Thriving Parent-ing

In this grounding and deeply validating episode, Jen unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of modern parenting: the difference between co-regulating and controlling . On the surface, our responses can look the same, but underneath, the energy is completely different — and it’s often our own nervous system, not our child’s emotions, driving the moment. Jen walks you through why young children...

In this deeply honest and emotional episode, Jen sits down with mindset coach and soon-to-be mum, Breanna May, to unpack the side of IVF that doesn’t make it onto the glossy brochures. From being labelled “high risk” after multiple cervical procedures, to navigating distrust in the medical system, fear of needles, and the grief of failed transfers, Breanna takes us inside the reality of trying to...

In this baby bite-sized episode, Jen breaks down one of the most common modern parenting dilemmas: “Does that quick car nap actually count—and what should I do next?” If you've ever rushed home for nap time only to face a failed transfer, a full-blown nap protest, or a suddenly wide-awake baby, this episode gives you the clarity and calm you need. Jen explains why on-the-go dozes and mini car snoo...

In this episode of Thriving Parenting , Jen dives into pram sleep and motion sleep – the good, the tricky, and how to set pram naps up so they support both your baby and your sanity. She starts by revisiting her popular “10–10–10 Rule” for pockets of connection, sharing real stories from families who’ve used it to transform challenging behaviour and create more harmony at home. From there, she gui...

In this heartfelt episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen is joined once again by Dr. Bianca Mastromanno , clinical psychologist and mother of two, to explore one of the most powerful skills we can develop as parents — helping our children (and ourselves) feel safe with big emotions. Together, they unpack why feelings can be so hard to sit with, how our own upbringing shapes the way we respond to emoti...

Are you feeling torn between what you “should” do and what actually feels right for your family? In this bite-size episode, Jen shares five powerful reflection questions to help you reconnect with your instincts and find balance when baby sleep feels confusing, overwhelming, or stuck. These questions are designed from real conversations with parents who’ve been exactly where you are — caught betwe...

Why does bedtime often feel like a battle? In this episode of Thriving Parenting , we explore what’s really behind those nightly clashes, and it’s not about sleep. It’s about connection, capacity, and energy. Jen unpacks the real reason bedtime feels so hard: your exhaustion meets your child’s deep need for closeness. You’ll learn how to shift this dynamic with simple, realistic strategies that br...

Feeling cooked, burnt out, and running on fumes? In this conversation, Jen sits down with trauma-informed breathwork facilitator Kellie Blinco to unpack two deceptively simple practices—Yoga Nidra (non-sleep deep rest) and conscious breathwork that can reset your nervous system, sharpen your focus, and help you feel human again. Kellie shares her personal path from chronic dysregulation to healing...

In this bite-size episode of Thriving Parenting , we’re flipping the script on one of the most common bedtime rituals—reading a book before sleep. While storytime is often seen as a cornerstone of early parenting routines, Jen explores why it might actually be too stimulating for some babies and young toddlers. She unpacks the signs that a bedtime book may be delaying rather than supporting sleep—...

In this episode of Thriving Parenting , host Jen introduces two simple yet powerful practices that can completely transform your family’s connection and calm — the 10:10:10 Rule and the 10-Minute Do Nothing Rule. Jen shares how these time-tested tools helped her navigate early motherhood with three kids under five and a husband often away for work. Through small, intentional moments — 10 minutes a...

Snoring in kids is often brushed off as “cute” or “normal” - but did you know it can actually be a hidden red flag for serious health issues? In this episode of Thriving Parenting , we’re joined by paediatric ENT surgeon and sleep expert Dr. David McIntosh to unpack the truth about sleep disordered breathing in children. We dive into: Why snoring is never just harmless noise in kids The link betwe...

If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 2 a.m. with a baby who is not crying, not hungry, but instead happily babbling, standing in the cot, or ready to start the day—you’ve met the world of split nights. These long stretches of middle-of-the-night wakefulness can feel confusing and exhausting for parents, especially when your little one seems perfectly content while you’re desperate for sleep...

