The Parenting Connection

Jennifer from https://wellbeingwarrior.ie/ is a life coach with a background in neuroscience. She will empower you to step out of your comfort zone to find your true self and needs. She opens up very honestly about her own experience when becoming a mum as she experienced postnatal depression and she talks about what helped her recover from this, as well as the things we experience when becoming mums for the first time. She talks about the power of language and communication as a way to understand ourselves better. Her training in neuroscience shows when she talks about the chemical reactions that affect our happiness and emotions. We will learn about different types of self-care and how to get started on a journey of self-discovery. Jennifer talks about toxic relationships and core values, and how to use those to find your tribe. She will also explain the difference between confidence and self-esteem.The topics we will discuss: What is a life coach and what to expect from them  Post-natal depression and the struggles of becoming a mum The power of self-talk, communication and self-beliefs Neuroscience coaching and chemical imbalances in the body that cause emotional dysregulation Types of self-care and the importance of nvesting in yourself as a mum The importance of being aware of your core values to find your tribe and make better decisions The difference between confidence and self-esteem and how it affects our actions How to listen to our children so they get what they need from us Equality and individual appreciation regardless of genders and situations The challenges and benefits of saying NO (when you say NO to something or someone else, you are saying YES to yourself).

In this episode, I (primary teacher) discuss all things behaviour with Shannon (Early Years teacher). We talk about the causes of challenging behaviour that are found in the environment and how they affect the emotions and thoughts of a child and their actions. We give you information on how to change the right features in their environment so they can have a positive impact on their wellbeing. We will also show you a few playful teqhniques to use in the classroom that can improve chldren's self-esteem and behaviour.

In this episode we talk to autism expert Laura Crowley and we will go through all the different traits, strengths, challenges and characteristics of what being autistic really means and not just the things we already know as we would be more familiar with them because they are more visible especially in children, but we'll focus on the ones that are hidden and we can't see but they make people really struggle with things like anxiety, overwhelm and emotional dysregulatuon on a daily basis.Laura was diagnosed as an autistic woman herself at 40 years of age when she already had many years experience working in the autism field, while feeling broken and missunderstood. She also has an autistic child and a neurotypical child so she values an appreciates the difference between them and between our brains. She will show us how we could create a more inclusive community so everybody's welcome.

Today we talk with Melissa Moore, a play therapist based in co. Meath. She shares her experience from working as a social care worker to working with Tusla for 20 years before setting up her business as a play therapist. She will give us very simple and practical tips to support our children at home and their self-esteem as we improve our connection with them. Melissa will show us how to help our children understand and manage big feelings and how to react to our children’s big emotions both as parents and as teachers. She will give us an insight into what happens in a play therapy session and when it could be beneficial for our children to do so. We will talk about how to find a Play therapist, and also how to become one.

In this episode, we welcome our guest Elaine Power who shares her experience as a primary teacher and as a mum on how play really helps children develop necessary skills in life. She recommends the most engaging open-ended toys for birthday gifts, talks about play areas and resources to have at home at home and shares ideas for great toys and activities for outdoor play. She also shares lots of ideas about sensory play and how to set up activities for siblings of different ages. At the end of the episode we welcome my 8 year old daughter who shares her experience in school.

In this episode, Mireia (primary teacher) and Shannon (preschool teacher) discuss the importance of play (and lack of) in the classroom. We share our view about certainbehaviour control systems used in the classroom and offer information and alternatives, as well as ways to boost children’s self-esteem and social skills in the classroom. We talk about playful experiences in the classroom to create more meaningful experiences for all children. We talk about homework alternatives that actually do help children learn with a purpose. We share our main concern about kids not getting the time and space to be kids anymore and give you ideas to create quality time with your child.If you are looking to learn more about strategies and resources to help you create a more meaningful experience in the classroom check out our teacher training sessions here https://discoveryplaytimeadventures.ie/pages/schools

In this episode, Gemma will talk about the importance of outdoor play and family connection. She will empower you to take that step towards fulfilling your dreams and feeling confident no matter what you do. Gemma will give us advice on ways to improve our communication with our children as we increase their self-esteem and value within the family. We will also talk about the importance of being part of a community where you can find all the support you need in your parenting journey. Find more about Gemma's business https://thefamilyedit.ie/

Today we are joined by Jayne Sherlock. Jayne will talk about secure attachment and will share the things she learned during her carreer in EY that helped her figure out her parenting journey in a more confident way. She will encourage us to promote independence and quality time when it comes to spending time with our children on a daily basis while keeping things as basic and simple as possible. Jaynes background in Montessori and Eary Childhood will inspire you to become a more conscious parent as you listen to this episode today.

