Welcome to Conversations with Kristi! 🎙️
Hosted by Kristi McVee, this podcast is your go-to resource for keeping parents informed and kids safe in today’s ever-changing world. Each episode, Kristi brings expert insights, real-world advice, and meaningful discussions on topics like child abuse prevention, online safety, child development, parenting tips, and much more.
Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting or simply looking for ways to protect and empower your kids, Conversations with Kristi has you covered. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your child's safety and well-being.
👉 Subscribe now for new episodes and stay informed!
#ConversationsWithKristi #ParentingTips #KidsSafety #CAPEAU #ParentingAdvice #ChildSafety #KristiMcVee
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Ep 63 Sometimes "just one more" is all we need with Brooke McIntosh
Season 4
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Duration 57:23
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Brooke McIntosh - speaker, endurance runner, and founder of the Just One More movement - for a raw, powerful conversation about mental health, courage, healing, and the ripple effect of choosing to speak when silence feels safer.
Brooke shares the deeply personal story behind her decision to run 14,000 kilometres around Australia - a journey born from suicidal ideation, unspoken trauma, and a life-changing car accident that forced her to confront the reality that she was not okay, despite appearing strong on the outside.
Together, Kristi and Brooke explore how “just one more” - one step, one breath, one conversation - became a lifeline, not only for Brooke, but for countless people she encountered along the road. What began as a mission to spark conversation within FIFO, mining, and construction communities quickly revealed a much wider truth: mental health struggles do not discriminate. They exist everywhere - across families, generations, genders, and professions.
This episode dives into the cost of emotional shutdown, the normalisation of masking pain, and how generational silence around trauma, addiction, and abuse shapes the way adults cope - or don’t cope - later in life. Brooke speaks candidly about childhood sexual abuse, substance use, shame, and the long-term impact of carrying stories alone for decades.
Kristi and Brooke also reflect on the power of vulnerability to break cycles - from the unexpected moment Brooke’s father felt safe enough to say “I’m not okay”, to the way children who saw Brooke running began asking questions that opened conversations within their families.
This is not a conversation about toughness or pushing through at all costs. It’s about courage, honesty, mental fitness, and choosing connection - even when it’s uncomfortable.
Key Themes Covered
Suicidal ideation and the turning point that saved Brooke’s life
The meaning of Just One More as a daily practice
Mental fitness vs mental health
Why masking pain is so common - and so dangerous
The ripple effect of courageous, vulnerable conversations
Generational trauma, silence, and healing
Childhood sexual abuse and delayed disclosure
Addiction as a coping strategy for unprocessed pain
Running as therapy, regulation, and trauma processing
Listening to the body instead of pushing through it
Breaking cycles for the next generation
Why healing yourself can give others permission to speak
Why This Conversation Matters
So many people are surviving - not living.
They show up, work hard, care for others, and appear “fine”, while silently carrying trauma, grief, shame, and exhaustion. This episode reminds us that strength is not found in silence or self-abandonment - it’s found in honesty, courage, and asking for support.
Brooke’s story shows how quickly things can change when someone chooses to speak - and how one brave conversation can unlock many more.
You don’t need to run around Australia to make a difference. Sometimes, just one more conversation is enough to save a life.
About Brooke McIntosh - Just One More
Brooke McIntosh is an endurance runner, speaker, and founder of the Just One More movement, using lived experience to spark honest conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and emotional wellbeing.
Through her run around Australia and her ongoing work in communities, schools, and workplaces, Brooke encourages people to build mental fitness, challenge silence, and remember that pain never gets the last say.
If this episode has brought up big feelings or difficult memories, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and resources to support healing, prevention, and connection.
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
Ep 62 The Value of a Gap Year with Dr. Justin Coulson
Season 4
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 46:20
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with Dr. Justin Coulson to explore a topic that feels increasingly urgent for parents today: raising boys. Together, they dive into why so many young men are struggling to find their footing and what it actually takes to raise a generation that is resilient, purposeful, and grounded.
Dr. Coulson shares his own "failure to launch" story-from failing school to a decade-long radio career before finding his true calling in psychology-and explains why the path to adulthood isn't a race. They unpack the "Hope Theory," the dangers of "vanity careers," and the power of "Autonomy Support," providing a roadmap for parents who want to move from controlling their kids to guiding them.
