Shows
Parenting with PLAY!Ever had a CPM (Cr*p Parenting Moment)? If so - do thisEver done something you KNOW not to do. And yet you can't help yourself?!You know not to shout, and yet you still do.You know your child wants your attention, and yet you just can't give it.These are not signs that you're a bad parent. Instead, they're indications that you need something. And it's not more information or What To Do videos. Listen in to what you really need instead.__________________________________________________________About Helena Mooneyđź’žGiving you what you really need to help you...
2025-10-1712 minParenting with PLAY!Building Physical and Emotional ResilienceIf you ever panic when your child is upset because they've hurt themselves and you don't know how to help them overcome anxiety as a result of their injury, then this episode is going to help.I recently dislocated my shoulder (again) and what I did in one hour the following week transformed my recovery.Even though this was a more painful and traumatic event than when I dislocated it 3 years before, I now feel much more confident physically and emotionally. Listen in to discover what it was and how you can transform...
2025-10-0515 minParenting with PLAY!Help Your Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food - with Maru RojasStruggling with picky eaters? Worried about your child’s obsession with sweets, constant snack requests, or battles at the dinner table? Helena chats with Maru Rojas, an Aware Parenting instructor and Mum of 2 who specialises in Intuitive Eating. In this super helpful, down-to-earth conversation you'll learn how to foster a healthy, trusting relationship with food for your whole family. This episode offers practical tips and real-life strategies to guide your kids (and yourself!) to eat with confidence & connection - without mealtime stress or food shame. Listen in and transform your family’s approach to f...
2025-09-1948 minParenting with PLAY!How to have the best holiday with your child/renHow are holidays with your children? Relaxing, wonderful and Instagramable? Or stressful and exhausting?! Sometimes it can feel like it would be easier to just stay at home because then the kids wouldn't have as many tantrums, you wouldn't feel so frazzled and frustrated, and it would be cheaper too.But holidays can be fun! So listen to this week's episode to have the best time with your children. Whether it's a weekend away, camping, flying, or a regular holiday, discover why your child might have more meltdowns, how to manage those overwhelming moments...
2025-08-1319 minParenting with PLAY!Trusting Yourself As A MumDo you trust yourself? Are you gentle with yourself? Can you calm that urgent voice in your head, and bring a strong sense of peace into your mind and your body?Because that is what I want for you.To deeply trust yourself as a Mum, to release trauma, and to feel confident in who you are.Vicki Plomer is an Aware Parenting Instructor, a Somatic Therapist and a Trauma-Informed Energy Practitioner.In this episode we talk about about how to tune out the “shoulds”, connect more deeply with your own intu...
2025-08-0856 minParenting with PLAY!Toilet Training Play to Help with #2's - with Yasmine BowenIf toilet training has become a battle and your child is refusing to do wees or poos in the potty or toilet, then this episode is going to help.Especially if you're feeling pressure from those around you and you've tried all the things - bribes, threats and listening to lots of upset feelings. Yasmine's lovely, strong-willed son was refusing to do a poo on the potty or toilet. It had turned into a battle of wills that Yasmine was 'losing' and her son's anxiety was increasing.Hear how she turned the situation...
2025-08-0137 minParenting with PLAY!Understanding Tantrums - with Eva SzoradOne of parenting’s most misunderstood topics—Tantrums! in this episode I chat with Eva Szorad, a Hungarian Aware Parenting instructor, about what tantrums really are, and more importantly, what they are not.I wish I knew this when I first became a mum because I used to think I had failed when my daughter had tantrums. I had been led to believe that if I was calm and gentle, she would be calm and gentle too.So I couldn't understand why she was like that. And I had NO idea what to do i...
2025-07-251h 05Parenting with PLAY!When your child shouts "Go Away" and slams their door - with Michelle PusterDo you ever struggle to know what to do when your child runs to their room, slams the door and shouts at you to “Go Away!”?If you're like many of my clients, you might feel confused about what to do.On the one hand, you want to respect your child's boundaries and not force yourself in when they've told you go away.But on the other hand, your child is clearly upset and you don't want to leave them alone with their upset feelings.  So what do you do?!In...
2025-07-1842 min
Aware Parenting Stories with Joss GouldenEpisode 121 - You Are a Good Enough Mum: Embracing Imperfection with Helena-MooneyWelcome back to another episode in the series about embracing imperfection in Aware Parenting. In this episode I talk with Helena Mooney who is an Aware Parenting Instructor and a Hand in Hand Instructor with 2 children.
She share her journey with learning to embrace her imperfection in parenting and learning to accept her children's imperfection too. We talk about self-criticism and learning a more compassionate inner dialogue. Helena shares the power of receiving her own listening and honouring her own feelings to be able to come back to acceptance, compassion and trust. We talk about the difference between Aware Parenting...
2025-06-1745 minParenting with PLAY!Connected Parenting with Your Partner - with Joss GouldenHave you ever argued with your partner about parenting? Most parents have and it's one of the big topics that clients usually want to talk or vent about. This is especially an issue when you're following a different approach to the norm, and maybe you've even questioned whether it's worth implementing it if your partner is not 100% on board.In this episode I talk with fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, Joss Goulden about what you can do to create a more connected co-parenting relationship with your partner whilst staying true to your values.___________________________________________________________...
2024-03-2147 minParenting with PLAY!How a mundane day could become your child’s “Best day ever!” – with Devon HarrisIf you've ever tried to give your child the ideal day by throwing a birthday party or taking them on an exciting trip, only for them to have a meltdown or complain, then this episode is for you.In it, Devon Harris shares about how about a day spent doing mundane things with her son led him to declare it was "the best day ever"So what was it about that day that had such a profound impact?And how can you bring in the elements she talks about into your every day...
