Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between

There are swear words in this episode so please make sure that little ears aren’t listening 🙉 ...! This episode is all about when your child, all of a sudden, says a swear word (or something they think is a swear word!) and what you can do about it. We spoke about: How sometimes in families where there is so much swearing that the children don’t actually swear! Overuse of swear words and how much more it is heard on a day to day basis now (including in songs on the radio and as graffiti!! - Claire has a funny story about this 😬). When children take you by surprise with a swear word! When children copy us 🫣!! How children love making people laugh and how it can be confusing when we then change our reaction from laughing to saying "no don’t say that!". Ways we can react instead. What to say when children ask what a swear word means 😳. Some of Claire’s funny experiences of children swearing in nursery! When children get older and use swear words. Instagram @bespokefamily  Read our blog on this topic here – How to handle children using swear words! For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

This episode is all about looking after children when they are feeling under the weather and the bugs that they bring home from nursery and school (how is it that we sometimes feel so much worse than they do?!). We talked about lots of things you can do to help little ones feel better and more comfortable as well as: The time of year that children tend to get more bugs (or whether that’s really a thing). The chickenpox vaccine and what this means for babies, children and families. Hygiene – washing hands, hand sanitiser, keeping toys clean etc. Temperatures – what is a high temperature and how do you get it down?  When you shouldn’t give Ibuprofen. The medicine box / cupboard and what should be in it. Keeping hydrated. When a baby has a temperature or isn’t well. The importance of not randomly Googling! How you should always refer to the NHS or call 111 for answers / guidance. First Aid training and how helpful this can be. Tips for when children are coughing (including some old wives tales!) and the nasal aspirator (snot sucker!). Changing habits and routines and how to re-introduce them when the child is feeling better.  NHS Apps: Handi App The HANDi app offers simple and straightforward advice, for the following conditions in children:diarrhoea and vomitinghigh temperature‘chesty baby’ illnesses, such as bronchiolitis, asthma and croup‘chesty child’ illnesses, such as wheezing and asthmacommon newborn problemstummy painhead injuries.The Healthier Together AppSimilar to HANDi, it uses a symptom checker to guide parents on whether to treat at home, seek GP advice, or attend emergency services. Instagram @bespokefamily  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Steph told us all about Mudpies and Sprinkles and how it began. It’s an outdoor play space for children (and Becks waxed lyrical about it!) - Steph’s love for watching children enjoying different elements of play really shone through.  Steph hasn’t got any formal training and learnt what worked along the way and through her own children.  We talked about: Things you can do when you are outside (even just being at the park) All of the different areas in Mudpies and Sprinkles and why there are there (eg an old phone, a sewing machine etc!)  Sparking curiosity in children and the importance of making things inviting for children to want to engage and play with Steph’s favourite areas at Mudpies and Sprinkles (and why!) Children with additional needs and how this kind of outdoor play area can help to support them How when we were younger that being outside and making mud pies was what we did! How there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes! The importance of letting children make their own play and keeping it open ended Following your child’s lead and not worrying about ‘doing it right’! Instagram @bespokefamily / @Mudpies_and_sprinkles Mudpies and Sprinkles website For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Becks’s children both cried when they were dropped off at nursery so she knows exactly how this feels and Claire has lots and lots of experiences of children crying at drop off as a nursery manager.  We talked about: How there are always going to be children who don’t like the separation moment; as Claire explains 9 times out of 10 they will be OK when you have left (but they might also cry when you pick them up).  Separation anxiety – how this can coincide with the age that children start to go to nursery. Days and times of the week they are left – how these can be difficult for children to understand (especially Mondays!) Other reasons children might be unsettled on drop off and how change can have a huge impact on how settled children are.  How it’s important to trust the childcare professional and what they say about how your children are. Letting your children know it’s OK to feel sad and knowing that you are building resilience. Some ideas for things you can do to help make the separation a little easier.  How it is important to always say goodbye and not sneak off (but don’t drag it out!). If your child is upset all day, then this is a different thing and how you should always talk to someone at the nursery in more detail about it. Blog – My child always cries when I drop them at nursery For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  Facebook @bespokefamily  Instagram @bespokefamily This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Unfortunately, Claire’s wifi wasn’t playing ball again in this episode, but Becks had a great chat with Catherine and this is what we talked about! Where the idea for Hygge sheets came from. Different ways night time dryness / potty training / wetting etc. are referred to.  How Hygge sheets work. How you can tell when a child is ready to be dry at night. What Catherine suggests you do when your little one is upset when they have had an accident. The dream wee – yes or no? Talking through what happens and what to do when your children wake up in the night to go for a wee (night lights etc). When children are older and wetting the bed. Reward charts – why aren’t they helpful? What Catherine wishes all parents knew about bed wetting. Facebook @bespokefamily / @hygge_supplies Instagram @bespokefamily / @hygge.sheets Hygge Sheets website ERIC website Blog –When should my child be dry at night? Podcast – Nighttime Dryness For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