This is a candid, insightful conversation about shifting the narrative for our sons and helping them become men who make the people around them feel "safer and stronger".
Content Covered in This Episode
The "Crisis of Purpose": Why kids today have more freedom than ever but less direction and resilience.
Dr. Coulson’s Journey: From the bottom 15% of his class to a PhD in psychology and the "Happy Families" brand.
The Value of the Gap Year: Why "earning and learning" through life experiences often leads to more success than rushing straight into university.
The 2026 Brain Maturity Update: New research suggesting neurological maturity may not occur until our early 30s.
Autonomy Support vs. Control: How to help kids "endorse" rules and values rather than just following them out of fear.
The Hope Theory: Breaking down the three essential pillars of hope: Goals, Pathways, and Agency.
Screen Time and Lost Potential: The neurological "hijacking" of our youth and how it impacts their ability to discover their values.
Healthy Masculinity: Defining a healthy man as someone who helps those around him feel safer and stronger.
The "Sunday Chat": A practical family ritual for discussing everything from consent to mental health.
Why This Conversation Matters
About Dr. Justin Coulson
New Book: "Boys"
Practical Support & Resources
Support Services (Australia)
Ep 61 The challenges parents face discussing tough topics with Kimberly King
Season 4
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 • Duration 49:02
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Kimberly King - author, educator, and founder of Tough Topics Mom - for a candid and deeply informative discussion on child safety, prevention, and fostering open communication with children.
Kimberly shares her personal journey that led her to advocate for body safety, including a formative experience with her son that resurfaced memories from her own childhood. She reflects on the importance of early conversations about consent, boundaries, and safe adults, and how these conversations can empower children to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.
Together, Kristi and Kimberly explore: the challenges parents face in navigating “tough topics,” the role of repressed memories in adult perspectives on child safety, and why prevention strategies are more effective when implemented early. They also discuss the unique risks posed by online spaces, how technology affects children’s development and safety, and practical tools for teaching kids about safe interactions in both real-life and digital environments.
Through stories, practical advice, and evidence-based insights, this episode highlights how consistent, thoughtful conversations can make children less vulnerable to harm, support early disclosure, and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of:
Childhood sexual abuse
Grooming behaviours
Online safety risks
Trauma and mental health challenges
Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed.
Key Themes Covered:
How early body safety education reduces risk and empowers children
The importance of recognizing “safe” vs. “red flag” adults
Practical strategies for having calm, ongoing safety conversations
Online grooming, sextortion, and managing digital risks for children
Ep 60 Your Baby Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time - They’re Having a Hard Time with Monique Christidis
Season 4
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • Duration 01:00:13
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Monique Christidis - registered nurse, child health nurse of 30+ years, and founder of BaaBaa Baby - for a grounded, compassionate conversation about infant development, sleep, regulation, and the foundational role of connection from birth.
Monique brings a wealth of clinical expertise alongside deep empathy for parents navigating the often overwhelming early years. Together, Kristi and Monique explore how babies communicate through behaviour, why crying is not manipulation but communication, and how understanding brain development can radically shift the way parents respond to sleep, distress, and big emotions.
This episode gently challenges outdated behaviourist approaches to parenting and sleep, unpacking why concepts like “self-soothing” and “cry it out” can be misunderstood when we don’t fully understand infant brain development. Monique explains how safety, consistency, and presence support a baby’s nervous system - and how regulation always begins with the adult.
Kristi and Monique also discuss the immense pressure placed on modern parents, the loss of the “village”, and how comparison culture and unrealistic expectations can leave parents feeling isolated, guilty, and exhausted. The conversation reinforces that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting - and that learning to trust your intuition is a powerful protective factor for both parents and children.
This is a reassuring, science-informed, and deeply validating episode for parents, carers, and professionals - reminding us that connection, not perfection, is what children need most.
Key Themes Covered
Infant brain development and why the first years are about safety and survival
Why babies cry - and why it’s communication, not manipulation
The role of connection and co-regulation in sleep and emotional development
How outdated parenting narratives can undermine parental intuition
The impact of parental exhaustion, isolation, and comparison culture
Why This Conversation Matters
About Monique Christidis - BaaBaa Baby
Practical Support & Resources
Support Services (Australia)
EP 59 Why Connection Comes Before Protection with Neil Milton
Season 4
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • Duration 53:59
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Neil Milton - founder of The Table Talk Project, advocate, and survivor - for a powerful and deeply human conversation about connection, prevention, and the role safe relationships play in protecting children and strengthening families.
