The Courageous Mumma

Christmas can feel magical and exhausting all at once. In this episode, I’m speaking to the weary, wonderful parent who wants Christmas to feel meaningful without feeling crushed by expectations. Together, we’ll explore ten gentle reminders to help you tune back into what really matters, and create a Christmas atmosphere rooted in presence, emotional safety, and connection rather than performance....

Ever found yourself pleading “Pleeease, come on!” or threatening consequences? In this episode, we’re diving into a simple, eye-opening framework that reveals why we slip into those moments, and how tiny shifts in our tone and presence can completely transform everyday conversations into parenting battles. From school-run stand-offs to bedtime drama, you’ll start to see these patterns everywhere a...

Do you ever find yourself in an argument or debate with your child? Do you wonder how you got so engaged and how to get out of it? Are you made to feel guilty for holding a boundary, then frustrated when it slips? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll unpack why these patterns keep repeating and how to step out of the emotional back-and-forth that leaves everyone drained. You’ll learn what’s re...

How do you tether a child with an insatiable appetite for adventure without curbing their enthusiasm? In this last of our season on Parenting through the different character types of the Enneagram, we're looking at that child who is always chasing the next thrill, activity, adventure....they love the dazzle of life and seem to have boundless enthusiasm. But facing the minor keys of life is a gift...

Sweet Dreams, No Drama Michelle is a qualified sleep coach who has supported hundreds of families to peaceful nights through 1-1 and group coaching. She is also Mum to three football-mad boys and understands the challenges of parenting, especially the toll of sleep deprivation and the juggle of trying to return to work on sleepless nights. Michelle’s approach equips mothers with the knowledge and...

I’m joined by my friend David for an honest conversation about something so many of us wrestle with: letting our kids struggle. From the urge to fix everything to the challenge of holding boundaries, we explore why stepping back is often the most loving thing we can do. Whether it’s toddler tantrums or teen defiance, we talk about what it really means to support rather than rescue — and how those...

The Enneagram Type Six is a wonderful character type, a great friend, a competent, compassionate disciplined achiever, but they can get themselves in an anxious muddle which stops them from progressing with confidence.  Come and hear five ways that you can help them to flourish - to keep those strong, healthy character traits without tipping into overdrive.   Pop here for the book Parenting For Li...

I'm back! I hope you've had a fun summer.  I'm launching this term with a fun book, perfect for your friends for Christmas. It's snippets of overheard conversations to make you titter, raise your eyebrows, question yourself and/or the quotee. How would you respond to this one?  "Why does everyone suddenly need a second screen? It's a post-Covid thing...You know, we're not all operating air traffic...

Today we talk about pooh and wee and what happens for children emotionally and physically when there are difficulties. Rachel Thomas is the lead specialist nurse for Children's Bladder and Bowel Team for Gloucestershire.  She talks us through the early and late interventions. There are lots of laughs but lots of great info too.   She recommends: https://eric.org.uk to answer all your questions. an...

What should you close before you doze? Do your kids know what to do if there's a fire? What are a credit card and cling film doing in with your Meds? A gripping tour of first aid and how to support your children (or anyone) in common difficulties. Come and learn new things and examine your existing perspectives. To Contact Meg Sawford: sawford@hotmail.co.uk Meg signposts to these two  Choking Jell...

 Coming to you from my convalescence after an op  - with the Enneagram type 5.   The fives have some great strengths; Firstly, their intellectual capacity and their ability to think deeply and critically are admirable. They are excellent researchers and often good problem solvers. They are naturally curious and have a thirst for knowledge. They can often see connections and patterns that others mi...

Have you ever felt you're drifting from a child or do you ever worry that you might in the future? Here is a great story from a precious friend and her daughter about how to reconnect when it all feels lost.    For a chat with me, pop here To get your copy of Parenting For Life, Pop here Ig; thecourageousmumma blog: thecourageousmumma me: Madeleinestani@icloud.com  

Happy Birthday to us....a telegram from the King would be appropriate. Thank you to all those who have been with me from the beginning and welcome to those joining today and everyone in between.    Today, I answer your questions:  What's the hardest parenting tool; what do I most regret; What am I most pleased with... Here's the good, the bad and the ugly   For a chat with me, pop here To get your...

