This episode responds to a listener question highlighting something so many parents worry about. "How can I make separations easier for my child, for instance when being dropped at school, friends etc?"

 In this week’s Bucket Emptying podcast episode I’ll explain separation anxiety and share strategies to support you, and your child understand why it is happening and to manage the situation.

💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with a friend, colleague or family member that could benefit from some support.

💚 Complete my 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

DISCLAIMER: 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.

We read about it everywhere. What’s all the fuss about validating children’s emotions and how does it actually help diffuse those big emotions??

Here are the highlights:

(2:30) A typical scenario


(7:10) Let’s banish some myths

(9:30) Name it to tame it

(12:35) I see you and hear you


(14:03) Builds confidence 

(15:30) Builds emotional literacy

(18:40) It allows you to set boundaries

💚 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

DISCLAIMER: 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.

The purpose of my latest bucket-emptying session is to provide valuable insights to help alleviate your stress and enhance productivity, to stop your bucket overflowing. 

During the school holidays you have a wonderful opportunity to start Sunday planning meetings, which can be a game changer in preventing your bucket from filling up unnecessarily.

💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with a friend, colleague or family member that could benefit from some support.

💚 Complete my 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.

DISCLAIMER: 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.

We’ve all been there right? Whether it’s because we’ve said ‘no’ to something, asked them to do something they don’t want to do, or called ‘time for dinner, bed, bath, school, homework etc ……. and they’ve totally lost the plot.

Their reaction seems so disproportionate, you’d think we’d cut off a limb, and yet to them it’s the end of their world and to us we’re struggling to know what to say and how to keep our own emotions in check.

Join me as I share the three main reasons why children struggle to manage their emotions, and what we can do to help support them.

Here are the highlights:

(2:15) The 3 main reasons your child is having a meltdown

(4:19) Chronological and developmental age

(7:00) Don’t meet their fire with your own 

(13:34) Discussion after a period of calm

(16:30) Using a glitter jar to explain emotions

(22:00) Hand breathing strategy – use in times of calm first!

💚 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.

Are you a parent who recently discovered that your teen is vaping? You're not alone. In a recent listener question, a parent expressed concern over their teen's vaping habits. 

As a parent, it's crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your teen about the dangers of vaping and why they are choosing to do it. 

💚 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.

There are very real issues girls face growing up, which negatively impacts their resilience. Being a ‘good girl’ limits their potential. I’ll share my top tips for raising gutsy women who are not afraid to take chances.

Here are the highlights:

(2:20) Brain facts for context

(12:10) Language matters

(14:40) Be aware of confirmation bias & hypervigilance

(19:18) Shift the energy through action/movement

(22:30) Play tricks with the mind 

(24:50) Praise bravery 

💚 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.

Struggling with a toddler who won't listen can be a challenging experience for any parent.

A recent listener question asked for help with a 3-year-old who seems immune to traditional discipline methods like the naughty step and reward charts. If you're in the same boat, know that you're not alone! It can be tough to find the right approach that works for your child. Keep trying different methods and remember to stay patient and 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.

Warning: This episode contains personal experience of child loss, childbirth and grief.

I thought it might be helpful to share my early parenting journey in as honest way as I can. As a heads up I am going to share experiences of loss and grief, which for some of you may trigger your own loss or grief. Go gently with yourself, and choose what is best for you - whether you listen or whether you skip this episode - be kind to where you are right now. 

Here are the highlights:

(2:50) I had no experience with children

(5:00) Setting the scene with my pregnancies

(7:35) First child lessons

(13:03) Context of my decisions

(16:15) I wish I hadn’t obsessed about my birth plan

(18:00) I wish I’d invested time in finding my tribe

(21:48) I wish I’d accepted ‘good enough’

(24:20) I wish I’d done the inner work

(27:00) I wish I’d taken time to take care of me

💚 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.

Warning: this episode briefly discusses types of pornography children may see online.

As parents, we never know when our children will be exposed to adult content. A listener's 8-year-old son had stumbled upon pornography whilst on a friend's phone.

I'll share my insights on how to approach this with your child, emphasising the importance of open communication and age-appropriate education. It's never too early to start these conversations and equip our children with the tools to navigate the digital world safely.

If you'd like more information about this topic listen to Ep 29: Why we need to talk to our kids about porn NOW!

💚 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.