Neil shares his lived experience of growing up without a voice at home, the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse, and how unaddressed trauma shaped his relationships, sense of safety, and ability to ask for help. He reflects on how becoming a parent - and later recognising his own experiences as abuse - became a catalyst for creating spaces where children are heard, believed, and supported.
Together, Kristi and Neil explore how everyday disconnection within families can increase vulnerability to harm, why children often communicate distress through behaviour rather than words, and how something as simple - and intentional - as sharing a meal can create profound protective factors.
This episode unpacks how grooming can occur in plain sight, the dangers of “busy” culture, and why having a designated space for conversation matters. It also explores the ripple effects of connection - from improved mental health and resilience, to early disclosure of harm and strengthened family bonds.
This is not about perfection. It’s about presence, prevention, and creating environments where nothing is off the table.
Content Warning
This episode includes discussion of:
childhood sexual abuse
grooming behaviours
trauma and mental health challenges
suicide and suicidal ideation
family violence and relational harm
Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Support resources are listed below.
Key Themes Covered
How disconnection within families increases vulnerability to harm
Why This Conversation Matters
About The Table Talk Project
Practical Support & Resources
Support Services (Australia)
Ep 58 Supporting our neurodivergent families with Sharon Collon
Season 4
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • Duration 01:11:39
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Sharon Collon - ADHD educator, coach, speaker, and founder of The Functional Family - for an honest and practical conversation about neurodiversity, online safety, learning differences, and what actually helps families thrive.
Sharon is also host of the ADHD Families Podcast, where she supports parents navigating life with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. Having supported tens of thousands of families, Sharon’s work focuses on turning overwhelming information into clear, doable strategies.
Together, Kristi and Sharon unpack what parents are truly crying out for - not more theory, not more labels - but practical tools that make everyday life easier.
This episode weaves together neurodiversity, digital safety, emotional regulation, learning styles, rejection sensitivity, impulsivity, and body safety education - highlighting how prevention and support must be adapted for how children actually process the world.
This is not a conversation about fear. It’s about understanding how your child’s brain works - and meeting them there.
What This Episode Explores
1. The Reality of an ADHD Diagnosis
Sharon shares her own journey of receiving her son’s diagnosis - including the overwhelm of being handed outdated information and left to figure it out alone.
She explains why families don’t need more generic ADHD content online - they need:
Sharon explains that children process information in different ways, including:
Conceptual (needing to understand why)
3. Online Safety, Gaming & Neurodivergence
4. Social Skills & Emotional Safety
Key Themes Covered
Why This Conversation Matters
About Sharon Collon
Practical Support & Resources
Support Services (Australia)
Ep 57 The Ripple Effect of Abuse with Rosalia Rivera
Season 4
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • Duration 52:49
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Rosalia Rivera - founder of Consent Parenting, consent educator, and survivor advocate - for a deeply important conversation about prevention, healing, and the responsibility adults hold in protecting children.
Rosalia shares her lived experience of childhood sexual abuse and how becoming a parent resurfaced memories she didn’t yet have language for. Together, Kristi and Rosalia explore why so many parents avoid child safety conversations - whether through fear, overwhelm, or the belief that “this doesn’t happen in our family” - and how both avoidance and overprotection can leave children vulnerable.
This episode unpacks how grooming operates in plain sight, why children communicate harm through behaviour, and how trauma-informed, age-appropriate conversations can dramatically reduce risk. It’s a hopeful, empowering discussion that centres education as a form of freedom - not fear.
This is not about paranoia. It’s about prevention, connection, and courage.
⚠️ Content Warning
This episode includes discussion of:
childhood sexual abuse
family and domestic violence
grooming behaviours
trauma responses
online and peer-to-peer sexual harm
Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Support resources are listed below.
Key Themes Covered
Why “not my child” thinking places children at risk
How unhealed adult trauma can impact prevention efforts
Grooming behaviours in family, community, and online settings
Why children often communicate harm through behaviour
The importance of trauma-informed education for parents
How consent, boundaries, and body safety protect all children
Why This Conversation Matters
Practical Support & Resources
Support Services (Australia)
Ep 56 When adults stay silent, kids pay the price with Andrew Goss
Season 4
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 • Duration 52:18
In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi speaks with Andrew Goss about the lifelong impact of childhood abuse - and the role silence, minimisation, and adult neutrality play in allowing harm to continue.