2024-03-0943 minParenting with PLAY!Rage, Shame and Hope – an honest conversation with therapist Michelle PusterYou are going to LOVE this episode. This is a very honest, raw and hopeful conversation with Michelle Puster, a long-term client of mine who is a therapist and Mom of 3 (including twins).Michelle opens up about how challenging life was with 3 children under 2 and the rage, shame, depression and anxiety she experienced.This difficult time led her to eventually find Hand in Hand Parenting, start working with me and discover meditation. She shares how she went from crying in the bathroom to being able to be calm and present with her children wh...
2024-02-2955 minParenting with PLAY!Trust the Process: Raising Teens with Trust and Awareness - with Vivian ViesterWhen you first start parenting this different way, you're probably worried about how your children will turn out and whether you can trust the process.In this episode, I have a heartfelt chat with Vivian Viester about the challenges and revelations of parenting, especially with teenagers. Vivian shares her journey of discovering Aware Parenting and what she's learned, especially when things are hard. We talk about the importance of self-compassion, understanding the underlying reasons for our reactions and emotions, repairing ruptures with our children, trusting their natural learning process, healing our relationships with...
2024-02-2336 minParenting with PLAY!Parenting Doesn't Have to Be Serious All The TimeParenting is such an important job and of course you want to do it really well.But sometimes you don't know what to do when your child is being challenging. And sometimes you can focus so much on the serious things, that you lose sight of what life and parenting is actually about - which is to be enjoyed! Find out how you can bring more silliness throughout your day, and how to respond in those moments when you don't know what to do.-----Timestamps: 00:00 Parenting ca...
2024-02-0923 minParenting with PLAY!"No One Will Play With Me" - Helping Your Child with School Playground FriendshipsIf your child has ever said "Nobody will play with me" you'll know how heart-wrenching it is to hear your child struggling. Especially when you remember what it was like for you at school. So in today's episode I share what I did when my son (6) said that to me and how I helped him.This episode is a powerful one because social struggles are a big reason why children don't want to go to school. And when you can help them feel more confident socially, they feel more relaxed and able to learn better.
2024-02-0221 minParenting with PLAY!Prioritise this in 2024 (It'll make parenting easier & more fun)Are you having the same old New Year Resolutions such as lose weight or earn more money?They can feel a bit boring and uninspiring, don't they?Instead, how would it be to instead focus on the one thing that actually determines the quality of your life?In this episode we dive into just that. You’ll hear: What's really important to have a fulfilling lifeWhat to focus on with your childThe power of micro momentsWhy you need to embrace imperfectionand much more!Listen today!--------
2024-01-2316 min
Parenting with PLAY!Prioritise this in 2024 (It'll make parenting easier & more fun)Are you having the same old New Year Resolutions such as lose weight or earn more money?They can feel a bit boring and uninspiring, don't they?Instead, how would it be to instead focus on the one thing that actually determines the quality of your life?In this episode we dive into just that. You’ll hear: What's really important to have a fulfilling lifeWhat to focus on with your childThe power of micro momentsWhy you need to embrace imperfection and much more!-------Helena Moo...
2024-01-2316 minParenting with PLAY!What To Focus on in 2024Forget new year resolutions and needing to change yourself. Focus on THIS instead for a more fulfilling and fun year ahead in 2024!Let go of self-doubt, self judgements and confusion about how to be the mum you want to be. Create your best year ever - for yourself, your child, and your family as a whole. Book in a 1:1 session with Helena to dive into what you really want and how you can have it this coming year.
2024-01-1916 minParenting with PLAY!Anger to tears to laughter. Setting a limit about dinner with my 8 year oldUnless it's pesto pasta, fish & chips or pizza, George, 8, will complain about what I've cooked for dinner.Earlier this week, I could see that he needed to offload some big feelings he was carrying. He'd been quick to temper for a while and so I used his refusal to eat my (delicious!) dinner to help him with his upset.I set the limit and I listened to his rage....In this episode I share about what happened:- how he reacted- what I did to set the limit
2023-06-1616 min
The Aware Parenting PodcastEpisode 130: From exhaustion to restful sleep with Helena MooneyIn this episode, I talk with my dear friend and colleague, Helena Mooney, who is an Aware Parenting instructor and Hand in Hand instructor. She shares about her experience of starting off with Classical Attachment Parenting with her daughter, and how little sleep she had, and how exhausted she was. She shares about how weird she found Aware Parenting at first, and her unsureness in practicing it at the beginning, and how different it was from Classical Attachment Parenting.
Then she talks about how that perception changed as she saw what a difference it made to her daughter's sleep. The...
2023-04-0556 minParenting with PLAY!If You Ever Feel Like You're Failing As A MumThere's so much pressure to be the "perfect" mum. But, what is "perfect"? And is your desire to be perfect resulting in you feeling like a failure?This episode will dive into what most mum's feel, and how you can turn that around.Helena Mooney is a Parenting & Life Coach dedicated to helping your family AND you thrive.Book: 1:1 Mentoring SessionJoin: Annoying to AMAZING! Online program if you have a child under 9Follow on InstagramFollow on Facebook
2023-03-3120 minParenting with PLAY!How to Be a More Playful MumIf you find it hard to be playful with your child, then this episode is going to help.Because it's hard! And often you probably would rather do anything - ANYTHING! - than sit and play with your child one more time.....You're not alone and it's totally understandable.And.....there are things you can do to become more playful. It's not a case of you being that type of person, or not.Playfulness is born AND made!  In this episode I share something practical you can do that will...