This episode of Thriving Parent-ing dives beneath sleep tactics into the stories we tell ourselves—especially in hard moments. Through a real Sleep Godmother client case, we surface three common beliefs that stall progress, unpack why they feel so true in the moment, and show how nervous-system-first tools help you move from stuck to steady, with changes that actually last. What you'll learn: The...

Becoming parents is one of the biggest shifts a relationship can ever go through—and yet, no one really prepares you for what happens between you and your partner after kids. In this episode of Thriving Parenting , we sit down with Leonie Akhidenor, relationship coach, mum of two, and host of Parenthood Podcast, to talk honestly about what really changes.  Her podcast Parenthood was a 2024 Au...

In this bite-size episode of Thriving Parenting , we unpack one of the most common sleep questions parents ask: Do babies really need a nightlight? Host Jen takes you through the science of circadian rhythms, melatonin, and how light exposure affects sleep. You’ll discover why complete darkness is best for little ones under two, why separation anxiety (not fear of the dark) is often behind bedtime...

Sleep associations are one of the most misunderstood topics in parenting—often surrounded by guilt, pressure, and myths. In this episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re breaking it all down and reframing what sleep associations really mean for you and your baby. You’ll learn why sleep associations aren’t “bad habits” but instead powerful tools for connection, safety, and trust. From rocking and feedi...

In this episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen sits down with remedial massage therapist who specialises in nervous system healing Mel Gorry to explore how stress and trauma show up in our bodies—and most importantly, how we can release them. Mel shares her personal journey of living with cystic fibrosis, facing medical trauma, and discovering the healing impact of bodywork. Together, they unpack why...

In this bite-sized episode of Thriving Parenting , we unpack a powerful reframe that could change the way you approach your baby’s rest. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of “getting” your baby to sleep, you’re not alone — but that hyperfocus can actually make the process more challenging for both of you. Discover why sleep isn’t something we can force, how control can trigger stress responses, and...

When sickness hits your household, especially your little one, it can rattle routines and unearth a wave of panic—especially around sleep. In this heartfelt and informative bite-sized episode, we explore how to navigate your child’s sleep during times of illness, leaning into rest rather than fearing regression. Bringing her dual perspective as a nurse and mother, your host shares valuable insight...

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re joined by community midwife and mother of four, Deyana — founder of Pregnancy Practice Perth . Deyana shares her deeply personal journey from nurse to midwife, and the moment a conversation with two strangers at a restaurant changed her career — and her calling — forever. Together, we explore the full arc of pregnancy and postpa...

In this heart-to-heart solo episode of Thriving Parenting, we unpack what really happens when connection slips with our kids—and how it shows up in their behaviour, especially around sleep. Jen shares a raw, real-life story about a rushed evening that left her children unsettled and what it revealed about their individual connection needs. Through personal reflections and practical tools, you’ll l...

In this bite-sized episode of Thriving Parenting, we dive into the ins and outs of bridging naps—the handy little power naps that can help you survive tricky days with babies and toddlers. You’ll learn: What exactly is a bridging nap and how it works When to use it (and when it might backfire) Why it’s especially helpful for babies under six months Real-life examples for toddlers and older babies...

In this deeply validating and enlightening episode, your host welcomes Emma Snelgar —Mental Health Nurse, ex-midwife, birth therapist, and founder of Empower Matrescence . Emma supports women across Australia in processing difficult, disappointing, or traumatic birth and postpartum experiences, offering in-home sessions in Perth and Telehealth options nationwide. Together, we unpack: What birth tr...

In this heartfelt episode of Thriving Parenting , we explore why co-regulation is more than a trendy term—it’s an essential tool to help your child feel safe, connected, and understood. Jen paints relatable scenarios, like calming a baby after vaccinations or soothing a toddler mid-meltdown, to illustrate how your nervous system influences your child’s. You’ll learn: What co-regulation actually is...

Is swaddling a newborn essential—or outdated? In this bite-sized episode, we unravel The Great Swaddle Debate by breaking down the why, when, and how of swaddling. Drawing on expert guidance from Red Nose Australia, personal parenting experience, and client insights, we explore the pros and cons of swaddling, when to stop, and how to make smooth transitions that support both your baby’s developmen...