In this our 100th episode! We talked about: The importance of the transition from nursery / school to home but also for us going from work to home (especially if you are working from home!). How you can’t always be your ‘true self’, how things build up and how we have to hold it together when you aren’t at home and it comes out when you get home.  Some ideas for what you can do to decompress before getting home.  Connection before redirection – a few tweaks to the routine or some pre preparation can make a difference to coming home time. Not necessarily asking lots of questions when children come out of school or nursery. There may be particular triggers and worries that prompt behaviour and these are things that you might need to look into and support them further. How you sometimes just need to allow your children let it out when they get home.  Keeping our calm.  Facebook @bespokefamily Instagram @bespokefamily  Blog – 10 ways to help tricky behaviour after school / How to help your child prepare for starting school / How do I keep calm when my little one is having a meltdown? Podcast – Starting school / Preparing children for nursery  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

We know that for many families, birth doesn’t always go the way you hoped or imagined, and it can leave a lasting impact. In this episode, we spoke with Trudi about what birth trauma really means, why antenatal education is so important, and how parents can prepare for and recover from challenging experiences.  Unfortunately in this episode Claire’s internet gave up the ghost and so Becks had to go it alone (Claire never usually let’s that happen!) - we hope that this doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the episode in any way 😊. Trudi began by telling us all about herself and her background (she used to be a chartered accountant!) and why she came to be involved in Make Birth Better. What birth trauma is, how common it is and what stages it can happen at. Links with depression and PTSD etc. Signs that might indicate birth trauma (eg avoidance of certain settings, appointments etc) along with statistics around birth trauma and PTSD. Becks talked about her own birth experience (19 years ago!) and how a debrief of the experience she and her husband had would have been really welcome and helpful.  The importance of keeping lines of communication open.  Antenatal education and preparation. How a birth partner can support before and during birth, but that birth can have an impact on them as well. ‘Birth trauma is in the eye of a beholder’ – Cheryl Beck – how every experience is valid and any birth can be traumatic. The process for post birth ‘de-briefs’. What Trudi would say to expectant parents who are anxious about giving birth.  Compassionate care and support – at the heart of our maternity services. Tips for looking after yourself emotionally preparing for, during and after giving birth.  Facebook @bespokefamily / https://www.facebook.com/birthbetter Instagram @bespokefamily  / https://www.instagram.com/birthbetter Make Birth Better website - https://www.makebirthbetter.org/ You may also be interested in our Hypnobirthing episode – listen here For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including preparing for and welcoming your newborn, behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Not liking their new sibling isn’t necessarily a personal thing against the baby but this is a huge change and impact on a little one’s life. This episode is all about why this is and what you can do to help. We spoke about: How a 2 or 3 year old is going to find the arrival of a new little baby coming a very difficult concept to grasp and it's also going to be a big adjustment for the parents! The range of emotions that come with having a new baby. The importance of not forcing the relationship between the new siblings and why. Connection, consistency and keeping boundaries.  Considering if the resistance might be because of any big changes for your little one before baby was born. Thinking about what's happening from your little one’s perspective and working from that. The life lessons that the children are learning from being a sibling. Our blog from this episide – https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/blog/why-doesnt-my-toddler-like-their-new-sibling Facebook @bespokefamily  Instagram @bespokefamily   For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Clare’s background has always been in early years - she is founder of Atelier nurseries which started in Bath and is now also in Chippenham in Wiltshire Lots of parents worry about starting their children at nursery and we knew that Clare was the ideal person to talk to us about it all – we covered so much, from choosing the right nursery, to settling in, drop off and what families can do to help little ones to prepare.  We spoke about: What parents typically worry about when taking children to nursery for the first time. How it is completely normal to feel worried and anxious. Routines and consistency and how this will be carried over from home life to nursery. The impact that nursery practitioners can have on families’ lives (and how that can last way beyond nursery!). Relationships that are built with and between children and families. Preparing children for nursery (both you and your little one(s)). What to look for when choosing a nursery. Settling in sessions and what these can look like. No guilt about going back to work and making it work for you and your family – finding the right nursery provider for you. Crying at nursery drop off – working with families and the nursery to see what’s happening. Pausing, reflecting, communicating and having a plan.  What you can do to help preparing children for starting nursery at home.  Clare’s tips to help prepare children for nursery  Our blogs – Choosing childcare that is right for you and your child / My child always cries when I drop them at nursery Atelier Nursery website: https://www.ateliernursery.co.uk/ Facebook @bespokefamily @AtelierNursery Instagram @bespokefamily  @ateliernurseryltd For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