2023-03-2321 minParenting with PLAY!Are Tantrums "Normal"?Do you worry whether your child is "normal", especially when they're having a meltdown (again!)?  If so, you're not alone. Tantrums have been seen as unacceptable for hundreds of years and very harsh methods were used to stop them - "spoil the rod, spare the child".But tantrums ARE normal. In fact, they're a healthy biological function that needs to be supported rather than squashed. Because when they're squashed, the upset emotions stay inside your child which leads to anxieties, aggression and addictive behaviours.Listen to this episode to learn more about the benef...
2023-03-1819 minParenting with PLAY!Repair after shouting at my kids - from grovelling apologies to confident reconnection - with Chiara RossettiIf you've ever been stuck in the anger > guilt > shame cycle, then this episode is perfect for you.Chiara Rossetti is an amazing Aware Parenting Mum and Instructor who shares how she has struggled with her feelings of frustration and rage with her children, and how she now uses playfulness to reconnect and repair after an outburst.Key Points:Healing & transformative power of playPlay can be easier than you thinkPlay is your child's language & is universalParenting doesn't need to be serious (and is better when it isn't!)Play doesn't always feel natural - and...
2023-03-0236 minParenting with PLAY!When Your Child Refuses To Go To SchoolWhether it's Preschool, Primary or High / Secondary School, at some point your child is not going to want to go. Which is completely understandable. But it's also concerning and frustrating for you.So this episode gives you strategies & insights for what to do in the heat of the moment in those challenging moments, and what to do to reduce the chances of it happening.For more support:REGISTER for the Helping Your Child with School WorkshopJOIN Annoying to AMAZING! Online ProgramBook in a 1:1...
2023-02-2326 minParenting with PLAY!3 Things NOT To Do When Your Child is Having a Big Cry or TantrumWhen your child is crying or having a tantrum, it can be hard to know what to do in the heat of the moment. After working with many parents, these are 3 common mistakes I see that impact on children's ability to effectively process their upset emotions. Listen in to this episode to find out what they are, and what you can do instead.If you realise you've done any of these, please know that it's totally understandable and we've all done it too. Being with upset children is hard! S...
2023-02-0918 minParenting with PLAY!What To Do If Your Child Refuses To Go To SchoolIf your child is anxious, having a hard time at school and is regularly refusing to go in the mornings, then this episode will show you:how to help build your child's confidence so they become happier to go to schoolwhat to do in the heat of the moment to stop mornings becoming a battlegroundFor more support to help your child (aged 1 - 9) with their emotions and behaviour, join Annoying to AMAZING! - Helena's transformative and comprehensive 8 week online program If you have a question you want answered on the podcast, email Helena...
2023-02-0726 min
Parenting with PLAY!What YOU Want Is Important & Makes You A Better Mum. So How Can You Get it?You spend so much time thinking about what others want, but what about YOU? Find out how to uncover what you REALLY want and how to make it happenIn this episode Helena will take you through 2 processes to help you get clear about what you want in your life so that you can make it happen. Whether they are big life decisions, or everyday occurrences with your kids (because they make up your life), you CAN create the life you want to live.Helena also shares her personal news about a big move her...
2023-01-2724 min
Mind Body Parenting Podcast with Shelley ClarkeHelping our Babies Sleep through with Helena MooneyIn this episode Shelley chats with certified Hand in Hand parenting instructor and Aware parenting instructor Helena Mooney. Helena is also a life coach and mother of two children, with her wealth of knowledge and experience she loves supporting parents to have the best experience possible - when pregnant, giving birth and being a parent.In this episode you'll learn about:- the incredible, life-changing experience Helena had with her 3 week old baby that set the trajectory of her work now- how searching for someone who had similar parenting values led Helena to discovering Ma...
2022-09-0549 min
Aware Parenting Stories with Joss GouldenEpisode 13: Attachment Play with Helena MooneyIn this episode, I have the pleasure of talking to Helena Mooney. Helena is an Aware Parenting Instructor and Hand in Hand Instructor who has been supporting families for over 10 years. She loves helping mums to create deeply connected families where both parents and children thrive and have fun together. She is the host of the Parenting with Play podcast and works with parents 1:1 as well as through her 2 online programs: Aware Parenting Babies and Annoying to AMAZING! Helena has 2 children of her own aged 14 & 8 and lives in Sydney.
In this episode Helena shares her story of how she found...
2022-08-301h 07
Spirited Hearts the podcast16. Overcome Bedtime Battles & Help Your Child Sleep Better with Helena MooneySend us a textI was so delighted to sit down with Aware Parenting Instructor, Hand-in-Hand Parenting Instructor and host of the Parenting with PLAY Podcast, Helena Mooney for this episode, and chat about a topic that many parents struggle with - BEDTIME!We discuss the importance of shifting the current bedtime paradigm of quiet and calmness, to instead meeting our child's needs and wherever they are at, whether that be holding space for upset feelings, or using play, wrestling and rowdiness at bedtime.Helena explains why we need to throw "bedtime routines" out the...
2022-08-211h 02
Wide Left SportsInterview with Helena Senator Player Trysten MooneyListen as we interview Helena Senator Player Trysten Mooney
2022-07-1307 min
Parenting with PLAY!Playdates - how to help your child and their friendPlaydates can be fun and a great way to entertain your child. And...they can also be chaotic, noisy and end in tears. Discover how to help your child and their friend have a great time and deal with any friction or fights that may arise.For more help with your child, join me inside Annoying to AMAZING! where you'll receive:more practical strategies to help your child with anxieties, aggressive behaviour, bedtime issues and morethe step by step approach to deal with tantrums, whining and big upset emotionshow to set limits playfully & lovinglyan insight into what's going on...
2022-07-0826 min
The Aware Parenting PodcastEpisode 103: Children and travelIn this episode of The Aware Parenting Podcast, Marion talks to Helena Mooney, an Aware Parenting instructor, about travelling with children. Both Marion and Helena have travelled frequently between Australia and the UK with babies and young children.
