is a very different matter to an 18 year old.Here are the highlights: (02:33) Why do children hit? (09:42) The importance of establishing around kindness with our hands (14:44) Recognising and dealing with inappropriate behaviour (21:40) What do they need in the moment? (28:09) Communication is key (31:01) Dealing with laughter 💚 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 all things connected with lying. Why children do it, when does it develop, what can we do to encourage our children to tell the truth, and what to avoid in the moments when we catch them.Understanding why children do it is crucial to helping us respond in the best way for our child. Here are the highlights: (00:29) The most common reasons our children lie (02:14) Lying is developmentally normal (07:27) A false belief task (12:02) Lying out of curiosity (15:03) Our children are no different to us (19:12) Encouraging our children to tell the truth (21:32) Positive reinforcement (24:36) Have conversations about family values (28:48) Liar is a dirty word 💚 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.

“Tantrums & Meltdowns” is all about how we tackle those inevitable moments when our children simply lose the plot, their emotions get the better of them, or they feel debilitatingly overhwlemed. Of course you may think this is just the domain of the dubbed 'terrible twos' but this can happen to any child, at any ages.In this episode I'll talk about what causes them, how we can prevent them, and what to do in the midst of the meltdown. Here are the highlights: (01:22) Our children will have a meltdown... it’s inevitable (04:44) It’s not just toddlers who struggle with communication (08:49) Four things you need to know about tantrums (12:41) How to help children communicate their basic needs (17:43) Spotting and managing triggers (20:29) Praise the positives! (25:56) Stop using “no” as a default response (29:21) Knowing your child’s limits (33:43) Model calm behaviour (38:13) I disagree with the parenting books (41:45) It’s always easier said than done! 💚 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 talking all about what we can do when we’re expecting the arrival of our child - however we find ourselves embarking on the journey to parenting. It's also supremely relevant for all the other stages of our children's lives as they reach them -as these are another birth - walking, talking, preschool, school, university, first job, leaving home...My six pointers will help keep you grounded and sane.Here are the highlights: (01:14) Parents-to-Be consume information by the barrel load (05:13) Read about different milestones, not just birth (08:02) Parenting isn’t black and white (11:12) It’s always messier than you expect! (14:16) Don’t fall into this parenting trap... (16:46) The right time to have difficult conversations with partners (20:36) Make sure communication with co-parents is open and often (23:17) Different do what they see, not what we say (26:32) Self-care is critical (30:22) Every child develops and adapts uniquely 💚 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 episodes responds to a listener question highlighting something so many parents worry about. How do we know if our children or teens are struggling making / keeping friends and if they are - when and how do we help??In this episode I'll share how best to uncover any potential issues and then how to support them to make the very best of friendships for them. Here are the highlights: (00:30) Leslie’s question (02:27) Building a tribe (06:45) Figure out your starting point (12:26) The fear of initiating (15:24) Our children value different things from friendships (18:52) Green friends and red friends (22:20) Finding friendship through common interests (26:06) Connecting with their own judgment 💚 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's brains are built. At birth they have nearly 90 billion brain cells, and these cells makes connections which then wire together. Understanding how this happens and the role experience plays is crucial if we are to raise children who become happy, confident, resilient adults. I'll share four facts we all need to know. Here are the highlights: (01:00) Neuroplasticity (03:44) Brain stats (08:02) Neurons that fire together, wire together (14:00) Nature and nurture’s influence on brain development (20:04) Pruning (22:30) The brain’s capacity to change never stops (26:07) A workout for your brain 💚 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.

My next interview was so good I’ve split it into two parts! So for the next two I am joined by the excellent Nadim Saad. Nadim is a parenting and relationship coach and author of seven books including the highly acclaimed Kids Don’t Come With a Manual, Happy Confident Me Journal series and Raising Happy Confident Kids. Father of three and founder of The Happy Confident Company – focused on helping children become the best version of themselves. We talk parenting, how our childhood affects our parenting and the ten life skills all children needs to learn. Our conversation was so good, we had to break it up into two episodes! You are in for a huge treat.    Here are the highlights: (01:27) The power of resilience (04:16) Teaching the importance of creativity (07:43) Kindness has a ripple effect (11:27) How to become a better human (14:41) Being present is about quality over quantity (18:37) What are you going to do about it? (22:48) The parents’ inner critic (26:34) The power of optimism (31:05) Learning to address feelings, not shut them down 💚 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.