1 in 5 children aged between 10-18 years is self-harming and the numbers being admitted into hospital is rising - particularly in younger children. As parents what do we need to know about self-harm? What causes it and how we can help our children and teens if they self-harm?

Here are the highlights:

(1:15) What is self-harm?

(3:30) What are the signs to look out for?

(6:30) 1 in 5 children is initially self-harming

(7:55) Why do children and teens self-harm?

(13:20) What to do in the immediate and short-term

(21:00) Medium-term action points

(24:20) Look at the fundamental roots of why they have self-harmed

💚 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 is so important for children and yet we often have so many issues getting our children to bed. This episode responds to a listener question asking to how to help their child with sleep struggles.

If you need more support with this topic please also listen to Episode 5: Bedroom Routines and 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.

Every family has a past which they want to shield their children from. It may be a relative with an addition, a past severe mental health issue, a criminal record or simply something you have not yet found the right way to talk to your children about. I will share my tips on if, when, and how we have these conversations with our children.

Here are the highlights:

(2:30) Why it’s important to share family information

(6:45) Timing is everything

(7:50) Try to avoid it being a big conversation 

(12:30) Plan explanations in advance so you don't panic 

(15.45) Give you child time to process the information and encourage them to ask questions when they're ready

(19:00) Accept it's likely to open old wounds and everyone needs time to heal. Be kind to 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 2025.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the major contributors to filling our bucket is challenges around parenting with our partners. The biggest problem can be when we have different parenting styles to others involved in raising our children. 

Do you know your parenting style? Find out in the accompanying resource.

💚 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 parenting a constant battle? Are struggling to maintain boundaries, reasonable expectations aren’t being met, or if your child is shouting and/or using their physical self to exert their emotions? This is a must listen episode!

Here are the highlights:

(2:00) Let’s get some realistic context

(6:19) Focus on what is out of control for you?

(10:35) Choose one area for 30 days

(14:57) Make a plan

(20:15) Communicate the skills you’re improving for your child/teen

(23:01) Coaching not lecturing

💚 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.

DISCLAIMER: 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.

A very candid and honest conversation with my daughter about her neurodiversity. She opens up about feeling different to her friends from an early age - they seemed to play very differently. She shares why a diagnosis helped her know herself, her experience of medication, and how she's navigating life day to day. There are also come parenting do's and don'ts.

Here are the highlights:

(2:30) Catherine shares her experiences pre-diagnosis

(10:01) Let’s talk about the diagnosis

(14:30) Helping parents understand how they may trigger anxiety

(28:00) Social anxiety

(33:20) Help your child celebrate their strengths and skills

💚 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.

Daily gratitude will help empty your bucket!

There is mounting evidence that the practice of gratitude not only makes us feel happier, but it also increases resilience, self-esteem, improves self-control and mental health. 

It’s even better if you write it down. You can purchase your Shine Planner here or a gratitude journal here  

ADD HIGHLIGHTS

💚 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 “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 child starts school or is well into the school term, the principles I 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:

(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 2025.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's bucket emptying episode addresses a common question: should 6-year-olds have phones? As a parent, I understand the temptation to give in to our children's requests, but in this case, it's important to consider the reasons behind it. In this episode, we explain why we believe that 6-year-olds do not need phones. Tune in to find out more!

💚 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.

Everyone's got an opinion about parenting. The most irritating ones are the naive comments made by people who aren't parents themselves! At the least they are an irritant at their worst they are damaging to our wellbeing. Join me as I rant a little - then offer you some (hopefully) wise words to navigate more peacefully through them.

Here are the highlights: 

(2:00) Parenting is one of the hardest things we’ll do

(3:40) Naïve conversations about parenting

(5:30) Gender stereotypes are harmful

(9:43) We have more than 18 summers with our children!

(15:14) Stay connected to what you know is true

(17:55) Give yourself permission to feel emotions

(22:07) Connect with your tribe

💚 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.

Battles with our children at mealtimes can create stressful family situations. It’s helpful to identify why your child won’t eat, is it texture, specific food types or a phobia?

Please trust your gut instinct as a parent and if you are concerned, please consult your GP for medical advice.

If your child struggles with eating you might find these additional episodes helpful:

Ep 9: The Link Between Children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Nutrition with Lucinda Miller

Ep 96: Nutrition for ADHD with Lucinda Miller

💚 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 published this first episode about Anxiety in June 2021, and it has been hugely popular. I've recently had lots of requests for help around anxiety, so thought it was a great time to republish it. As they say 'repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment!'