We include information about: how to prepare children for travelling, what we can do on a plane or airport terminal to help things go more smoothly, how we can respond if our child cries on the plane, and how we can listen to feelings when staying with friends or family. We share information relevant to travelling in other ways, such as in...
2022-07-0557 minParenting with PLAY!How Play Will Help Your Anxious ChildDiscover why play is more effective than talking & reassurance when your child is anxious.You can play games in a therapeutic way that will help your anxious child become much more confident and able to cope with difficult situations.Find out more ways play can help & more games inside my FREE online Playful Discipline Workshop. Click here to join today!And if you're wanting to take your parenting to the next level so you can feel more confident knowing you're helping your baby or child in a deeper way, you can:book in a 1:1 sessionjoin Annoying to...
2022-06-3020 minParenting with PLAY!Travelling with Babies & ChildrenHow to make travelling much easier when you have a baby or a child.Travelling long distances on planes, trains or in your car doesn't have to be super stressful. Discover what practical things you can do to make it more enjoyable for you and your child.If you'd like to learn how to incorporate more PLAY into your parenting, join me for my online Playful Discipline Workshop - it's FREE!And if you're wanting to take your parenting to the next level so you can feel more confident knowing you're helping your baby or child in...
2022-06-2420 min
Parenting with PLAY!What do you tell yourself when your child is having a tantrum?What do you tell yourself when your child is having a tantrum?That you're a bad mumThat you've done something wrong -That there's something wrong with your childThat they're being ridiculousIf they're like this now, what are they going to be like when they're a teenagerIs it always going to be this hard?Why does it have to be like this?Your mental chatter can be exhausting!This episode is to offer you reassurance on your child's behaviour when they're having a tantrum, to share a recent example with my son, and to remind you of the...
2021-09-1224 min
Parenting with PLAY!Homeschooling in Lockdown - with Joss GouldenWith lockdowns being extended in Melbourne & Sydney as well as other parts of Australia, it's important we figure out the best way to help our children with their school work. This episode is going to help you to do just that.Whilst lockdown parenting is nothing like normal homeschooling, in this episode I'm joined by Joss Goulden, an Aware Parenting Instructor who has homeschooled her children (her 18 year old son will be going to university next year).Joss is so warm, down to earth and insightful in what your family needs to be able to navigate this challenging...
2021-08-2202 min
Parenting with PLAY!How To Make Lockdown Parenting EasierAs much as I hate to say this, lockdowns seem to be a part of our lives now. As the rest of the world opens up, here in Australia we're still in them. And there's a high possibility of lockdowns coming back in the Northern Hemisphere's winter...Mental health issues, particularly for teens, are soaring.And whilst you can feel hopeless that you can't control what's going on in the outside world, the good news is that you CAN transform what's happening for you and your family.So, how can you make the best of this difficult...
2021-08-0121 min
Parenting with PLAY!Helping Siblings Get Along Better - with Belynda SmithI know it may not seem like it, but your children do not want to fight each other. They want to get along with each other. But there are times when it's really hard for them to do that. Their upset feelings take over and they lash out.Discover how you can help your children at a deep, emotional level which really shifts how they feel and how they behave in this fantastic conversation with Belynda Smith, a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor and former High School Teacher.She shares some fantastic games you can easily play, as...
2021-07-2443 min
Parenting with PLAY!How to Choose the Best Daycare & Help your Child with Separation Anxiety - with Steph FleetonSending your child to daycare is a big time for both of you. So what do you need to look for in a centre and how do you help your child adjust to being away from you?In this episode I interview Steph Fleeton, an Early Childhood Educator, Aware Parenting Instructor who runs a Family Day Care, to give you these answers.About StephSteph Fleeton is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Parenting Support Counsellor and Early Childhood Educator. She runs her own Family Day Care, with a strong focus on Aware Parenting, nature play and child-directed...
2021-07-1438 min
Parenting with PLAY!The Importance of Rough & Tumble Play - with Stacy WilsonPhysical play helps to build your child's physical and emotional confidence. So be inspired with playful ideas for more high-energy, rough and tumble play with your kids with Stacy Wilson, a fellow Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor & Primary School Teacher.This type of play is perfect for bedtimes, transitions between separated parents, offloading frustrations & emotional upsets and so much more.We also talk about how beneficial vibrant play is for girls, as well as for boys, particularly as they get older and are less likely to be running around in the playground.Plus, we discuss Stacy's progression...
2021-07-0230 min
Parenting with PLAY!When You're Not Happy With Your Child's School ReportGetting your child's school report can be exciting and affirming, or it can be stressful and demoralising.So in this episode I offer you ways to best manage your reactions and responses if you are disappointed or worried about your child's report. When you do this, you'll be you'll be calmer & less stressed, and so in a much better position to then support your child with whatever, if anything, they're needing. Together, you'll be able to figure it out.If you'd like help in diving into your fears or finding solutions to help your child, you can book...
2021-06-2517 minParenting with PLAY!Playful Inspiration for Toddlers to Teens - with Chiara RossettiBe inspired with silliness and discover ways to be playful with your kids from toddlers to teens. With Chiara Rossetti, Aware Parenting InstructorYou are going to LOVE this episode! So much fun & silliness with the fabulous Chiara Rossetti who's an Aware Parenting Instructor with 2 teenage children. She is amazing at bringing play to all situations and you'll be able to see how you, too, can incorporate such fun & silliness into your family.We cover a range of topics including:- starting out simply with your child - using their hands- ways to improve meal-times- teeth-cleaning- helping your...