My next interview was so good I’ve split it into two parts! So for the next two I am joined by the excellent Nadim Saad. Nadim is a parenting and relationship coach and author of seven books including the highly acclaimed Kids Don’t Come With a Manual, Happy Confident Me Journal series and Raising Happy Confident Kids. Father of three and founder of The Happy Confident Company – focused on helping children become the best version of themselves. We talk parenting, how our childhood affects our parenting and the ten life skills all children needs to learn. Our conversation was so good, we had to break it up into two episodes! You are in for a huge treat.    Here are the highlights: (03:37) The challenge of opposing parenting styles (06:10) We lose it from time to time, and that’s ok (09:53) Coaching a change in mindset (13:14) The salad leaf incident (18:55) Changes take time to be noticed (21:56) The science of parenting (27:01) Helping our children to manage negative feelings (30:27) It’s ok to be angry sometimes (33:33) The power of introspection (37:15) I’m not the only one 💚 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 ways we can encourage our children to do what we ask first time! I know it’s probably one of the most frustrating things we can up against as parents - ask isn’t once, twice, three times and then getting angry and frustrated that our children haven’t listened. Now I’m going to tackle this in two half’s because there’s the dealing with it in the moment and then there’s the putting expectations in place. The more we’re clear in communicating our expectations and consistently applying them the easier the in-moment stuff will be and the less you’ll find yourself having to handle it. I recently shared in my newsletter an article about Japanese fans and players at the Qatar World Cup both of whom after each match have tidied up the stands of rubbish and tidied their dressing room. This isn’t new behaviour specific to this World Cup - they’ve done it at previous tournaments. Why am I sharing this? The relevance is Japanese culture instils a sense of pride in tidying and children are raised to do this from a young age - they tidy their classrooms at school for example. The reason why it’s so relevant to this podcast episode is the notion of expedition and consistently in application. Children are capable of anything we consistently communicate we expect and consistently apply those expectations. For example we all expect our children to walk - so we encourage them as they toddle around and fall on their bottoms knowing that in time they’ll get there - they just need our encouragement. We don’t throw our hands in the air in exasperation when they fall on their bottoms because we have faith they will get there. The same rules apply to getting children to do what we ask - honestly it is.    Here are the highlights: (00:41) Tackling on both fronts (05:01) Expectation and consistency (12:42) Do you have their attention? (15:33) Be specific and clear (18:19) Approach one thing at a time (21:22) Repeating back the request (25:43) Consistency gives you the tipping point 💚 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.

Wife to Harry, Mummy to Lola Kit & Lockie, Violinist, and Author of Dare to Dream & Mindfulness 4 Mums. With all the ‘perceived’ privilege and celebrity status people might attach to someone with over three hundred thousand followers on Instagram Izzy couldn’t be more real, humble, and honest about her and Harry’s parenting journey - from IVF, childhood anxiety, to juggling three children. I know Izzy’s honesty has been a lifeline to so many mothers who relate so much to her stories and her tips for integrating mindfulness into day-to-day parenting, in a way which brings our children on board is incredible. You’re in a for a real treat.     Here are the highlights: (02:12) How’s the juggle? (06:35) I was failing my family (11:17) A constant reminder of the pain (16:53) I need control (23:47) Tackling the mum guilt (28:20) The Story of the Day (33:44) Mindfulness for mums (37:30) Searching for the right 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.

Resilience is all about our children’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and it is very closely related to confidence and self-esteem. Resilience isn’t innate, it’s learnt and as their greatest teachers you can use my simple strategies to start developing your child’s resilience as well as asking yourself this simple question - “how am I modelling resilience??”  Here are the highlights: (01:36) Our children are like computer programs (04:12) Framing the situation (10:45) The importance of modelling good goal-setting (15:34) Promote problem solving (19:32) Encourage risk-taking (22:54) Practicing daily gratitude (26:42) Developing good friendships 💚 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 life there are times when you come across people who you just know are going to be instrumental in changing your perspective on life and I am really not over playing it when I say this about Zoe. She has read, trained and pulled together all the research and best practice on navigating motherhood with self-awareness and her insights on intergenerational cycles, conditioning and what every child craves are tempered with super practical things we can do with this new found self-awareness. I wish Zoe had been around when I was raising my two children as I know I would have found peace of mind in my own parenting so much sooner for having known her. You’re in a for a real treat.     Here are the highlights: (01:57) The most precious inheritance is happiness (06:07) 80% of parenting is modelling (11:54) We didn’t talk about feelings enough (16:38) Preparing for parenthood (24:49) Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and yoga (30:25) Three core needs (33:59) Making complex science pallatable 💚 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.