When most of the time, the children you are potty training are toddlers, no wonder there are power struggles – and we are always asked about what to do when this happens! We spoke about: The most common potty training power struggles. Starting by trying to work out where the struggle is coming from – could it be a feeling of being out of control? Positive reinforcement and connection when they do something on the potty or toilet (more than when they don’t do it!)   Rewards (or not?) The importance of consistency of approach. Our other potty training blogs and podcast episodes! Whether it’s a good idea to stop and start again straight away or if it’s better to leave it for a bit before starting again. The importance of not nagging children so they can think for themselves and don’t become oblivious to what you are saying when you ask them if they need to go for a wee.  How to exercise the bladder – “stretch, hold, release!” Why it’s important not to not to leave your child on the potty or toilet for too long. Precautionary wees and why these aren’t necessarily a good idea! Teaching children skills for life. Our blogs – When potty training is a power struggle / Potty Training Regression – Is it normal? / Why won’t my child do a poo on the toilet or potty? Facebook @bespokefamily  Instagram @bespokefamily  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative  

SWEDA is a charity which supports people in the South and West of England who are affected by an eating disorder – the individual, friends, family member – anyone who is affected by food, eating or body image.  We spoke about: Hannah’s background, how SWEDA was set up and the work that it does.  How SWEDA can support neurodivergent children and young people and the links between autism and eating disorders in particular. What eating disorders can do to people’s physical and mental / social state of being. Signs that might indicate your child has an eating disorder and how it can feel like having a constant bully in the room with you.  How SWEDA can support children and young people with sensory issues and anxiety around eating and food.  What to do if parents are worried their child might have an eating disorder and how SWEDA can support children, young people and families.  How to approach things when you are worried about an eating disorder, what to say in these circumstances and how best to support your child (and you). How to explain eating disorders to people who might not understand that it is an illness and what your child is going through.  How to approach things when children and young children are picky eaters – keeping mealtimes as stress free as possible and finding things that work for your child. How eating disorders affect different genders. What Hannah would say to parents who are worried about their child. SWEDA’s website - https://swedauk.org/ Facebook @bespokefamily / SWEDA Instagram @bespokefamily / sweda_uk_org For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative  