2021-06-1152 min
Parenting with PLAY!Picky Eating - how play can helpHow are mealtimes in your family? Fun & easy? Or a battleground?!If you're struggling to help your child eat normal, healthy food and you're using TV to distract them, or offering the reward of pudding / dessert, or any forms of coercion, then this episode will help.Find out how to use play to transform mealtimes and help your child eat well both now and in the future.To discover how play and connection can help your family with other parenting challenges, join Annoying to AMAZING! for information, inspiration & personalised support. https://parentingwithplay.com.au/amazing/Follow...
2021-06-0426 min
Parenting with PLAY!Listening to My Baby Cry In My Arms “changed my world” - with Vivien TawseHow do you feel about listening to your baby or child cry with you? Hear how one mum felt and the transformation she experienced with her babyIn this interview with Vivien, she shares the impact Aware Parenting has had on her 13 month old daughter Nina especially around bedtimes, nappy changes, starting daycare and life in general. She shares how their relationship has deepened and how she, as a self-confessed emotional eater, now responds to her own emotions.You'll hear Nina happily playing around in the background.If you'd like...
2021-05-2235 minParenting with PLAY!Co-Sleeping with your Baby or ChildDo you co-sleep with your baby or child? If so, are you confident or embarrassed about it?If you don't co-sleep, but you think you'd might like to, what's your concerns about it?Are you worried that your child needs to become an independent sleeper by a certain age, or when you go back to work, or they start day care?This episode is to let you know that co-sleeping is such a beneficial and enjoyable thing to do with your baby or child/ren. And it won't last forever!I cover basic do's & don't's, as...
2021-05-1426 min
Parenting with PLAY!Why You Need to Stop Distracting Your Baby or Child When They're UpsetIt's horrible seeing your baby or child upset, especially when they've hurt themselves. So you can think you're doing the right thing by distracting them from the pain or the upset:"You're OK""It's only a scratch / small bump""Brush it off""You're such a brave boy/girl""Do you want a chocolate to cheer you up?"It's completely understandable that you do - of course you don't want your them to be upset. But when you distract your baby or child when they're upset, you're interrupting something very important that will impact their anxiety and confident levels. Listen...
2021-05-0721 min
Parenting with PLAY!ENCORE Episode: Overcoming School Struggles - with Shelley ClarkeIt's heartbreaking when your child struggles to start or return to school. There's so much pressure on them to behave, learn, make friends and deal with new surroundings and it can all be overwhelming for them.It's a big time for them AND for you. So how can you best prepare and support them during this significant transition, and help them with their anxieties?In this episode, Shelley Clarke shares how she is supported her daughter when she started school.This is an ENCORE episode as there's so much goodness in here, that it's so good to...
2021-02-1538 min
Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondMaternity advocacy and maternal wellbeing with Mother and Consumer Rep Helena MooneyAround the country and indeed around the world hustling and cajoling, therein the complex webs of healthcare and community lie dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly to improve services. There always have been and I suspect, there always will be. When it comes to maternity care it’s no different. Primarily comprised of women and also some men, the improvement maternity services require For this episode of the Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond show, Annalee caught up with the remarkable Helena Mooney, a Sydney resident and long-time maternity consumer advocate. They discuss what health advocacy looks like and the many ch...
2020-12-1554 min
Parenting with PLAY!When Your Child's Being AggressiveIt can be super frustrating and bewildering when your child is being aggressive. Especially when you’re not modelling that behaviour and you’ve told them many times that it’s not kind, or to be gentle. So what’s going on for your child to causes them be aggressive? And what can you do about it?FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/
2020-12-1119 min
Parenting with PLAY!Building ResilienceThings are going to inevitably happen to your child that are going to upset, frustrate, annoy and disappoint them. So how do you help them to become more resilient in the face of challenges?Your job as a parent is not to prevent everyday disappointments or hurts - that's just not possible or actually helpful for your child. Instead, your role is to help them cope with them in a way that's going to build their confidence & their ability to manage similar situations.The more you can help your child in each situation, the less their upset feelings...
2020-11-2419 min
Parenting with PLAY!Aware Parenting helped me be better at my job - with Caroline RyanYou know how this approach can help you with your children. But how about in the workplace?In this week's podcast episode, I chat with Caroline Ryan about how Aware Parenting / Parenting by Connection not only helped with her children, but also with her colleagues too.If your baby is under 1, doors to Aware Parenting Babies online program are now open!If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/
2020-07-1032 min
Parenting with PLAY!Helping babies when they cry - with Jenna BujaroskiWhen your baby cries it can feel really stressful and most people do everything possible to stop their tears. But is that the best way to help them? And how does it impact their ability to sleep well?High School Teacher, Jenna Bujaroski, shares how she has helped her children when they've cried & tantrumed and how she sees the benefit of this approach for teenagers too.
2020-07-0333 min
Parenting with PLAY!Bedtimes: Why External Factors Aren't The Answer in Helping Your Baby or Child Sleep BetterHow are bedtimes for you? Are you focusing on finding the right routine & creating the perfect environment, thinking that that's the answer to better bedtimes for your baby or child?In this episode you'll discover that it's not the external factors that ensure your baby or child sleep better. Instead it's about focusing on how your child is - what's going on for them, and helping them with that, which is the key to ensuring bedtimes are easier and good sleep naturally follows.If you have a baby, join my free Baby Sleep Revolution video series. We start...
2020-06-2617 min
Parenting with PLAY!The nervous system and helping your child recover from sensory overload - with Shelley ClarkeDoes your child get overwhelmed in certain situations, or struggles with certain items of clothings or sounds? If so, chances are your child is experiencing some form of sensory overload or sensitivity.So how can you help them to process it well, to come back into balance, and to return to calm state? And how can you use play to do so?Shelley Clarke is a physiotherapist, a Cranial Sacral Therapist, Aware Parenting Instructor and Parenting by Connection Instructor. She shares about how the nervous system works, the different sensory systems and how you can use play to...