Alright, so this episode is all about New Year's resolutions and its only November!!! Please just go with it as it could quite literally change your life and inspire your children too. It all starts with this simple question “If you could design your life for 2023; how it makes you feel, who you want to spend it with, and what experiences you want to have, how would you design it?”. In this episode I will share the answers I gave in 2020 for my 21 for 2021 and how I’m doing it differently in 2023. Are you ready to join me??  Here are the highlights: (22:22) The most wonderful time of the year (06:45) Ask yourself one simple question (12:19) A love-hate relationship with meditation (16:10) Be more intentional (19:48) 70% of our behaviour is driven by subconscious habit (23:46) The start of my 23 for 2023 (26:47) Are you doing what you really want to do? 💚 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.

As the saying goes, ‘we all juggle multiple hats’ as parents and finding balance seems to be illusive to most of us. Some days we feel we’re acing it, yet I think I speak for most of us when I say we more often than not feel like we are constantly teetering on the edge of exhaustion. Helen Hopkins is a Wellness Coach and approaches balance from the perspective of habits and how we can find opportunities for balance in those habitual ‘dead times’. You will quite literally be blown away by her simple techniques – a must listen!  Here are the highlights: (03:05) Helping people find their unique balance (08:57) Our definition of balance is subjective (13:13) 32,000 decisions every day (19:03) Changing habitual habits for quick wins (25:17) Looking after someone else starts with looking after yourself (30:00) Give yourself permission (34:11) It’s ok to not be ok 💚 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.

When we have a child who seems hellbent on arguing with everything we ask of them, making up their own rules, and struggling to manage their emotions – it can leave its mark on all of us.   We often feel like we’re parenting in a war zone and then feel guilty and sad with how we’ve handled things. There isn’t a magic wand approach which will change everything, yet my seven strategies could just save your sanity and relationship with your child, without breaking their spirit.  Here are the highlights: (00:41) There’s no quick fix (05:45) Reframing the situation (10:51) Give your children control within set parameters (17:36) Experiential learning (22:54) You cannot over-communicate with a headstrong child 💚 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 Stephanie shares her strategies as an educational consultant and coach for supporting children and teens as they navigate tests and exams. Whether your children are taking tests which measure their progress, exams to get into their next schools, or exams at 16 and 18 which are likely to determine University or career pathways you’ll want to listen to this. In fact I found so many great tips for talking to our children about life and challenges - beyond tests - so you’re in for a real treat. BUY STEPHANIE’S BOOK ‘COLLEGE IS NOT MANDATORY’ HERE  Here are the highlights: (03:11) A test grade does not define our children (08:37) We live in a comparison culture (13:48) Teachers and parents need to use the same language (20:27) Separating our identity from what we do (22:01) The football analogy (27:37) Taking the anxiety out of tests  Also mentioned in this episode: Ep 051: Helping Children Feel Confident About Their Future with Stephanie Haynes  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.

A whole generation of children and teens are desperately unhappy.  A recent survey by the Children’s Society ranked UK children amongst the unhappiest in Europe, although the unhappiness trend is not just a UK phenomenon. I’ll share my thoughts on why so many children are unhappy and what we can do to reverse this worrying trend.  Here are the highlights: (00:28) The three reasons your child might be unhappy (04:31) Life is too fast (08:49) Never underestimate a good bedtime routine (15:35) Being outside has a huge impact on wellbeing (19:24) Set healthy boundaries (24:04) Encourage your children to problem solve 💚 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 the first in my Investing In Yourself mini-series where incredible people share their wisdom and expertise across different areas in which we can invest in ourselves as parents. Heather, the driving force and dynamo behind Supermums talks about her journey investing in herself, and how we might go about doing the same. Whether we want a new career or a better balance between work and home, she’ll share how she made the decision to invest in herself and start a new career.  Here are the highlights: (03:31) Becoming Supermum (08:18) So many jobs and not enough talent (10:51) A recession-proof career in Salesforce (18:20) Not just a training program, but a support group to help you succeed (24:37) Laying the groundwork and getting clear on what you want 💚 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.

Whilst the release of this episode is immediately after the death Queen Elizabeth II, the approach I suggest is intended to cover any situation where a child comes into contact with the death of someone - whether that’s a direct relative, a friend, neighbour, public figure etc. For some the current world event may mean you are talking about death for the very first time and your child might be really still quite young, for others the Queen’s death might be bringing up old sadness for a loved one who has already died, others might have people in their lives who are currently unwell, or your children are asking questions about your own longevity. I’ll talk you through the eight principles to be mindful of when starting, and maintaining those conversations about death.     Here are the highlights: (00:33) The Queen’s death may prompt difficult questions (03:02) Be honest, clear and direct (05:54) Children’s biggest fear is abandonment (10:34) Crying make us human (14:12) Communication is key (17:22) We don’t always have the perfect answer (20:27) There’s no one size fits all (23:22) We want our children to know the facts 💚 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.

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.

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.