A continuation of our chat about weaning...the food aspect! We spoke about: Having a book for weaning. Trying not to worry about it and to try and enjoy it. Baby’s facial expressions (and our reactions to these!). How to regulate the feeding and make it a social situation even from the very first taste. Keeping it positive - we are teaching babies skills for life. Not tricking children into eating food! ‘Eating up’! The kinds of foods your babies can eat. Pouches – an element of caution… Sugar and grazing! Using meal times for connection. Our blog – Weaning fun...don't let it be stressful! BBC investigation into pouches  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62j0l0gg4go Charlotte Stirling Reed - https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/ Weaning books Facebook @bespokefamily  Instagram @bespokefamily For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Georgie is a Norland nanny and Claire was her tutor at college! Georgie has 15 years of childcare experience and is now a mum to two little ones. Georgie has a boy and a girl. She now runs hypnobirthing classes for parents to be. We spoke about: What hypnobirthing is. How Georgie came to train in hypnobirthing. Having a baby in lockdown. How your mind is the biggest inhibitor when it comes to birth and how hypnobirthing helps to still this. The fear, tension, pain cycle. Birth stories, how they can impact and how hypnobirthing can help. The importance of birth partners when learning breathing techniques. How pain relief features with hypnobirthing. Georgie’s own experience of hypnobirthing when she had her babies. Birth plans and the importance of an open mind around the experience. When the hypnobirthing process startsand it works? Using the breathing techniques beyond birth. Rosebud Hypnobirthing - https://www.rosebudhypnobirthing.com/ Facebook @bespokefamily / Rosebud Hypnobirthing Instagram @bespokefamily / @rosebud_hypnobirthing For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Do they ever listen?! From toddlers to teens - this episode covers it all! We spoke about: What we mean by truly listening. How it makes us feel when we aren’t listened to. Why it is that children might not listen? The concept of time for toddlers (and for teens!) - it just isn’t something they are aware of and how it needs to be learnt / re-learnt. How all children CAN suddenly listen (usually when you don’t want them to!)! Evolving parenting and how your approach changes along with your communication style as your children grow and mature.  Top tips if you are always feeling frustrated that your children aren’t listening to you. How children mirror us. How to handle situations when your child says no! Our blog – How do I get my child to listen to me? Facebook @bespokefamily  Instagram @bespokefamily For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars includingbehaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Trigger warning – in today’s episode we discuss suicide, mental health struggles, cancer and depression with Grace.  You might not feel up to listening to this episode right now – if not, please take care and come back when you feel ready.  Grace is a therapist and best-selling author of children’s books, which are all based on Grace's therapy sheep who inspire her and those she helps. Grace’s aim is to spread messages of hope and positivity to children (aged 5-10) through her books; she wants to help them navigate complex emotions and help them to understand themselves better, all while giving parents a way of talking to their children about their feelings. Grace is an animal lover and has been featured on Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet. We spoke with Grace about: Her background and the work she does with her horses and sheep (TV stars of The Yorkshire vet!). The stories behind her books about her magical sheep - Merlin, Galahad and Berel. Her animals, their personalities (favourite biscuits!) and their healing power. The therapy work that Grace does with adults and children and how it happened. How horses cured Grace’s post-natal depression. How Grace wants to help children and teenagers through mental health struggles and how she herself had struggled from a very young age.  The instant gratification and constant dopamine hits provided by it and how easily accessible information is. How children and adults are helped with regulation and a sense of calm by animals and being outside.  How Grace works with the Yorkshire vet (and sheep agility!!) Grace’s website - https://www.graceolsonauthor.com/ Instagram @bespokefamily / @grace_olson_author Facebook @bespokefamily  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative  

The holidays are approaching, and we are talking about jet lag and motion sickness! We spoke about: The challenges of travelling with children. Jet lag / time differences – what jet lag is and how to prepare for it. Flight times / length – what's best? Routines when travelling. What to take that will help. Travel sickness and why we get it. Vehicle motion cues on the iphone / ipad! Check out our reel to set this up for your journey. Signs of motions sickness in children. Triggers for motions sickness – smells etc. Tips for how to help prevent motion sickness. Things to take with you when travelling! Getting rid of the smell (baking soda and white vinegar are life savers!). Our jet lag blog – How do I help my baby / child with jet lag? Our motion sickness blog – Travel or motion sickness Facebook @bespokefamily  Instagram @bespokefamilyFor information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