2020-06-1940 min
Parenting with PLAY!When Your Partner Parents DifferentlyDoes your partner parent differently to you? Does it really annoy you?!Parenting can become a huge source of conflict within a relationship. It's super easy to find fault in what your partner does or doesn't do and berate them in not doing things 'right'.So listen in for ways on how can you navigate those challenges and bring more harmony to your relationship & family.FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/If you want more support with your children:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https...
2020-06-1121 min
Parenting with PLAY!Coming out of Lockdown - with Nicky McGrathHow are you feeling about coming out of Lockdown? Delighted? Anxious? How are your kids feeling about it?After spending the past weeks at home, telling your children that they can't go to school or day care, play in the local playground, see friends or Grandparents, etc, now you're telling them that it's time to go back out again and that there will be restrictions.Plus, maybe your child has enjoyed spending more time at home with you, so maybe separation is going to be hard again.This week's podcast episode with Nicky McGrath (who's in the...
2020-05-3033 min
Parenting with PLAY!Understanding Your Child's BehaviourDo you ever wonder why your child does the things they do?Why they are fine one minute, and then hitting their sibling the next.Why they come home and kick the dog.Why they refuse to do what you ask them to do something they were happy to do the day before.It can sometimes seem to be a mystery. Or it can be proof that they need more discipline - to learn what's acceptable behaviour and what's not.Alternatively you can think they're behaving that way because it's learned behaviour.Or, you can worry that...
2020-05-1920 min
Parenting with PLAY!Something I Want You To KnowI want you to know how amazing you are.I want you to know that everything you do as a mum is incredibly important and valuable - for your family, for yourself and for the world in general.I want you to celebrate yourself.Don't wait for others to acknowledge you. Start celebrating yourself, because you're amazing (and yes, I know you shout at your kids & get frustrated with them and aren't 'perfect').It's not always easy being a mum and there's so much pressure on you. So I want you to hear just how amazing...
2020-05-1013 min
Parenting with PLAY!Parenting Your Strong Willed Child - with Gemma KeaneWould you describe your child as 'strong willed'?Probably!Children have an innate desire for self-autonomy - to do what they want & be how they want to be. Which is fantastic for later in life as they're needing to make decisions out in the world, but it means they can be very hard to live with as their parent!So how can you help your child to retain their valuable sense of who they are and what they want whilst also creating more ease and cooperation in everyday life?In this episode I talk with Gemma Keane...
2020-04-3026 min
Parenting with PLAY!When You're Feeling OverwhelmedThis can be an incredibly overwhelming time! You’re home, with your kids 24/7 - trying to work, to help your older kids with school work, to entertain your younger kids, to stop sibling fights, to cook, keep the house in some sort of order, stay in contact with family & friends, etc, etc.The more overwhelmed you feel, the more your kids play up and the more overwhelmed you feel!So why do your kids play up the most when you need to do other things? And what can you do to get out of the overwhelm, frustration & inevitable sh...
2020-04-2521 min
Parenting with PLAY!Coronavirus - supporting your children & you during these uncertain timesHow are you? How are your children in these uncertain times?Everyone is figuring out this new situation and it's easy for our children to be scared. So how can you best help them? Especially when your words of reassurance don't seem to be sinking in and your children are becoming afraid about death and everyday things.How are you feeling about the possibility of daycares and schools shutting down so that you're all together at home for who knows how long?And how can you best help yourself so that you're in a better position to...
2020-03-1622 min
Parenting with PLAY!Time Out - why it's not be as helpful as you may thinkDo you use Time Out with your children when they're being particularly difficult? It's a really common technique to manage behaviour. But is it ultimately helpful?In this week's episode I cover:the lens through which we view children's behaviour: the old vs the new waywhy Time Out doesn't address the reasons for your child's difficult behaviourwhy it can actually be detrimentalwhat children need insteadLinksDoors are now open to my 8 week online program Annoying to AMAZING! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN
2020-02-2521 min
Parenting with PLAY!Connecting with Ourselves whilst Parenting Young Children - with Callie BrownIf you ever feel like you're "losing yourself" in motherhood and that the day to day reality is hard, then listen in to this conversation with Callie Brown to start to reframe what you're experiencing and discover how to experience more joy in the everyday reality of life with small children.Callie Brown Coach:Website: http://calliebrown.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calliecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calliebrowncoach---------Separation Anxiety FREE Masterclass - CLICK HERE TO REGISTERWaitlist now to details of the next round of Annoying to AMAZING! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST
2020-02-1238 min
Parenting with PLAY!Saying "No" & Setting LimitsDo you sometimes feel like you're walking on eggshells with your child? Do you want to be quite relaxed with your child, and then end up getting frustrated, cross and being harsh in your limits? Or are you not quite sure the best way to foster your child's sense of independence, curiosity and freedom whilst also restoring sanity and order to your family?Knowing how to set a "Loving Limit" with my child is one of the greatest gifts that Aware Parenting and Parenting by Connection has given me, as I learned it's possible to stop challenging behaviour whilst...
2020-02-0626 min
Parenting with PLAY!How important is it to "be consistent"?We're often told it's vital to be consistent in our responses to our children's behaviour so that they learn what's acceptable and what's not. But how helpful actually is it? Should it be your main approach when dealing with challenging behaviour?If we focus purely on 'being consistent' then how does that impact our intention to connect with our child and how does it actually help with their emotions which are driving their behaviour?So let's unpack 'being consistent' and look at what to focus on instead.LINKSSeparation Anxiety Masterclass - CLICK HERE TO...