Andrew shares his lived experience of family violence, sexual abuse (including female offending), and the repeated moments where warning signs were visible - but not acted upon. Together, Kristi and Andrew explore why children often try to communicate harm through behaviour, how grooming operates across different contexts, and why asking questions early can interrupt abuse before it escalates.
This is not a sensational conversation. It’s a necessary one.
⚠️ Content Warning
This episode includes discussion of:
childhood sexual abuse
family and domestic violence
grooming behaviours
trauma responses
Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and step away if needed. Support resources are listed below.
Key Themes Covered
Why silence and “staying neutral” is not harmless
How children communicate harm through behaviour
Grooming behaviours across male and female offending
Why adults often dismiss or minimise warning signs
The long-term impact of not being believed
How early intervention can change outcomes
Advocacy, boundaries, and choosing how to help safely
Why This Conversation Matters
Most abuse doesn’t continue because no one notices. It continues because adults feel uncomfortable asking questions - or assume someone else will act.
This episode invites parents, carers, and professionals to reflect on the small moments where intervention matters, and how noticing, listening, and responding early can disrupt harm.
Practical Support & Resources
Support Services (Australia)
S3 Ep14 - Parental Awareness on Child Safety with Vanessa Hamilton
Season 3
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 • Duration 32:44
Episode Summary:
The conversation delves into the alarming risks that young people face regarding sexual violence, emphasizing the lack of awareness among parents about these issues. It highlights the prevalence of unwanted sexual encounters and the disturbing trend of children perpetrating sexual violence against their peers.
Key Takeaways:
Parents often underestimate the risks of sexual violence.
There are high rates of unwanted sexual encounters among youth.
Children can be both victims and perpetrators of sexual violence.
Awareness is crucial for prevention and protection.
Education on sexual violence should start early.
Open conversations about consent are necessary.
Support systems for victims need to be strengthened.
Community involvement is essential in addressing these issues.
Resources for parents should be more accessible.
Schools play a vital role in educating children about these risks.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Conversation on Sexual Education 04:23 - Understanding Parental Challenges in Discussing Sex 07:11 - The Importance of Early Conversations 10:15 - Navigating Teachable Moments 13:22 - Age-Appropriate Discussions and Their Impact 16:26 - Counteracting Negative Influences 19:25 - Promoting Positive Sexual Relationships 22:31 - Empowering Parents to Start Conversations 25:23 - Utilising Resources for Effective Communication 28:24 - Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents 31:45 - Introduction to Child Safety Education
S3 Ep13 - Navigating the Digital Landscape with Trent Ray
Season 3
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 • Duration 38:11
Episode Summary:
The conversation explores the challenges faced by the digital generation as they navigate technology independently. It emphasises the importance of introducing technology in a safe manner, akin to teaching children to swim, where they gradually gain skills and independence.
Key Takeaways:
The digital generation faces unique challenges in technology.
Children are often left to navigate technology on their own.
Introducing technology should be done safely, similar to swimming lessons.
Using apps and platforms can help develop skills in a controlled environment.
Gradual exposure to technology fosters independence in children.
Safety measures, like floaties in swimming, are essential in tech introduction.
Monitoring children while they learn technology is crucial.
As children grow, they can handle more complex tech tasks.
Skills development in technology is a gradual process.
Technology education should evolve with the child's age and abilities.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Cyber Safety 02:23 - Understanding the Dangers of Online Gaming 05:17 - Navigating Parental Guidance and Restrictions 08:19 - Empowering Conversations with Children 11:46 - The Importance of Early Cyber Safety Education 15:34 - Building Trust and Open Communication 20:23 - Introducing Technology Safely 21:53 - Resources for Parents on Technology 23:46 - Establishing Family Rules for Online Safety 25:56 - Understanding App Classifications 27:48 - Reflecting on Childhood and Social Media 29:19 - Tips for Managing Screen Time 31:49 - Transitioning from Screen Time to Offline Activities 34:39 - Empowering Healthy Digital Consumption 37:12 - Introduction to Child Safety Education
We often expect too much from our little kids and not enough from our teenagers. As Dr. Coulson explains, our job as parents is not to slay the dragons for our children, but to prepare them to be "dragon slayers" themselves.