Louisa, our lovely listener, got in touch to ask us to record a podcast on how best to support children and young people who are preparing for exams and so here it is! We spoke with Will Petty from Bonas MacFarlane Education all about this. Will is so easy to listen to and had some fabulous stories and tips to help our young people manage exam stress.Will has been with Bonas MacFarlane since 2009, advising countless families from around the world on gaining places at leading UK independent schools. His expertise has been sought after by prestigious firms including UBS, Coutts, and Sotheby’s. Will originally started as a tutor himself so has seen exam stress first hand with students and we felt very lucky that he agreed to share his extensive knowledge with us!We talked with Will about:Not adding to the pressure your children are already feeling!Not going on holiday in the Easter holidays...(too late if you are there, but one for next year’s students!).Making sure there are time off days (especially if you have a really studious child) and how to plan this and the dreaded revision timetable.Not trying to be teacher and parent (be a parent as much as possible) and the benefits of a private tutor if budget permits.Focussing as a parent on your child/ren’s wellbeing and not putting your own emotions and pressures on to them – being the safe space they need.The importance of the last parent’s evening before the exams (and trying to make sure your child is as well).How having treats is really important to ‘take the lid off the pressure cooker’.Options for additional support.Ignoring the little Timmys..!!Wills top 3 tips for parenting during the exam periods.All about Bonas Macfarlane and how they support students and families with tuition and more.Bonas MacFarlane’s website: https://bonasmacfarlane.co.uk/en/Instagram @bespokefamily / @bonasmacfarlane_Facebook @bespokefamilyFor information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations   ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

Our lovely listener Jacqueline messaged us with the topic of only children as a podcast idea and here we are! We talked about: One and done – why more families are choosing to have just one child or more than one child. Only child stats from Canada - https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20230110-only-child-or-siblings-one-and-done Becks and Rich initially just wanting one child (and ending up with twins!). Other reasons families might make the decision to only have 1 child. Claire – the reason everyone should only have 1 child 😉  An article about only children on BBC science - https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/only-children  Our thoughts on whether only children are spoilt? Reasons people might think parents should have more than 1 child. Jacqueline – next time someone asks you if you are going to have another child – get them to listen to our podcast! Get in touch if you have a topic you’d like us to talk about! Instagram @bespokefamily  Facebook @bespokefamily  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative  

We talked about: Davina’s background and how she came to write her book (details below) Davina’s own interest in allergies and her award-winning baking background! Whether we are seeing an increase in allergies in both adults and children and why this is. Parental anxieties around allergies and how to help with this. How it's important that children learn to advocate for themselves. How knowledge is key to help with parental anxiety around allergies and also to educate your child about their allergies. Allergy awareness when out and about and how trust in the restaurants etc is very important.   Bullying and allergies and some things to do in order to help keep your child safe. The importance of support groups online. Have you ever seen a bee with hives? A book about allergies for everyone from age 8 to 80! Davina’s recommendation – Dr Helen Allergy Instagram @bespokefamily  Facebook @bespokefamily  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative  

We talked about: Whether we remember having any nightmares or night terrors (Becks had quite the pre-sleep routine!) Claire’s dreams (poor James!!) The differences between nightmare and night terrors and what happens Why someone might have a night terror and why you shouldn’t wake them up Nightmares (what these look like and when they happen) and vivid dreams (Claire’s dad calling the cows in for example!!) When you would get night terrors checked by the GP Things you can do to help prevent nightmares / night terrors How nightmares can be caused by trauma When to talk with your children about worries Our Amazon store (for books and worry / sleep things!) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/bespokefamily Our blog – Is my child having a nightmare or a night terror?  I’m scared – another episode you might enjoy / find useful! Instagram @bespokefamily  Facebook @bespokefamily  For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations    ‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)  This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative