How Not to Screw Up Your Kids

As a CEO of your family, you might be wondering how much screen time is appropriate for your children. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, you can guess I have an opinion.  In this week's Bucket Emptying episode I'll help you work out your child's ' big rocks ' to start the calculation. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete...

Is it our responsibility to push our children so they achieve what they are capable of? Goodness knows where they'd end up if we didn't?!! I'll share why I think this approach is flawed and might actually back-fire. I'll also share what we should be doing instead. Here are the highlights: (2:20) Mistakes and failure  (4:45) Two types of motivation (7:15) Three parental choices...

As a parent, guilt can often feel like an unavoidable part of the package. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, there are ways to manage parenting guilt.  In this week’s Bucket Emptying episode I’ll share my top tips. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in fut...

We hear so much now about the importance of food and nutrition not only for our children’s physical health but also their emotional mental health. Lucinda shares her top tips and explains why ‘gut health’ is as important for children as it is for adults. You really are in for a treat! Here are the highlights: (2:30) Importance of gut health for teens and tweens (10:30) Lactobacillus is s...

Mealtime management is a crucial skill that can greatly impact the lives of all members of the family.  Meals create not only an opportunity for our children to fuel their bodies, but time to connect with each other and learn great life skills. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in...

A must listen if you are struggling with sibling arguments and friction which is making life at home feel quite unbearable. The solution isn't just in how you deal with it in the moment it's in how your child sees themselves in your family. Here are the highlights: (1:25) Sibling rivalry is a natural part of family dynamics (3:39) How does your child feel about themselves? (5:31) What role does yo...

Supporting children with an alcoholic spouse can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to help them cope wit this difficult situation. This week's Bucket Emptying episode answers a listener question about this sensitive situation and I'll share my 3 tips. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend 💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know w...

1 in 5 children are described as neurodivergent; affecting the way they experience, understand and interact with the world. I'll share the common characteristics neurodivergent children share - whether they present with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, or Dyslexia - and most importantly the best behavioural strategies to support them. Here are the highlights: (1:...

Managing change can be a challenging task for anyone, including children. However, with the right guidance and support, children can develop effective strategies to cope with, and adapt to change. I'll share my tips to help. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with a friend, colleague or family member that could benefit from some support. 💚 Complete my listener poll to l...

Doing what you are told and taking responsibility are two very different things. We all want children who take ownership for their decisions - it's a life skill they will forever use. How we instil it in them can seem very elusive but it actually lies in the little day to day things. I'll share my top 7 tips which work regardless of your child's age. Here are the highlights: (3:30) Make your bed –...

Homework. Does that word fill you with dread? We often struggle to get our child to complete their homework, and sometimes end up doing it for them. I'll share my strategies on how to create a routine that prepares them for success. 💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with at least one friend  💚 Complete the listener poll to let me know what you'd like in future epi...

This episode is for you if you are finding tech and its use has become totally out of control in your family. Whether that's teens permanently in bedrooms or constantly on games consoles. I'll share what you can do practically to move away from constant battles to a little more calm. Here are the highlights: (4:23) Accept you’re now on a journey (6:00) You set the framework in your home (7:58) Aud...

As the saying goes, ‘we all juggle multiple hats’ as parents and finding balance seems to be illusive to most of us. Some days we feel we’re acing it, yet I think I speak for most of us when I say we more often than not feel like we are constantly teetering on the edge of overwhelm.  The struggle is real and in today's bucket emptying episode I'll share my tips to help you have a more balance...

I'll share my thoughts on this personality trait and what it means for children who we feel might be highly sensitive. There are always dangers in labelling children - least of all communicating their traits as fixed - so I will give you my honest advice on how best to navigate this new found knowledge. Here are the highlights: (2:00) Defining a highly sensitive person (6:25) Let’s put this in con...

Are you a parent struggling to keep your children motivated during school holidays? Look no further! In this week's bucket emptying episode, I share my tips on how to turn grumble-inducing chores like food shopping, shoe shopping, and dentist visits into cheerful treats that your children will love. This simple strategy helped me keep my kids motivated when they were young, and they can work for y...

Resilient children have an ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, they remain flexible and adaptable to life’s challenges and bounce back from setbacks. A resilient person still experiences stress and big emotions - they simply respond to them differently than people who aren’t resilient. I'll share the 7 C's of resilience and how we can foster these at home. Here are the highl...

As parents, we want our children to grow up and be the best version of themselves. However, it's important to remember that children need to be challenged, but not to the point where they crack under the pressure. Finding the balance can be a delicate task. Let me talk you through my thoughts. For more help with confidence listen to Episode 2: Confidence 💚 Let's grow our village together, please...

It’s not easy being a boy. Social expectations of masculinity are everywhere - don’t cry, be strong, keep your emotions in check! I’ll share the five conversations we should be having with our sons, nephews, godsons and male friends. Here are the highlights: (1:03) Birth-rate for boys is higher than girls (3:00) Challenge male stereotypes (6:55) Mental health is as important as physical health&nbs...

As parents, we all want our children to be bright and intelligent, but sometimes they can struggle with social etiquette.  This week's listener's question raises a common issue: how to handle a child who won't stop interrupting despite being repeatedly told it's rude. While there's no one right answer, I’ll share some strategies that could be helpful. 💚 Let's grow our village together, pleas...

We’ve all been there right? Whether it’s because we’ve said ‘no’ to something, asked them to do something they don’t want to do, or called ‘time for dinner, bed, bath, school, homework etc ……. and they’ve totally lost the plot. Their reaction seems so disproportionate, you’d think we’d cut off a limb, and yet to them it’s the end of their world and to us we’re struggling to know what to say and ho...

Are you a parent who recently discovered that your teen is vaping? You're not alone. In a recent listener question, a parent expressed concern over their teen's vaping habits.  As a parent, it's crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your teen about the dangers of vaping and why they are choosing to do it.  💚 Let's grow our village together, please share this episode with...

There are very real issues girls face growing up, which negatively impacts their resilience. Being a ‘good girl’ limits their potential. I’ll share my top tips for raising gutsy women who are not afraid to take chances. Here are the highlights: (2:20) Brain facts for context (12:10) Language matters (14:40) Be aware of confirmation bias & hypervigilance (19:18) Shift the energy throu...

Struggling with a toddler who won't listen can be a challenging experience for any parent. A recent listener question asked for help with a 3-year-old who seems immune to traditional discipline methods like the naughty step and reward charts. If you're in the same boat, know that you're not alone! It can be tough to find the right approach that works for your child. Keep trying different methods a...

Warning: This episode contains personal experience of child loss, childbirth and grief. I thought it might be helpful to share my early parenting journey in as honest way as I can. As a heads up I am going to share experiences of loss and grief, which for some of you may trigger your own loss or grief. Go gently with yourself, and choose what is best for you - whether you listen or whether you ski...

Warning: this episode briefly discusses types of pornography children may see online. As parents, we never know when our children will be exposed to adult content. A listener's 8-year-old son had stumbled upon pornography whilst on a friend's phone. I'll share my insights on how to approach this with your child, emphasising the importance of open communication and age-appropriate education. It's n...