Many young men are failing to thrive because they lack a sense of worthiness derived from doing hard, productive things. By fostering "Autonomy Support," we can guide our children toward financial viability and personal fulfillment without resorting to "victimhood" or blaming external labels for a lack of progress. This conversation challenges parents to step up, have the hard conversations, and model the character we want our children to inherit.
Dr. Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He is the co-host of Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, the host of the #1 parenting podcast in Australia (The Happy Families Podcast), and the author of 11 books. After a successful radio career, Justin returned to university as a mature-age student, earning first-class honors in psychology and a PhD. He is a father of six daughters and is dedicated to helping families flourish through evidence-based psychological principles.
Connect with Dr. Justin Coulson: Website: www.happyfamilies.com.au Podcast: The Happy Families Podcast
Dr. Justin Coulson’s latest book, "Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out," is a culmination of four years of work. It provides a framework for raising boys who are confident, kind, and capable of navigating the complexities of modern masculinity.
If this episode has inspired you to start more meaningful conversations with your kids, Kristi provides trauma-informed education and practical tools to help you guide them toward a life they can be proud of.
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services (000).
How parents’ past experiences shape their approach to safety
Creating an environment where children feel heard and supported
The role of consistent, intentional communication in prevention
Why This Conversation Matters: Child sexual abuse and emotional harm thrive in secrecy and silence. Many parents want to protect their children but feel unsure how to start conversations about body safety or online risk. Kimberly’s insights provide practical strategies and encouragement for parents and carers to normalize these discussions, reduce vulnerability, and create safe spaces where children feel empowered to speak up.
About Kimberly King: Kimberly King is an author, educator, and advocate for child safety. She is the founder of Tough Topics Mom, a platform offering guidance, resources, and support for parents navigating difficult conversations about consent, boundaries, and online safety. Her books, including I Said No and Body Safety for Young Children: Empowering Caring Adults, have been translated internationally and are used by families and educators worldwide to teach children about safety in an empowering, age-appropriate way.
Practical Support & Resources: If this episode raises questions about supporting child safety, Kristi offers trauma-informed resources to help parents and carers: 🔗 Explore tools and guides: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
Why self-care and regulation in adults directly supports children
Understanding sleep without shame, fear, or rigid rules
Supporting children through distress rather than withdrawing connection
Why there is no “one size fits all” approach to parenting
How early connection builds resilience, confidence, and self-esteem
Babies and young children rely entirely on safe, attuned adults to help them regulate, feel secure, and make sense of the world.
When parents are overwhelmed, unsupported, or unsure - often due to conflicting advice or unrealistic expectations - it can erode confidence and connection. This episode reframes parenting through a trauma-informed, developmentally accurate lens, offering reassurance that responding with presence, curiosity, and compassion is not “spoiling” a child - it’s building safety.
By understanding how children’s brains develop and how behaviour communicates need, parents can move away from fear-based approaches and toward connection-led care that supports both child wellbeing and parental mental health.
Monique Christidis is a registered nurse and child health nurse with over 30 years’ experience supporting families. She is the founder of BaaBaa Baby, a private child health service in Western Australia, where she provides individualised support for families from birth to five years.
Monique specialises in infant development, sleep, emotional regulation, and early attachment, offering practical, compassionate, and evidence-based guidance tailored to each family’s unique needs.
If this episode has raised questions about infant sleep, regulation, or building stronger connection with your child, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical resources for parents and carers.
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
Why children often communicate distress through behaviour
The lifelong impact of growing up without a safe voice
How grooming can occur in everyday environments
The protective power of connection and consistent presence
Why “busy” culture can unintentionally silence children
The role of shared meals in building trust and safety
Supporting disclosure through calm, trauma-informed responses
How prevention starts with small, consistent moments of connection
Why safe relationships are a cornerstone of child protection
Child sexual abuse and emotional harm thrive in silence, secrecy, and disconnection.
Many parents and carers deeply care about protecting children but feel overwhelmed, unsure, or stretched thin. This episode reminds us that prevention does not require perfection, expertise, or constant vigilance - it requires presence, listening, and relationship.