In this episode we have two very special guests, they are Aimee and Gillian, two primary school teachers that will show us the possibilities that play offers in the classroom to help children reach their full potential. They will share their experience teaching through play from junior infants all the way up to 6th class, and also parenting through play, and also empower us to bring that play practice into our own school and home. When children learn through play, they are not just learning, but also developing the skills and wellbeing that will ensure their independence, resilience and happiness.

Una Ryan from Remind Ed Wellbeing is joining us to day to talk about wellbeing, play and regulation. Una combines her experience as a primary school teacher and as a mammy to show us how to help our children self regulate and how to incorporate play and connection in our everyday busy life. She will give us some great tips to improve our relationship and quality time with our children so we can build trust, connection and resilience.

Today we are joined by Katie from https://www.twinklekids.ie/. She will talk about the importance of being comfortable with own self before you can support others. We talk about the benefits of independent play and how to get there. Katie shares her experience of 8 years living and teaching in China before she moved back to Ireland and set up her own business. We also share our view on the current issue about sharing children’s private life on social media.

Hello and welcome to episode 5, this is a continuation of the previous episode where we talk with Triona from Early years Insights about early childhood education and share some parenting tips. In this second part we will talk about the importance of communication between parents and teachers in early years settings. Triona will also share a few really good tips to help you support your child’s transition into school.

Triona Gunning from Early Years Insights shares her experience growing up between a farm and the city and how this has impacted her parenting style. She shows the importance of not setting expectations on our children's choices when growing up and gives us some good advice about how to be prepared for sensory play activities at home. Find out more about Triona's workshops at https://earlyyearsinsights.ie/We will keep talking with Triona on episode 5!

Amy Winter is the owner of Little Kneaders. She makes a sensory dough for children with additional needs, people with dementia, Alzheimer's and cancer. She also organises the Resource Fair around Ireland bringing businesses together to showcase their products and services for families with additional needs. She runs play sessions and training for teachers, as well as a Wellness program to help neurodivergent children improve their self esteem and confidence. If you would like to showcase or attend at any of the resource fairs in Ireland please get in touch with her through hello@littlekneaders.com.

Shannon shares her experience and expectations working in Early Childhood Education in Ireland and also in London, a different and perhaps slightly more efficient system for early years educators, school transitions and advanced methodologies. We are clearly improving our system in Ireland and we share our dream goals in the sector!

From primary school teacher to housekeeper, to tour guide, to business owner. Life is a journey and this is how I learned from every step on the way and why I want to help children and families to learn from the opportunities that life throws at you too, all through play!

How we chose our podcast name and what you can expect from this podcast!

In this episode, myself, Mireia Lopez (primary teacher, business owner and mum), talk about the importance of routine and quality time with your children, and also the struggles and challenges that I encounter every day and how I made it better.

We welcome play therapists Susanne Martin, Anna McGrath and Karla Hannigan from Shine Through Play Therapy based in Kildare town Ireland https://shinethroughplaytherapy.com/They are all qualified as play therapists with many years experience in education as teachers. They will answer some really interesting questions asked by parents: Do you ever see your own past / present challenges reflected in a child’s session? My child struggles dealing with big emotions and I think play therapy would be very beneficial but my husband thinks I am making a big deal. How can I convince him? My son can’t cope with frustration and other difficult life situations and we are waiting for diagnosis but should I get started with play therapy or will I wait for the diagnosis? Why do more children struggle with big emotions now compared to years ago? Is there anything I can do at home to help my child cope with difficult situations? I feel like I want to help all the time but I am not sure that’s actually helpful in the long term. My child hits and bites a lot in school, so she struggles to make friends. How can I help, and why does she do it? I lose my temper very easily when my child has a tantrum and I know that doesn’t help at all, how do I stay calm when they push your limits? I hate playing with my child I find it so boring and she always tells me what to do and not to do so I can’t even improvise anything. How do I connect with her in a way that’s fun for both? I have been thinking about booking play therapy for my child for so long but I feel like if I take that step I am accepting there is a problem. What do I do? Am I the one who needs support? My child is very shy and has social anxiety when going to new places, how can I help?

Erica Hargaden is a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, mum of 3, and member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. Her passion is to help parents understand their children’s sleep and empower them to create settled sleep in their homes. https://babogue.com/The topics we cover in this episode: Babies, attachment and sleep Why is it so difficult to fall asleep What happens when we sleep Importance of sleep Sleep challenges at different ages Bad habits for parents  Bed time routine Transitions into next stages Sleep habits older ages Sleep regression, why? Sleep challenges Parenting tricks to help children sleep Nap time Very quiet during nap time - don’t do it (sleep habits) How to avoid being overtired What does it mean to be undertired and the importance of the right stimulation during the day