Episode 58: The Importance of Postpartum Support in Motherhood with Kirsty Fernandes
In this episode I invited fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, Kirsty Fernandes on the podcast to share her passion for postpartum support during motherhood. Over the course of the episode we share our own postpartum experiences. Kirsty shares her own journey into what led her to working with mothers, and that the postpartum period extends for our entire lives once we have children.
We also discuss:
the differences in Western Culture and Traditional Cultures in supporting the Mother
How to go into the postpartum period feelings empowered
The positive impact of intergenerationals communitieis and support
How the medicalisation of birth is detrimental to the Mother and Baby
How it's never too late to recover from the immediate postpartum period
Setting boundaries with healthcare providers and loved ones
Plus so much more
Where to Find Kirsty:
Website: Honouring Mama
Instagram: @kirstyfernandeshonouringmama
Facebook: Kirsty Fernandes - Honouring Mama
Resources Mentioned:
Nurtured Postpartum Workshops with Kirsty
Aware Parenting books by Dr Aletha Solter
The Willingness Practice by Marion Rose PhD
ABOUT KIRSTY:
Kirsty is wife to Duane and Mama to a beautiful 6 year old daughter and gorgeous 4 year old son, Aware Parenting Coach, postpartum care provider, and passionate advocate for Mama and families getting the support they need and deserve throughout their fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting journey.
Episode 57: Steph & Nic's Homeschooling Series - Part Three
In Part 3 of our Homeschooling Series, we bust open one of the biggest myths surrounding homeschooling: how will my child be socialised?
We both share our personal experiences on this, as well as share the evidence and research surrounding how children socialise, and how Western culture has created an artificial 'socialisation' that was not evident in hunter-gatherer societies.
We are discuss:
- how schools and preschools can be detrimental to a child's social development
- the freedom and choice that comes from homeschooling
- the harm of segregated education for children - as seen in the schooling system
- how mixed-aged education promotes better social development, higher literacy and numeracy skills, and more compassionate and kind children
- plus so much more
Resources Mentioned:
Article - The Special Value of Age-Mixed Play I: How Age Mixing Promotes Learning by Dr Peter Gray
Article - Age-Mixed Play II: Its Benefits for Social Development by Dr Peter Gray
Article - Age-Mixed Play III: Play is More Playful When it is Age-Mixed by Dr Peter Gray
ABOUT STEPH:
Steph is a Level 2 Aware Parenting Instructor, Early Childhood Educator, Play Therapist and Parenting Support Counsellor. She has worked with parents and children for over a decade. With degrees and qualifications in psychology, counselling and early childhood education, Steph is extremely passionate about child development, trauma, attachment and neuroscience. She works with parents and educators from around the world, supporting them through 1:1 mentoring sessions and online courses. As well as co-operating a Family Day Care alongside her husband.
ABOUT NIC:
Nic is a Level 1 Aware Parenting Instructor and Marion Method Mentor. Nic is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with parents from around the world. She loves supporting children and parents navigate challenges at school.
KINSHIP CONNECTION with Steph & Nic:
Steph and Nic are incredibly excited to introduce you to something that we are so passionate about; Kinship Connection. This is a safe, supportive and accepting space for children aged 6-12 years old and their families. To find out more click here.
If you would like us to respond to any of your reflections, queries or questions during an episode in this homeschooling series, please feel free to contact Steph or Nic on Instagram @spirited_hearts or @peacefulparenting and Steph's website or Nic's website.
Episode 56: Creating Connection & Harmony in Your Family with Feng Shui with Patricia Lohan
In this week's episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Patricia Lohan. She is a Feng Shui Expert, Coach, Healer and Passionate Entrepreneur who helps thousands of women all across the world design the lives they want to live.