2020-02-0120 min
Parenting with PLAY!Helping your Child when they Start or Return to SchoolWhen your child starts school, it's a really big & important time - for your child and for you!So how can you best prepare and support them during this significant transition?And how can you help your child if they're anxious about going back for a new school year?Shelley Clarke from Embodied Therapies joins me this week to share how she is supporting her daughter before she starts school in 2 weeks' time.Shelley is a Parenting by Connection Instructor, Aware Parenting Instructor, Physiotherapist and Sacral Cranial Therapist and loves to use play to help her...
2020-01-2138 min
Parenting with PLAY!What do you want this year for you & your kids? Here's the first step.January is obviously a really good time to think about what you really want. Because if you want to have more of what you want, you need to know what it is that you want.But are you clear about what you want?Spending 5 - 10 minutes reflecting and getting clear is so powerful.Listen this this episode to give yourself the nudge & inspiration to become intentional about your year ahead with your children. The time spent now is going to guide you in your interactions and choices. I'd love to hear what you choose. And I'd love...
2020-01-1718 minParenting with PLAY!How to Help your Child's Anxieties around the Bush Fires or Terrifying EventsIn the face of the terrifying fires in Australia, and other scary events around the world, it can be hard to know how to best help your child with their feelings of fear, sadness or anxiety. So this episode gives you practical ways to help build your child's resilience, confidence & optimism.
2020-01-0923 minParenting with PLAY!Reducing the Stress of Parenting with your Parents & Family AroundChristmas & the holidays are great times for catching up with family - which can be really lovely and/or really stressful! Particularly if you're parenting a different way to your siblings and how your were raised.There can be judgements, comments & unwanted suggestions, which can cause you to be more stressed and, frustratingly, your children's behaviour to become more challenging.So how can you enjoy being with your family, stay true to how you want to parent your children, and enjoy yourself in the process?! Listen in to find out how....
2019-12-1820 min
Parenting with PLAY!How to Make Christmas More Fun For Your Kids AND For YouChristmas can be a wonderful time, but it can also be stressful, overwhelming and challenging too. Particularly when your kids bicker, complain, appear to be ungrateful and start to meltdown after you've created a fantastic day.So how can you make it more enjoyable for everyone, including you?
2019-12-1020 min
Parenting with PLAY!Why Babies & Children Resist Bedtimes & What You Can DoIt can be so infuriating when you know that your baby or child is tired and yet they just won't go to sleep!Maybe they become hyper at bedtime, or maybe they keep asking for more & more things to delay going to sleep, or maybe they become really challenging and get annoyed or upset over minor things.This episode is about what's going on for your baby or child:why they can find it hard to easily fall asleepwhat they're really needingwhat you can practically do to help.And if you'd like more help with bedtimes...
2019-12-0419 min
Parenting with PLAY!How to use play after you've shouted or been angry with your childIt's so understandable that you get annoyed with your child. We've ALL been there!There's really good reasons why you feel & behave in the way that you do. But, as you know, it's not ideal and often it ends up making the situation worse as your child's behaviour could escalate even more.Or they could become quiet & compliant, which initially seems great, but isn't ultimately helpful for your child.Or they could get really upset with you and sad that you’ve behaved in that way (which is just heartbreaking)So what can you do to mi...
2019-11-1318 min
Parenting with PLAY!Managing Aggressive Behaviour After School - with Chantal HarrisonHow is your child when you collect them after school? Relaxed? Calm? Moody? Grumpy? Aggressive to you or their sibling?And how do you usually help your child in those moments? It's so easy to pop the TV on to distract them, or just tell them to play nice and get annoyed when they don't.But what is the most effective & helpful way of supporting our children when they come home feeling upset or antsy after holding everything together for 6+ hours at school?Listen to this week's episode with Chantal Harrison from Aunty Ask to learn helpful...
2019-11-0634 min
Parenting with PLAY!Why your child has big upsets over small thingsEver wondered why your child has the biggest upsets over the tiniest of things?!Why they become so fixated about a particular coloured plate, or a particular toy, or to have something in a particular way.Why they have a massive cry that's disproportionate to what's actually going on in the moment.And have you wondered about the best approach to dealing with this behaviour?Chances are you react in one of these 2 ways:- try to fix the problem...
2019-10-3024 min
Parenting with PLAY!Are you rewarding your child by responding playfully to difficult behaviour?Will they learn that if they behave in that way, they’ll get your loving attention? Will that lead them to deliberately behave in that way just to get your attention?Responding playfully is probably the completely opposite to how your parents responded to you. And it's the opposite of much advice that's out there.But when you really understand what your child is actually needing in those challenging moments, then it all makes so much sense.LINKSWhy Rewards Charts Aren't Helpful: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/6-rewards-charts/What's Going on In your Child's Brain: https://parentingwithplay.com.au...
2019-10-2320 min
Parenting with PLAY!When You Don't Like Your ChildIt's a hard thing to admit that you currently don't like your child. There can be a huge amount of shame associated with it, and strong feelings that you "shouldn't" feel that way. After all, you're their mum or dad - you're the one person in the world who "should" love & like them the most!Adding shame or self-judgement on top of your feelings of frustration and annoyance only makes things worse, as you'll probably berate yourself for feeling that way, and your responses to your child becomes increasingly disconnected & harsh.So what can you do to help...
2019-10-1620 min
Parenting with PLAY!Playful ways to stop your child using rude words or name callingWhether your child is 2 or 9, when they're saying rude or unpleasant things, it can be very hard to know how to make them stop because, unlike when they're hitting or lashing out, you can't physically restrain them.Most approaches, such as ignoring, explaining, reprimanding or banning, often don't work or actually makes the situation worse.So what can you do instead?!Play!Play is the most effective way to stop, or at least reduce, your child from using unpleasant language.Listen in to find out why & to learn some great games for children of all ages.