Do you have a child who has a deep need to be understood? I know all children do, but it discombobulates some more than others. Are they creative, expressive, sensitive to criticism and often feel misunderstood? If so, you might have an enneagram type 4 - come and find out.... here are some great ways to help them to thrive. to contact me; madeleinestani@icloud.com ig: thecourageousmumma blog: the...

May is Mental Health Month. This week I'm introducing you to Louise Williams. She has overcome the ADHD battle. She blogs about it and today she's sharing her journey with us.  ask a question or contact me; Madeleinestani@icloud.com   Book on ADHD: Scattered Minds - pop here  Adult guide to diagnosis - pop here  Louise's blog Pink Pear Bear - pop here  Get your copy of Parenting for Life find out...

Do you have a child or someone in your life, who finds it hard to let others to see their flaws and is keen to project a winning image? Do they find it hard to let people see when they're failing or appearing to underachieve? Can they be a little competitive at times? They might be an Enneagram type 3 - Sometimes called The Achiever Come and hear about their superpowers and how to parent them well...

Does your child get anxious? Can they go from 0-100 in a second? Alison Core's full time mission is teaching children why their brains react the way to do and how to manage them. This is a tool for the here and now and for their future too.  Send your children into with a way to manage their emotions. Life is tough, but here are tools to regulate kids in those difficult moments... So one day, they...

Do you have a child who's always supporting everyone around them and making sure everyone else is happy? The HELPER can take their significance from what they can be for others and sometimes get their needs lost in the process. Come and see what motivates the Enneagram Type two and hear five ways to build up their self-esteem.     

Sex and relationship therapist, Emma Waring has popped back on speak insightfully and, candidly about what our children may see and how it will influence their view of sex. But most importantly, to be the voice they listen to on this important topic. Here are some useful links  Pick up a copy of my book , Parenting for Life Find out information on Parent support here   I highly recommend Emma's bo...

Do you have a child who has perfectionist tendencies? High benchmarks? (or does that describe you?) Does your child link their self-worth to their achievement? Competency is a superpower, but when it tips into criticism of themselves or others it can harm their connection to others and their self-worth. Come and find out five great ways to parent the improver and help them to feel worthy and to ma...

Have you ever had a food battle with your child? Do they struggle with meal times?  - distractions, disinterest, fussy eating, allergies...   This week Emma Shafqat hops on the podcast to share gems and insights around food. See her details below. Click here for.... Finding out more about parent-coaching: Parent Coaching (on Zoom or in-person) For your discounted copy of the book: The Courageous M...

Do you have an easy going child who is kind and happy to share, but sometimes gives in to those around them? This week I'm looking at the Enneagram type 9: The Peacemaker. They're kind, non judgemental, happy to please and to step aside for others - a little too much at times.  Peacemakers  and are easy to be around. They go with the flow. They're not argumentative and don't mind yielding to stron...

Sex and relationship therapist, Emma Waring has hopped on this week to share many gems on that subject which is easier to 'do' than talk about! Fortunately, she's unabashed and and speaks into the many areas that can interfere with intimacy. Emma also shares some surprising stats and helps to open the curtain on what's really going on out there, compared to what film, tv and other screen options p...

Do you have a child who is strong and assertive, but finds it hard to follow instruction sometimes?   This season I'm exploring the 9 different types on the Enneagram because it gives such insights and clues as to what motivates different character types. We're not boxing, we're being curious - understanding what makes them tick.   This week, I'm focussing on 'The Challenger' They're assertive, st...

This week I'm chatting to Helen Calder who is a life coach using the tool of the Enneagram. She walks us through the 9 different ways that people can see the world and how to understand the perspectives of others as well as their motivations, their hurdles and their opportunities for growth. As parents it can be transformative to understand these different characters and their motivations so that...