Meerilinga - Positive Childhoods and Parenting

Parents can often feel consumed by the urgent tasks of the day, leaving little room to think about the world that their kids are going to enter when they’re older. Sonya Elek has gone through this journey and worked to make sure that her time and energy align with her values – especially around taking action on climate change.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Sonya Elek, Parents for Climate: Sonya is a parent, teacher and climate activist who volunteers for Parents for Climate, a national organisation that empowers parents to champion climate action within their communities.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

Parenting is seen as ‘natural’ but we need MAPS to navigate us through the challenges, especially in the first few weeks of parenthood.   Manager of Meerilinga Parenting Services, Belynda Smith, and Sharon Cooke, a parent-infant therapist, discuss the need to slow down and be present with their little one. Sharon shares her experience helping to develop Mother-Baby Nurture and how this short, 10-week programme can form a foundation for a lifelong connection.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Sharon Cooke, Parent-Infant Therapist: Sharon Cooke originally trained as a Registered Midwife and Child Health Nurse. In the first half of her career, she worked in early parenting—supporting families through consultations and parent education, with a special focus on children’s sleep and behaviour. As a mother of three herself, Sharon was motivated to really understand the mysteries of parenting, and she dug deep into it all. Over time, though, she realised something was missing. When it came to family trauma and loss—the struggles that most needed compassionate support—her professional toolkit felt empty. This is what sparked her curiosity about family relationships, trauma, and the way patterns of relating are carried from one generation to the next. To explore this further, Sharon completed a Master’s in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and trained as a Parent-Infant Therapist. Drawing on attachment science and neurobiology, she went on to author Mother-Baby Nurture—a reflective group for mothers and infants that addresses the transmission of trauma, a subject that’s rarely spoken about. Today, Sharon trains and supervises a multidisciplinary team of clinicians delivering Mother-Baby Nurture in 13 communities across WA. This free program supports families with newborns, helping them start life together on strong and nurturing foundations.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

We’re looking at how proprioception, our sense of our body, can be used as a different set of MAPS for our children's emotions and wellbeing. Featuring The Occuplaytional Therapist, Kelsie Olds, we discuss strategies around enabling children to use their senses and movement to act out feelings and feel good about themselves.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Kelsie Olds, The Occuplaytional Therapist: Kelsie is an occupational therapist who shares every day with thousands of people online—parents, teachers, fellow professionals, and adults healing their own childhoods—about the power of play in children's lives. Kelsie has worked with kids in all kinds of settings: from rural Oklahoma, to an Air Force base in England, to their current home in Geelong, Victoria. Their experiences across different countries and systems give them a unique perspective on how healthcare and education shape childhood.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

Author, Educator and Mother, Gen Muir speaks to Manager of Meerilinga Parenting Services, Belynda Smith, on how parents can attune to their children’s emotions and help guide them through the challenges. Self-reflection remains key along this journey, and Gen discusses ways our own emotional history can impact the moment and that we need to remain kind and compassionate towards ourselves.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Gen Muir, founder of Connected Parenting: Gen is a parent educator, author, social worker, grief counsellor and mother of four boys. She is passionate about helping families to connect and thrive amid the many challenges of modern parenting. Gen has appeared on Sunrise, The Today Show, The Morning Show, The Project, 2Day FM and ABC. Her recent book, Little People, Big Feelings (2024), and her co-hosted podcast, Beyond the Chaos, provide valuable resources for those working with or raising children.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

There’s a whole bunch of MAPS out there, but it’s important that we don’t lose sight of what we value most.   In our conversation with Karen Young, expert on paediatric anxiety and the neurodevelopment of children, we explore the importance of sticking to our core values as parents, whether it’s honesty, kindness, courage or respect. When parents embody these values themselves they can more easily nurture those same qualities in their children and lead them through emotions and anxiety.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Karen Young, founder of Hey Sigmund: Karen began her career as a psychologist and is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading authorities on paediatric anxiety and the neurodevelopment of children. She is a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, and works with parents, schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent-focused organisations both in Australia and overseas. Karen is the founder of ‘Hey Sigmund’, an internationally popular online resource that provides contemporary, research-driven information on anxiety and the neurodevelopment of children. She has written five books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior’ and 'Hey Awesome', which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

Sometimes the MAPS that we need are right in front of us. That’s what Jason Hyde discovered when he was looking for some direction as a single dad of four. He sat down with Manager of Meerilinga Parenting Services, Belynda Smith, to discuss his lived experience and how he is helping organisations tailor their parenting programs to the needs of fathers.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Jason Hyde, Authentic Men: 24/7 Single dad of four, with lived experience that enriches and informs his practice, Jace supports men to achieve using strength based and low threshold supports addressing risk factors, mental health, AOD, homelessness, family breakdown and relationship issues that inform choices of behaviour, suicide, loneliness, family violence, generational parenting, attachment issues and child development.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

