For All Stages and Ages

Building Stronger Kids Debunking the Weight Lifting Myth and Winning Healthy Habits   Overview: This episode dives into the real science behind raising active, healthy kids. We break down myths about weightlifting and growth, explore the roots of childhood obesity, and share actionable strategies for building lifelong healthy habits. Key Topics Covered: The myth that weightlifting stunts children’s growth—and what the research actually says Why structured, vigorous activity is essential for both physical and mental development The alarming rise of childhood obesity and its physical, mental, and social consequences. The importance of early intervention, starting with nutrition in infancy Practical activity recommendations: how much, what kind, and why it matters The impact of screen time on development and social skills Creative ways to make outdoor play and movement engaging for kids The role of nutrition: what a balanced plate looks like for children Why supervision and healthy preparation methods matter The truth about supplements for kids Actionable Takeaways: Encourage at least an hour of vigorous activity daily—think team sports, jumping rope, or active games Limit screen time to promote real-world social skills and empathy Make outdoor activities fun and adventurous (e.g., stargazing, gardening, community sports) Build meals around complex carbs, fruits/veggies, dairy, and lean proteins—prepared healthily Only use supplements with medical guidance Final Thought: What team-based activities best teach kids true cooperation and empathy? Reflect on how group play can foster genuine interdependence. Thanks for listening to "Building Stronger Kids"! Subscribe for more evidence-based insights on raising healthy, resilient children.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the transformative power of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children.   Our guest, Matt Shamloo, a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu and MMA expert, shares his insights on how these disciplines can boost confidence, discipline, and emotional regulation in young learners. Key Topics: The impact of popular culture on children's interest in martial arts Differences between children's and adults' martial arts classes The role of belt systems in tracking progress and building confidence Addressing the needs of children with autism and ADHD in martial arts The importance of inclusion and community in martial arts training     Guest Information: Matt Shamloo Instagram: @MattShamloo_BJJMMA    Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!         Hashtags: #MMAForKids #ChildDevelopment #MartialArts #ConfidenceBuilding

We speak with Katie Clemons, a family connection expert, about the importance of storytelling and communication in parenting. Katie shares her journey of creating journals and activities that help parents engage with their children in meaningful ways. We discuss the significance of understanding children's emotions, the role of fun in learning, and practical tips to help families create deeper connections.   Connect with Katie Free Printables Buy Her Journals   The conversation emphasises that even small moments can lead to significant connections between parents and children. Takeaways Katie Clemons emphasizes the importance of storytelling in family dynamics. Parents often bombard children with questions, which can be overwhelming.   Creating a fun environment for journaling can engage children better. Understanding emotions is crucial for effective communication with kids. Parents should focus on equipping children with tools to handle situations themselves. Small moments of connection can be just as valuable as longer conversations. Using prompts can help children express themselves more freely. Parents should be patient and allow children to open up in their own time. It's important for parents to remember they are not alone in their struggles. Connection with children can happen in many forms, not just through long discussions. Sound Bites "I just have all the questions." "Your kid feels seen by you." "You are not alone."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Connection and Journaling 02:05 The Importance of Storytelling in Family Dynamics 10:05 Engaging Children Through Fun Journaling Techniques 10:28 Understanding Perspectives: The Role of Communication 15:04 The Power of Writing Together 23:19 Creating a Safe Space for Conversations 24:14 The Importance of Breathing Space for Parents and Children 26:13 Understanding Communication Patterns Between Parents and Children 27:50 Equipping Children to Handle Emotions 29:49 10 Minutes of Meaning: Engaging Activities for Families 33:07 Connecting Through Fun: The Role of Play in Parenting 36:32 Overcoming Reluctance: Encouraging Children to Engage 39:58 Permission to Let Go: Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

How has parenting changed over the years?   In this episode of Stages for Ages, we’re going way back—like Paleolithic era back—to uncover how parents have raised children across time. From cavemen to Cleopatra, Spartans to Victorians, we’re exploring the difference between old parenting and new parenting, and what we can actually take from the past to help us today.   We’ll also answer big questions like: Is parenting harder now than in the past? Why is it hard to be a parent today? What year is the hardest to parent? What is the most exhausting stage of parenting? Why is raising kids so hard now? How does 80s parenting differ from current parenting?   Spoiler: It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing your best with what you’ve got. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:   How early humans practiced “village” style parenting and weaned at 2.5 years old How Egyptian scrolls were the first parenting manuals (toilet training and all!) The brutal reality of Spartan parenting vs. Athenian ideals Why Victorian children were expected to be “seen and not heard” The rise of the nuclear family, Enlightenment thinking, and today’s mixed parenting styles This episode will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and a little less alone in the chaos of modern parenting. Because no matter the century, parents have always just wanted the best for their children. ✨ Your parenting doesn’t have to fit in a box. Whether you're practicing gentle parenting, helicopter parenting, or something in between, you’re allowed to choose what works best for your family.   🗣️ Join the conversation: What parenting style resonates with you? What did your parents or grandparents do differently? Head over to our socials @Stages4Ages and tell us what you’ve learned from the past, and how you’re shaping the future. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a review! Y You’ll hear about: 👣 How early humans weaned and carried their young 🐍 Ancient Egyptian advice on breastfeeding, discipline, and even toilet training ⚔️ The tough love of Spartan childhood vs. the Athenian love of learning 📜 Philosophers like Plato, Locke & Rousseau shaping education ideals 👑 Why Victorian kids were "seen and not heard" 💡 How modern parenting is now a mash-up of every style in the book Through each stop in time, we’re exploring one simple truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to parenting. Whether you’re winging it, following gentle parenting, or dipping between styles – you’re doing great. Key Takeaways: The concept of “it takes a village” goes all the way back to our earliest ancestors. Historical parenting was shaped by survival, culture, and community—just like today. It’s okay to mix and match parenting styles to suit your child (and your sanity). The most important thing? Being present and raising your child with love. 💬 Join the conversation: What parenting style resonates most with you? How did your parents raise you—and what would you change or keep? Tell us over on social media @Stages4Ages and let’s chat. 📲 Subscribe, share, and don’t forget to leave a review—we love hearing what you think!

Is your little one going to be starting Forest School this year? Or maybe your school already provides forest school and you want to know more about it? We have put together a great mini course with ALL the information you need to get started! https://www.stages4ages.com/stages-4-ages   In this episode of the Balancing Business and Babies podcast, Lucy Howell speaks with Alison, a Forest School leader, about the transformative power of outdoor learning. They discuss how Forest School education supports child development, fosters emotional well-being, and encourages nature exploration. Alison shares her expertise on managing safety and risky play, addressing common parental concerns, and creating an inclusive environment for all children. They also cover how parents can support their child’s connection to nature at home and how experiencing Forest School firsthand can shift perceptions of risky play. Key Takeaways: Forest School fosters emotional well-being, teamwork, and problem-solving through outdoor play. Risky play is an essential part of learning, but safety is always prioritized through careful supervision and risk assessment. Forest School is inclusive, adaptable, and designed for all children, regardless of their abilities. Parents can encourage nature exploration at home with activities like scavenger hunts and outdoor adventures. Understanding the balance between freedom and structure is key to successful outdoor learning. Parental involvement can help shift mindsets about risky play, improving overall perceptions. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Forest School 02:20 - Ensuring Safety in Forest School 05:12 - Embracing Risky Play and Supervision 08:30 - Shifting Parental Mindsets on Risk 10:20 - Forest School's Inclusive Approach 11:10 - Encouraging Nature Exploration at Home 12:59 - Balancing Freedom with Structure in Outdoor Learning 14:12 - Hopes for Children’s Development in Forest School 15:27 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents   #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #ChildDevelopment #ParentingTips #RiskyPlay #NatureExploration #EmotionalWellBeing #ParentingPodcast #InclusiveEducation #OutdoorEducation

In this empowering episode of For All Stages and Ages, we speak with Kim Guche, founder of Entrancing Inspirations, who has transformed her career from pediatric speech and language pathology to holistic wellness, specialising in hypnotherapy and emotional regulation for parents. We look into the benefits of hypnotherapy, especially for parents of children with special needs, and discuss Kim’s ‘Five Minute Chaos to Calm’ method—a practical tool designed for parents to regain a sense of peace amidst daily responsibilities. Kim emphasises the profound impact that parental self-care and emotional awareness have on child behavior, highlighting that managing stress is key to effective parenting. Throughout the episode, Kim shares practical insights on hypnotherapy, meditation, and self-hypnosis, including the importance of consent, openness, and self-care. They discuss the empowerment of single parents balancing business goals, self-care, and parenting. The conversation also includes guided meditation techniques for reducing anxiety and promoting inner calm. Whether you're navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs or seeking balance between parenting and self-improvement, Kim’s tools offer a path to clarity and resilience.   Get Your Free Gift    http://www.entrancinginspirations.com   Takeaways: Kim transitioned from speech pathology to hypnotherapy to provide deeper support for children and families. Hypnotherapy enables parents to release guilt and find emotional balance. Children with special needs are highly sensitive to their caregivers' emotions. The 'Five Minute Chaos to Calm' method offers quick, accessible relief for busy parents. Self-care is essential for effective parenting and managing stress. Hypnosis reveals strengths and helps manage parenting challenges. Emotional regulation in parents directly impacts children’s behavior. Parents can practice self-hypnosis to manage daily stress. Starting a business as a parent requires a strong motivation and personal 'why.' Self-care supports the whole family; it’s not selfish to prioritise it.   Chapters: 00:00 – Navigating Technical Difficulties 05:53 – Introduction to Holistic Wellness and Hypnotherapy 07:47 – Kim's Journey: From Speech Pathology to Hypnotherapy 1 7:05 – Hypnotherapy for Children with Special Needs 22:49 – The Five Minute Chaos to Calm Method 30:48 – Managing Parental Guilt and Stress through Hypnotherapy 35:43 – Understanding Hypnotherapy and Its Limitations 38:06 – Empowering Parents: Starting a Business Amidst Challenges 45:48 – Meditation Techniques for Managing Anxiety 01:00:36 – Guided Meditation: Finding Calm and Clarity Sound Bites: "I didn't know anything really about hypnosis." "It’s really just about getting grounded and releasing negative emotions." "You have to want to do it." "You can achieve anything as long as it's humanly possible." "Self-care is essential, not selfish." This episode is packed with insights for parents navigating the challenges of self-care and empowerment while raising children, particularly those with special needs. Tune in for valuable guidance on managing stress, reclaiming calm, and empowering yourself to pursue both personal and business goals with confidence.

In this special episode you can listen in to our full weaning webinar! - This conversation covers the essential aspects of weaning babies, including the stages of weaning, the concept of baby-led weaning, common myths and challenges parents face, and a Q&A session addressing specific concerns. Kim and Alison from The Stages 4 Ages Team talk about the importance of patience, understanding, and creating a positive environment for both parents and babies during the weaning process.

In this episode of For All Stages and Ages, Lucy Howell welcomes Mia Dixon, founder of Celebrate Sleep with Mia, to discuss gentle and supportive sleep training for babies and toddlers. Mia shares her personal journey into sleep consultancy, how she went from struggling with her son’s sleep to becoming a certified sleep consultant, and the methods she uses to help parents create better sleep routines for their children. Key Topics Covered: Mia's personal experience that led her to pursue baby sleep consultancy The challenges of sleep training and how every child’s sleep needs are different Understanding your child’s temperament and how it impacts sleep training Mia’s gentle, non-judgmental approach to sleep training, and why she doesn't advocate for methods like "cry it out" Establishing effective bedtime routines and creating a safe sleep space How to handle sleep transitions, like moving from a cot to a bed or dropping naps Managing sleep disruptions due to big life changes, such as moving house or welcoming a new sibling Techniques for parents to help their children settle into sleep, including sensory activities and bedtime role-play Mia also shares practical tips for parents who feel overwhelmed by sleep challenges, emphasizing that the journey is about finding the right approach for both parents and children. Where to Find Mia Dixon: Instagram: @CelebrateSleepwithMia Free Bedtime Routine Guide: Available through the link in her Instagram bio Upcoming Bedtime Routine Workshop: End of October/beginning of November — sign up through Mia’s Instagram or email list for early access and exclusive offers Whether you’re a new parent or a parent of multiples struggling with sleep routines, this episode offers a wealth of tips and expert advice to help make bedtime more peaceful for the whole family. Stay tuned for Mia's upcoming workshop designed to help parents create customized bedtime routines that fit their children’s unique needs!   Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode of For All Stages and Ages, Lucy Howell sits down with Kate Kurdziej, a business consultant and founder of Olivier Consultancy, to explore the delicate balance between parenting and running a business. Kate shares her personal journey of transitioning from a corporate career to motherhood and launching her own business. She talks about the challenges of relocating to Spain with her family, emphasizing the importance of building a life-first business and balancing personal needs with professional ambitions. Key topics discussed include: Overcoming limiting beliefs and finding a balance between parenthood and entrepreneurship The reality of juggling family, business, and self-care as a parent Tips for parents considering relocation abroad, and lessons learned from Kate’s move from the UK to France and then to Spain The power of automating your business and standardizing systems to achieve growth How to maintain self-care and prevent burnout while managing a busy family and business life Kate’s advice for parents feeling guilt when balancing work and children Insights on how parents can design a life that suits their family’s needs Kate also shares details about her upcoming retreats in Spain, where she helps business owners create efficient strategies while enjoying the sunny Spanish climate. If you're a parent looking to start or grow a business, navigate life changes like relocation, or simply balance it all, this episode is packed with advice and encouragement. Where to find Kate: Instagram: @OlivierConsultancy Website: olivier-consultancy.co.uk   Don't miss out on her business retreats in Spain! Check out the details on her Instagram or website for upcoming opportunities to work on your business in a beautiful setting.

