Rediscovering Childhood

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.

Discover how to become the kind of role model your children truly need — one who embraces imperfection, models resilience, and shows responsibility in everyday life. Learn how your self-talk shapes your child’s inner voice, why handling mistakes openly builds trust, and how guiding through example is more effective than trying to control. This episode also explores practical ways to create a safe space for your child to share without judgment, use quality time to strengthen connection, and encourage independence through your own actions.

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 certain behaviour 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!

From baby’s first peekaboo to a teenager’s first big decision, every stage of childhood shapes the next. In this solo episode, Mireia takes you on a journey through the full arc of development – from babies, toddlers and preschoolers, to school-aged children, teens, young adults and finally parents – to show how play, connection and even our screen habits quietly build the foundation for life.You’ll hear how:Babies use sensory exploration, movement and co-regulation to wire their brains for safety, attachment and communication.Toddlers and preschoolers grow autonomy, emotional regulation and confidence through play, boundaries and choice (not just “because I said so”).School-age children crave competence, creativity and belonging, and how play, responsibility and boredom (yes, boredom!) support that.Teenagers use friendships, freedom and experimentation to shape identity – and why our job is to be a safe base, not a fixer.Screens can either steal key experiences or support development, depending on how and when we use them.This episode isn’t about perfection or fear-based rules. It’s about understanding what children really need at each stage, how our everyday choices ripple into their future, and how we can use play, presence and conscious screen use to raise more resilient, creative, self-aware humans.If you’ve ever wondered, “Does what I’m doing now really matter long-term?” — this conversation will give you a grounded, hopeful, and empowering yes.

How do we raise confident, emotionally aware, resilient kids in a world obsessed with appearance, comparison, and pressure? In this episode, we sit down with Mary O'Halloran — childcare worker, nurse, and mom of two — to talk about building self-worth, body confidence, and emotional safety from the inside out.We explore:how the way we talk about our own bodies shapes how our children see theirswhy tiny daily rituals at home (not big “talks”) build real confidence and resiliencehow to create a safe base at home so our kids always feel they can come back to us, even as teenswhat to do instead of “be good and eat all your dinner” and “boys don’t cry”how to help kids understand food as fuel and strength, not guilthow to handle body changes, big feelings, bullying, anxiety, and social media comparison without shamesimple connection tools: co-regulation, naming feelings in the body, routine check-ins, child-led play, repair after we shout, and daily “micro moments” of being seenThis conversation is for any parent, educator, or carer who wants to raise children who know their worth, trust themselves, and feel safe being exactly who they are.Mary’s work, Body Love Heroes, focuses on empowering families with practical tools to build self-belief, resilience, and a healthy relationship with their bodies — starting at home. You can find her and get in touch at @bodyloveheroes on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or by email at bodyloveheroes@gmail.com