Spend some time on the couch with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby, clinical psychologists at The Kidd Clinic. Alongside host and Manager of Meerilinga Parenting Services, Belynda Smith, they discuss the different MAPS that parents can use to navigate neurodiversity and relieve the pressure on themselves and their children. Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Dr Theresa Kidd, Clinical Director of The Kidd Clinic: Dr Theresa Kidd is a clinical psychologist, research fellow and the clinical director of The Kidd Clinic, a private psychology group practice focussed on Autism, ADHD, and Mental Health across the lifespan. Theresa is committed to helping neurodivergent individuals of all ages to minimise their challenges, increase their strengths and to achieve meaningful life goals. Drawing from her own experience of living within a neurodivergent family, Theresa is passionate about increasing family quality of life by assisting families to be as strong and healthy as possible.   About Dr Miriam Kirby, Clinical Team Lead at The Kidd Clinic: Dr Miriam Kirby is an experienced Clinical Psychologist who has worked within the areas of Autism and Mental Health for over 20 years. She is committed to helping neurodivergent individuals of all ages to understand their identity, identify and advocate for supports and accommodations, and manage co-occurring mental health conditions across different settings. Miriam has a particular interest in supporting Autistic women and girls from a neurodiversity affirming perspective, including those who have been identified as Autistic later in life.   Discover more about The Kidd Clinic: https://www.kiddclinic.com.au/   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

MAPS For Parents Episode 3 Putting the P into MAPS, puppeteer Kylie Bywaters speaks to Manager of Meerilinga Parenting Services, Belynda Smith, about how Play can nurture a child’s emotional wellbeing and creativity, and build stronger connections with their parents. Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Kylie Bywaters, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre: Kylie is a theatre maker and puppeteer dedicated to creating accessible, meaningful arts experiences. A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), she has built a diverse career performing, directing, and facilitating across Australia and internationally. She currently serves as the Director of Puppet Playtime at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, where she designs a program that uses puppetry and beloved children's books to foster social-emotional wellbeing and early literacy in 3–5 year olds. Find out more about the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre: https://sppt.com.au/   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

MAPS For Parents Episode 2 Books are one of the best tools in your kit when raising a child with mindfulness, attunement, play and self care. Jennifer Donovan, Education Officer at Better Beginnings shares her experience of working with families to develop early literacy and some practical techniques to encourage children to learn in a way that suits them. Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Jennifer Donovan, Better Beginnings: An Education Officer who works at the State Library of Western Australia, Jennifer is passionate about early literacy, education, personal and professional development, training, culture and the arts. Find out more about Better Beginnings: https://www.better-beginnings.com.au/   Episode References Book Finder https://www.better-beginnings.com.au/book-finder Rhyme Finder https://www.better-beginnings.com.au/rhyme-finder Literacy Calendar https://www.better-beginnings.com.au/read-watch-and-play/home-literacy-calendar   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

MAPS For Parents Episode 1 Annette Harwood, CEO of Playgroup, knows that it takes a village to raise a child. In a conversation with Manager of Meerilinga Parenting Services, Belynda Smith, they discuss the messiness and magic of the early years and why connection and community matter when raising a child, both for their benefit and yours. Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Annette Harwood, CEO of Playgroup: Annette is a passionate and compassionate leader dedicated to supporting parents as the first and most important teachers in their children’s lives. With deep expertise in early intervention and family support, she is committed to empowering parents to lay the foundation for their children’s resilience and lifelong confidence. Find out more about Playgroup WA: https://www.playgroupwa.com.au/   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

Starting a family while working as a fly-in fly-out worker has its share of challenges. We sat down with Vicky Pellowe, founder of The FIFO Family Project, to tackle some of these head on, including ways that parents can prepare their children for the realities of FIFO work and find ways to build community at home.   Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Vicky Pellowe, founder of The FIFO Family Project: Vicky began her FIFO story in 2013 when she started working on remote construction projects in Western Australia. As a lifelong advocate for mental health support, she was heavily involved with the mental health initiatives on site and witnessed the daily pressures FIFO workers faced while away from home and loved ones for weeks on end. In 2024, she started The FIFO Family Project as a solution to the lack of support for FIFO families. Through social connection, resources and educational workshops, she supports FIFO families to create happy, healthy and supported FIFO lifestyles.   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.

MAPS For Parents Episode 4 Mindfulness doesn’t always require extra time. With the help of parenting consultant and program facilitator, Jo Wiese, we explore practical ways that mindfulness can support you through the chaos of the everyday. Discover MAPS for Parenting: mindfulness, attunement, play and self care by following us online or viewing our YouTube playlist. Find more support at Meerilinga: https://www.meerilinga.org.au/   About Jo Wiese: Jo is a wellbeing and parenting consultant. As a parenting facilitator, she has the pleasure of supporting parents through programs such as Circle of Security Parenting, Dad’s Tuning in to Kids and Tuning in to Kids. Jo has 30 years of experience in psychology, positive psychology and wellbeing science and worked in her early career as a school counsellor supporting children and young people in schools. Jo has a passion for wellbeing science, including mindfulness. She has worked for many years training teachers and parents in topics and skills related to wellbeing science, including how to develop a whole-school (or whole family) approach to mindfulness. She is also mother to three adult children. Listen to Jo Wiese's new podcast: https://whatsfear.substack.com/ Find Jo Wiese on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-wiese/   Episode References https://my.happify.com/hd/why-mindfulness-is-a-superpower-animation   The MAPS for Parents podcast is recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. Meerilinga would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our respects to their culture and to elders past, present and emerging in the spirit of reconciliation.