Even if you listened back in 2021, I think you'll find it useful to listen again, especially if your child is currently struggling with anxiety.

In the episode I talk about what anxiety is, how you might know your child is struggling with anxiety, and what can you start doing now to help.

Here are the highlights: 

(1:29) The scale of mental health issues

(3:52) Imagine a seesaw

(7:05) Think about it from your child’s perspective

(9:00) The physical effects of anxiety

(12:53) Managing the internal dialogue

(14:57) The common signs of anxiety

Listen to Ep 10: Anxiety (Part 2)

💚 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.

One of the most important things we can do as parents is spend some time as a family, each week, taking time to check in and see what’s working and what we need to adjust going forward.

Did you have a family planning meeting 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.

How can we use a chunk of time - usually the summer, but not always - to work on readying our child for something? This might be a school / nursery start, a transition, or simply learning to be independent and confident. I share my top five tips and a free resource to help you get your child on board.

Here are the highlights: 

(3:10) Work with the end in mind

(6:40) Focus on the overall skills that your child is learning rather than the specific task

(14:43) Be creative in how your child may show those skills

(18:45) Involve your child by using the Ladder Resource

(21:20) Remember growth mindset!

💚 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 simply ask our child to do something and repeatedly get the answer… No! It can be incredibly frustrating.

We know our children naturally go phases of saying no, but what can we do to help minimise the repeated no answer? 

I’ll talk you through a few quick strategies which should help, whatever the age of your 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.

This episode features a unique bucket-emptying resource created on the spot during a chaotic school holiday moment when my children were young. 

As a control enthusiast, I always have a notebook handy, which led to the creation of this resource. It’s always been a hit with my kids, who used to request it frequently, and still talk fondly of it as adults.

If you're in need of a helpful resource to stop the grumbling during the school holidays, you need to listen to this episode! Please do share with anyone in your village that could do with some support during the school holidays.

💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with a friend, colleague or family member that could benefit from some support.

💚 Complete my 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.

DISCLAIMER: 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.

Whether it's your child pulling the age old nag "everyone else is / has", or you get caught in the parental comparison that "everyone else is, so maybe we should" I'll help you navigate this minefield from both sides.

Here are the highlights: 

(3:10) Understand that the request comes from wanting to fit in

(6:40) Acknowledge what the request means to your child

(8:36) Avoid lecturing!

(10:50) Focus your response around ‘every family is different’

(17:08) Consider an allowance

(22:30) Draw yourself back to the uniqueness of your child

(26:30) Give yourself 48 hours

(26:50) Ask yourself lots of ‘why’ questions

(28:50) Reconnect with your family values

(29:30) Connect with your tribe

Previous episode mentioned:

💚 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 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.

I challenge you to try my SHINE Daily Practice for one week! Let me know the difference you notice at contact@drmaryhan.com

You can purchase your own SHINE planner at https://drmaryhan.com/books/

💚 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.

What can we do when we find our parenting varies so drastically from our partners that's it’s causing real issues at home - impacting our children, our relationship and making family life feel like a battleground??

Here are the highlights: 

(2:30) Not minor disagreements, but core values 

(5:00) Parenting is a reflection of what is happening in your entire life, not just your role as a parent

(11:22) Is your relationship sound?

(15:25) Never undermine your partner’s parenting in the moment, unless…

(19:30) Don’t avoid the difficult conversations with your partner

(23:12) Have faith in your ability to work it out

💚 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.

"Kiss you Grandma Oliver, there's a good boy" 

"No, I don't want to!!" 

Sound familiar? 

We can get caught in the middle between wanting to support our children, but also trying to keep our own parents happy. Join me as I share my strategies, and why it’s so important we support our children with the decisions they make about consent.

💚 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.

These three heartbreaking words elicits one of two responses from us - deep hurt, or anger at their ungrateful rudeness!!! I'll explain why our children and teens throw this at us and how best to respond - not only in the moment, but in longer term.

Here are the highlights: 

(2:00) We’re not meant to be their best friend

(4.50) Try to stay compassionate and balanced 

(8:45} Please don’t panic

(10:18} Take a moment if you can

(15:35) Acknowledge they’re experiencing a big feeling

(17:30) Deal with it in a way that is appropriate to their development stage (not biological age)

(23:00) What’s at the root of the big feeling?

Previous episodes mentioned in episode 110:

Ep 1: Managing Emotions

Ep 89: Social & Emotional Development

Ep 90: 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.

Before you listen to this episode you need to listen to Part 1. Have you?

Great, you've listened to the episode on guilt, now I’ll talk about judgement. 

We all feel judged as parents. By other parents, by friends and parents of our children's friends, as well as our own internal judgement, and the comparisons we make with the parenting influencers and high-profile mummies on social media. 

It's everywhere!! Do you ever feel judged as a parent? 

💚 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 cultivate generosity within our children and an understanding of how privileged they are? I'll share the three common things we do which don't work, and my top five tips for encouraging generosity, so we don't have to nag about how lucky they are!

Here are the highlights: 

{1:00} What is generosity?

{3:30} Three things we shouldn’t do… 

{10:40} Don’t wait for entitlement to show itself

{11:30} Model generosity graciously

{13:47} Privilege in the context of fairness

{16:45} Encourage volunteering

{21:45} Importance of giving

{24:45} Practice gratitude daily

💚 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 personal as I discuss the guilt and judgement we experience as parents, and specifically mothers. In fact it means so much to me that we had to split the recording into 2 episodes. This is Part 1 discussing guilt.

I wanted to record an episode about the guilt and judgement we feel as parents, especially mothers.

In fact it's a topic I feel so strongly about that we had to split the recording into 2 episodes as I share some of my personal experiences. I think that guilt comes with parenting in one package when we become parents.

So, here's Part 1 where I talk about 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.

Natasha Devon MBE is a writer, presenter & activist. She tours schools, universities and events delivering talks as well as conducting research on mental health, body image, gender & equality. You’re in for a real treat as we discuss her latest book ‘Clicks: How to be your best self online”.

Here are the highlights: 

{3:00} Universal mental health challenges

{9:48} What affects mental health 

{15:15} Don’t assume – ask lots of questions

{17:58} Get your child to teach you

{28:56} How to support our children

{32:35} Helping your child curate their feed

{37:25} social media isn’t going anywhere

{42:46} Parents can subtly reinforce gender behaviours

💚 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 responds to a listener question highlighting something so many parents worry about.

"How can I make separations easier for my child, for instance when being dropped at school, friends etc?"

In this episode I’ll explain separation anxiety and share strategies to support you, and your child understand why it is happening and to manage the situation.

💚 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.

Bed-rot and apathy are learnt behaviours, which can be unlearnt! I'll give you 5 things you can do today to break these bad habits.

Here are the highlights:

(2:05) Brace yourself

(2:49) Choose your start date carefully

(5:00) Consistency is key

(7:36) Your expectations

(10:35) Understand the root cause

(12:41) Agree proportionate amount of time

(16:11) Do not tell them how to use the time

(18:29) Ground rules

Listen to bed-rot and apathy Part 1

💚 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.

DISCLAIMER: 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 about how you can achieve sibling harmony.

Now let me start by being totally honest and upfront – sibling rivalry, disagreements and fall outs are normal. Your children will want to kill each other at times and really dislike each other most of the rest of the time – and that’s normal, you aren’t a bad parent, we don’t all get along with everyone!

However, there are things we do as parents which can make the situation worse, which we need to stop doing, and there are strategies we can employ to help give our children the tools to manage difference.

Here are the highlights: 

{3:25} Sibling arguments are normal

{5:25} Comparisons

{8:25} Siblings won’t necessarily like each other

{12:10} Don’t referee what you don’t see

{19:27} Children are entitled to get annoyed or jealous 

{21:50} Children measure time differently and may feel marginalised

💚 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.

All we see if the huge emotional explosion when we ask our child to put their toys away, but their bucket is already full from their day's experiences. What is the bucket and how can we empty it?

💚 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 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.

Today's Bucket Emptying podcast episode delves into the powerful practice of gratitude. Research shows that our brain cannot differentiate between reality and imagination, so by focusing on what we're grateful for, we immerse ourselves in positivity and joy. This mindset not only brings small wins and happiness but also sets the right tone before bedtime.

Similar to how we must secure our oxygen masks first on a plane, prioritising our own gratitude practice is crucial before guiding our children to do the same. 

What are you grateful for today? 

Purchase your own Shine Planner

Purchase your own gratitude notebook from Amazon

💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with a friend, colleague or family member that could benefit from some support.

💚 Complete my 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.

DISCLAIMER: 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.

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 podcast

Buy 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.