Tina Southwood, a sleep training consultant, shares her background and journey in the baby industry. She discusses the common sleep challenges parents face with newborns and infants, such as trapped wind and incorrect winding techniques. Tina emphasises the importance of recognising and understanding a baby's awake window and implementing a consistent routine. She also addresses the guilt some parents may feel about seeking help with sleep issues and reassures them that it is normal and necessary. Tina provides advice on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for babies, including the use of blackout curtains and the avoidance of cot bumpers. She finishes by encouraging parents to enjoy their babies and to observe and respond to their sleepy signs. You can get more information and advice from Tina in our Parenting Support Community https://www.stages4ages.com/join-our-parenting-community You can also connect with Tina on her social media https://www.facebook.com/SleepBabySleep/ https://x.com/babysleepuk

This episode of 'For All Stages and Ages' features a discussion with Alison, a nursery manager, about the important topic of children transitioning from nursery to primary school, as well as starting nursery for the first time. The conversation covers practical advice for parents on preparing their children for the change, including adapting to new routines, the role of school uniforms in easing transitions, and how to support children who may feel anxious about starting school. Alison provides insights into the differences between nurseries and preschools, tips for building a child's independence, and strategies for toilet training and adjusting sleep patterns. The importance of establishing communication with teachers and addressing the needs of children with additional support is also emphasised. The episode aims to assist parents in supporting their children through these significant milestones, highlighting the role of nurseries in preparing children for the school environment and offering reassurance that concerns about transitions are common among parents. The Montessori Coat Flip! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Episode 00:51 Insights on Transitioning from Nursery to School 01:38 The Role of School Uniform in Transition 03:11 Addressing Parental and Child Anxiety about School Transition 05:26 Understanding the Difference Between Nursery and Preschool 06:48 Preparing Children for School: Practical Tips for Parents 10:36 The Importance of Early Years Education and Choosing the Right Time for School 15:33 Enhancing School Readiness: Home Visits and Teacher Engagement 18:13 Addressing Special Educational Needs During Transition 19:52 Identifying Happiness and Addressing Concerns in School Settings 26:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

In this episode, Alison, a nursery manager and forest school leader, shares insights on the philosophy and benefits of outdoor learning through forest schools: - Forest schools emphasise children's innate connection to nature for their health and well-being. Activities like building rope walkways develop teamwork and emotional resilience. - Forest schools can be inclusive by making adaptations for children of different ages, abilities, and special educational needs The key is knowing each child and making necessary adjustments. - Forest school offers a unique learning environment that complements traditional schooling, especially for children with additional needs. It allows controlled risk-taking and hands-on outdoor experiences - Forest school leaders require specialised training to ensure safety and tailor activities to individual needs, finding the right balance between risk and benefit. - Alison highlights how forest school supports children's overall development - physical, cognitive, social, emotional - by allowing them to direct their own learning experiences in nature. - She also shares heartwarming examples of children's creativity thriving outdoors and the joyful reactions children and parents have had during forest school sessions - Alison discusses the importance of being prepared for outdoor hazards and how children often surprise with their imaginative games and activities like building fairy houses.   Key Lessons  Forest schools can be inclusive and accommodate children of different ages and abilities, including those with special educational needs, through adaptations and tailoring activities to individual needs. Forest school empowers children, boosts their motivation to learn, and helps them develop important life skills through controlled risk-taking and hands-on outdoor experiences. Forest school benefits not just the children, but the adults as well, providing emotional wellbeing advantages of spending time outdoors.   00:00 Welcome to For All Stages and Ages: Exploring Forest School 00:34 The Philosophy and Importance of Forest Schools 01:28 A Day at Forest School: Activities and Routine 02:26 Key Skills and Lessons from Outdoor Learning 03:45 Inclusivity and Adaptations for Diverse Needs 05:01 Becoming a Forest School Leader: Training and Qualifications 05:49 Ensuring Safety and Managing Risks in Outdoor Learning 06:55 The Transformative Impact of Forest School on Children 07:37 Forest School vs. Traditional Schooling: Complementary     Approaches 11:02 Creative Play and Learning in Nature 13:04 Engaging Parents and the Community in Forest School 15:36 Preparing for Forest School: Tips for Parents and Children 18:38 Unexpected Lessons and Closing Thoughts   Chapters  00:00:00 - A Day in the Life of Forest School 00:01:49 - Adapting Forest School Activities for Diverse Learners 00:05:02 - Requirements for Running a Forest School 00:07:41 - Forest School: Nurturing Child-Centered Learning 00:09:37 - Children's Confidence and Self-Regulation at Forest School 00:11:53 - Child's Heartwarming Hug of Grandfather Oak Tree 00:15:09 - Embracing Muddy Forest School Adventures 00:19:20 - The Benefits of Forest School for All