Patricia shares her own journey, before we discuss:
- What is Feng Shui and where did it originate
- How Feng Shui can support our relationships
- Creating supportive and restful bedrooms for our children and ourselves
- The detrimental effect of certain colours on our health, in particular areas of our homes
- Curating books, toys and clothes to create more harmony
- Plus so much more
Where to Find Patricia:
Website: Patricia Lohan
Instagram: @powerhousefengshui
Resources Mentioned:
The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
Patricia's Free Resources
ABOUT PATRICIA:
Born and bred in Western Ireland, Patricia has always felt the deep dichotomy of life. On the one hand, she set out on the spiritual path quite young, at 15. But at the same time, she had a burning passion for business, progress, and the financial rewards that come with it. But because she didn’t know how to reconcile those two aspects of herself, her energy was unbalanced, and she was stuck in a life she felt wasn’t hers. Then, suddenly, she decided to finally step into her destiny and start creating the life she wanted for herself. She moved to India to study as a yoga teacher. But what REALLY moved the needle was deciding to delve deep into the ancient practice of Feng Shui. Applying these timeless tips, techniques, and tools was a total game-changer. Patricia wants to bring her knowledge, expertise and positive power to women just like you. Yes, you can achieve anything you want with the right mental attitude and these 5,000-year-old tried and tested techniques. Patricia has worked with women from all walks of life: successful and aspiring entrepreneurs, homemakers, women in corporate, artists, writers, athletes, heart-centred coaches, healers, designers…One thing they all have in common? They decided to level up. Invest in themselves. Stop asking for approval. She has appeared in various media outlets, and she has been sharing her insights and knowledge with over 40,000 people in her online community.
Episode 55: How the Education System has Failed Educators & Children
This episode is dedicated to all the educators and teachers around the world who are burnout and drowning in a system that is unsupportive and harmful to both them, and the children in their schools and daycares.
As an Educator myself, I have had enough of the lack of accountability and responsibility the education system/department of education has assumed in its failings for teachers and children, so I'm call them out. I'm bringing to light all the things that aren't seen by society. All the paperwork, documenting, high turnover rates and low emotional health that teachers are subjected to day in, and day out.
I share numerous scientific research studies that reveal eye-opening and heartbreaking experiences that many educators deal with.
This topic is so big, yet I have managed to condense it down to a regular length episode.
I also share some extremely exciting news, so you'll need to listen to find out what's coming up soon for myself and Spirited Hearts.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr Peter Gray on the Spirited Hearts Podcast
Free to Learn by Dr Peter Gray
Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
NASA Study from the 1960s
Raising Wildlings episode with Woodline Primary Principal
http://www.iier.org.au/iier33/ng.pdf
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11218-022-09686-7
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10643-021-01203-3
Episode 54: Creating Safe Spaces for Children at Home & School with Nichole Hamilton
In this episode, I'm joined by Nichole Hamilton, founder of The Kidz Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Holistic Healer. Nic's passion is to create safe havens for children, whether that be at home or at school.
Nic vulnerably shares her journey, including her personal healing journey that led her to doing this incredible work in the world.
We also discuss:
The importance of connection and attachment
How societal constructs impact parenting
Why it's crucial to repair any disconnections we have created with our children; both as parents and educators/teachers
Accepting everyone for the unique individual that they are
Plus so much more
Where to Find Nic:
Website: The Kidz Coach
Instagram: @thekidzcoach_nichole_hamilton
Facebook: Nichole Hamilton
Resources Mentioned:
Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
Nichole's Free Program
ABOUT NIC:
With over 8 years of experience working with children, Nichole possesses a deep understanding of their emotional well-being and behavioral challenges. Her passion lies in creating a safe and nurturing space for children to express themselves fully, helping them navigate through difficult times and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Nichole’s expertise extends beyond traditional therapy methods. She is a certified play therapist, master hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and Reiki energy healer. Through her comprehensive skill set, she merges therapeutic modalities with play, connection, and empowerment to support children in healing and transforming their lives.What sets Nichole apart is her genuine love and dedication to helping children thrive. She believes in the power of unconditional love, providing children with a safe haven where they can feel seen, heard, and valued. By incorporating play and engaging activities, Nichole creates an environment that fosters emotional growth, resilience, and improved communication.