2019-10-0824 min
Parenting with PLAY!When Play Isn't Enough & Your Child Shouts at You to "Go Away"Play is a fantastic & highly effective way of responding to your child in challenging moments. But there are times when it isn't enough. When your child is clearly upset or being aggressive, you need to do something else.What your child needs in those moments is to offload their upset feelings with you nearby. But their response is to often shout at you to "go away".Which can then become confusing (and a bit irritating!) as you would like to respect their wishes, but can also see that they're upset and want to help.So what can...
2019-10-0229 min
Parenting with PLAY!Reframing Tantrums as BeneficialWhen your child is having a tantrum or an emotional outburst it's easy to feel irritated, frustrated, worried, embarrassed, overwhelmed or angry.But when you see just how beneficial tantrums can be, you can start to see them as healthy ways for your child to offload their stress & upset feelings with you.Because your child's behaviour is governed by their emotions, so when you effectively help your child with their emotions, then their behaviour automatically improves.Let’s flip the old view of tantrums, start to see the benefits of them and understand what your child really ne...
2019-09-2430 min
Parenting with PLAY!When you're shouting at your childDo you find yourself shouting and realising that you're not actually making the situation better, but you can't seem to stop yourself?Are there times when you feel completely justified in your anger & frustration at your kids? But then you realise that the whole situation is just getting worse rather than better.Do you wonder what you could do instead?!In this week's episode I share an incident that happened in our family before school one day when everyone was in that cycle of anger, frustration, aggressive behaviour & shouting. And how I managed to turn it around to...
2019-09-1721 min
Parenting with PLAY!Challenging a fundamental parenting belief with Marion Rose Ph.D.Imagine if everyone felt loved unconditionally.No shame, no guilt. Less violence, less addiction. More love, more connectionWe'd all be free to be our true ourselves.So why is it so hard to feel that for ourselves? And why is it so hard to give that to our children?Our culture plays such a huge role in our beliefs and actions as parents. And the western one has shame, guilt & blame running very deep throughout.So it's hard to respond calmly & lovingly when your child is behaving in challenging ways.It's hard to not view that there is anything wrong...
2019-09-1039 min
The Psychospiritual PodcastChats with Helena 3: Valuing MotheringIn this podcast, Helena Mooney and I talk about the importance of valuing mothering.
You can find out more about Helena's work at: http://parentingwithplay.com.au
And mine at: www.marionrose.net
2019-09-0639 min
Parenting with PLAY!Helping your Child with Injuries & Medical ProceduresMy son George, 4, recently bashed his head against the coffee table and needed 4 stitches at the hospital. One week later, he needed to have those stitches taken out.Find out how I helped him throughout which led him to lying there calmly & relaxed whilst the stitches were removedDiscover what you can do at the time of the injury to help strengthen your child's resilience, and how to prepare them in advance of a medical procedure.
2019-09-0321 min
Parenting with PLAY!The Bigger Picture of Parenting - Lessons from my Appearance at a Parliamentary InquiryDo you feel valued as a mother? Why have you chosen to parent the way you do? What are you wanting for your children? What are you wanting for yourself?Big questions. Ones that are worth asking & considering.And ones that I spent time reflecting upon after my experience on Monday of being a witness at a Parliamentary Inquiry at the NSW State Parliament. For nearly the past 5 years I've been advocating for good public maternity services at our new privately-run public/private hospital. It's been a hard slog, so to have the opportunity on Monday to...
2019-08-2729 min
Parenting with PLAY!Why Talking About Emotions is Not EnoughWhen your child is sad, angry or anxious, it's not enough to simply rationalise why they are feeling these things in order to make them feel better or to stop the unpleasant behaviour. Emotions are more than just intellectual thoughts - they cause physical responses. So the best way to help your child with their emotions is to allow them to physically express themselves with you. Crying, raging & laughing are powerful ways to move through upset emotions. The more your child can do this with you, the more they can release their upset feelings and the better they behave...
2019-08-2024 min
Parenting with PLAY!How Play Can Transform Aggressive BehaviourWhen your children are aggressive, it can quickly lead you to react & do anything to stop them from behaving in that way. It's easy to believe that you need to be increasingly harsh in order to stop the behaviour or to teach them to not hit or lash out so that they understand that their behaviour is not acceptable.But actually, what your children really need is your connection, and play is a very powerful way to reconnect with them.In today's episode, hear how a mum, Nicky, helped her daughter, Katie, with her aggressive behaviour by using...
2019-08-1427 min
Parenting with PLAY!Helping Children with Separations - with Marion Rose Ph.D.Another gem of an episode with the insightful Marion Rose Ph.D. - talking about the sources of separation anxiety, how normal children's responses are, additional needs of Highly Sensitive Children and how separation after birth can affect children later on. We also discuss ways to help your child if they are feeling anxious about being away from you at day care, school or on a sleep over. (this episode is inspired by my puppy who was subdued & clingy after 3 nights away!)
2019-08-0637 min
Parenting with PLAY!Ditch the Calm & Bring the Play to Make Bedtimes BetterBedtimes can be super challenging can’t they? It’s late, you’re tired, your kids are wired and everything is a struggle.So instead of focusing on the routine, making everything calm & quiet, it could be time for something else!Something that's fun, reconnects you with your children, helps your children with their emotions and ultimately makes bedtime much, much easier.Find out why ditching the calm and bringing the play is super effective. Are you wanting to start transforming your everyday parenting challenges with connection & fun? Download 5 easy games - they're fun, quick & free! -https://parent...
2019-07-3020 min