By creating regular opportunities for connection and normalising conversation, adults can interrupt grooming, support disclosure, and ensure children know they are not alone.
Prevention is possible - and it begins with being heard.
The Table Talk Project is a family-centred initiative designed to help households create intentional spaces for connection through shared meals and guided conversations. By encouraging families to come together regularly and engage in meaningful dialogue, the project supports emotional wellbeing, strengthens relationships, and creates protective environments where children feel safe to speak.
If this episode has raised questions about how to build safer, more connected environments for children and families, Kristi has created practical, trauma-informed resources to support parents and carers.
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
Auditory
Visual
Verbal processing
Emotional
Intuitive
Tactile (hands-on learners)
When parents rely only on talking, many children simply don’t absorb the message - especially neurodivergent children.
This becomes particularly important when teaching:
Body safety
Consent
Online safety
Social boundaries
Risk awareness
Kristi shares how role play - not just verbal instruction - helped her daughter internalise body safety rules. Sharon reinforces the importance of repetition and experiential learning over lecture-style conversations.
Kristi and Sharon have a grounded conversation about what’s actually happening in online spaces — especially for neurodivergent kids.
They explore:
Impulsivity and posting without thinking
Dopamine-driven reward pathways
How predators exploit attention and validation
Difficulty reading social cues
Why online interactions can feel safer than playground dynamics
The very real impact of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
Sharon strongly encourages parents to understand RSD - explaining that for many children with ADHD, rejection can feel like physical pain.
Rather than banning technology outright, Sharon recommends:
Curiosity over confrontation
Coaching conversations (not interrogation)
Moving gaming into shared spaces
Researching games before approving them
Using tools like Common Sense Media to review age-appropriateness
Understanding that shame shuts down learning
This episode reframes tech supervision as relationship-based guidance - not surveillance.
Sharon explains that social skills are not intuitive for everyone - and many adults would benefit from explicit social skills training.
They discuss:
Why some children miss subtle social cues
Why gaming environments can feel predictable and therefore safer
The need for explicit teaching rather than assumption
The importance of consent-based connection (including hugs)
Regulation before conversation
Kristi highlights something powerful: sometimes children - and adults - need a hug before they can process words.
ADHD and late diagnosis
Practical strategies over theory
Processing modalities and learning differences
Role play vs verbal instruction
Repetition and retention
Body safety education
Online grooming risks
Impulsivity and dopamine reward systems
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
Social skills development
Curiosity-based parenting
Regulation before correction
Consent in everyday parenting moments
Many parents feel:
Overwhelmed
Behind
Outpaced by technology
Unsure how to adapt for neurodivergent children
This episode reminds us:
Children don’t need perfect parents. They need informed, regulated adults who are willing to adjust their approach.
When we understand how a child processes information, we can teach safety, boundaries, and skills in ways that actually stick.
Prevention doesn’t start with fear. It starts with connection, repetition, and knowing your child’s brain.
Sharon Collon is an ADHD educator, family coach, speaker, and founder of The Functional Family. She supports parents to move from confusion and overwhelm to clarity and confidence through evidence-informed, practical strategies.
She is also the host of the ADHD Families Podcast, where she explores neurodiversity, regulation, parenting tools, and family wellbeing.
If this episode has raised questions about neurodiversity, safety education, or regulation, Kristi provides trauma-informed education and tools for families.
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
Why silence and discomfort benefit offenders
The long-term impacts of abuse when children are not believed
How prevention protects children and prevents future offending
Why normalising these conversations creates safer communities
Child sexual abuse thrives in silence, stigma, and discomfort.
Many parents avoid these conversations - not because they don’t care, but because they feel overwhelmed, triggered, or unsure where to start. This episode reminds us that education doesn’t create harm - it reduces it.
By noticing behaviour, asking questions, and having ongoing, age-appropriate conversations, adults can interrupt grooming, support disclosure, and create environments where children feel safe to speak.
Prevention is possible - and it starts at home.
If this episode has raised questions about how to start protective, trauma-informed conversations with children, Kristi has created practical tools to support parents and carers.
If you or someone you love needs support, help is available:
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic & family violence) - 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) - 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
If this episode has raised questions about how to start calm, age-appropriate safety conversations with children, Kristi has created practical tools to support parents and carers.
