This time Madeleine talks with Kirstin Barchia, an expert in the art of Calm Connection. They discuss the causes of stress in teenagers, reveal how stereotypical 'teen behaviour' is often the symptom and not the disease, and most importantly how finding your own calm as a parent is the key first step towards meaningful connection with your teen.

Drawing on her insight into how childhood today differs from the past, Kirstin shares practical advice that works in the real world of parenting.

Resources:

Free guide: https://www.kirstinbarchia.com.au/connection

Calm connection workshop: ⁠https://www.kirstinbarchia.com.au/ccw

Madeleine's website: https://www.peopleskillsconsulting.co.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

Madeleine interviews Tim Curtis, SAS veteran, to explore a powerful topic which resonates with the core of this podcast: building resilience. Together, they unpack how children can develop emotional and social resilience, discussing the growth that comes through struggle, and how letting kids work through challenges builds the confidence they need to successfully regulate and thrive in todays world. Tim also shares practical tips and advice that parents can implement to help kids face setbacks and recover stronger than ever.

Resources:

Resilience Shield Website: https://resilienceshield.com/

Building Resilient Kids: https://resilienceshield.com/kids/

Madeleine's website: https://www.peopleskillsconsulting.co.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

In this episode, host Madeleine talks with Judith Yeabsley, feeding specialist and author, about all things picky eating. They explore why some kids are fussy with food, what’s normal (and what’s not), and how parents can take the pressure off mealtimes. Judith shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for helping children build a better relationship with food, without battles or bribery. Whether you're dealing with a toddler who only eats crackers or a school-aged child stuck in a food rut, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement.

Resources:

https://calendly.com/judith-23/bookatimewithjudithhttps://theconfidenteater.com/books/

https://www.facebook.com/theconfidenteater

https://www.instagram.com/theconfidenteater/

https://bsky.app/profile/theconfidenteater.bsky.social

Madeleine's website: https://www.peopleskillsconsulting.co.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

This time Madeleine speaks with Dr Barker-Clarke about the complex world of sexting and image sharing among young people. This conversation covers what sexting looks like today, how kids think about it, and why open, non-judgmental conversations matter more than ever. Dr Barker-Clarke shares insights from her personal research, including the most effective methods of teaching kids about online safety and consent, and why it’s so important to approach the topic from the child’s perspective.

Whether you’re unsure how to bring it up or just want to better understand what your kids might be facing, this episode offers practical advice and a thoughtful look at a tough but important issue.

Resources:

https://netsafe.org.nz/

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

https://www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz/

https://thelightproject.co.nz/

https://www.intheknow.co.nz/

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/

https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/report-remove/

Madeleine's website: https://www.peopleskillsconsulting.co.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

In this episode host Madeleine interviews Sarah Aiono, a parent and expert in the role of play in the development of children.

Sarah and Madeleine discuss tips on how to make routines fun, as well as the best ways to help children manage failure. They delve into topics such as device usage, as well as exploring why being bored might actually be an important step in the process of developing creativity and problem solving skills.

Resources: https://learningthroughplay.com/

https://www.playcentre.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Schema-A3-posters.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/longwortheducation/

Madeleine's website: https://www.peopleskillsconsulting.co.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

In this episode, host Madeleine Taylor speaks with Amy Castle, a mother, experienced parent, and dedicated advocate for perinatal mental health. As a team member at PADA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa), Amy sheds light on the challenges many parents face during and after pregnancy, including perinatal anxiety and depression. She discusses the lack of awareness and support available and shares valuable insights on recognizing the signs, accessing help, and the importance of open conversations around maternal mental health.

Amy also provides practical advice on managing perinatal mental health and highlights key resources from PADA, including screening tools and national helplines. Whether you're a new parent, a support person, or simply want to learn more, this episode offers essential guidance on navigating perinatal mental health challenges and finding the right support.

PADA: https://pada.nz/

Screening tools: https://pada.nz/screening-tools/

Helplines: https://pada.nz/national-helplines/

Madeleine's website: https://resilientkids.org.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

Madeleine speaks with Dr. Emily Bashah, a renowned psychologist based in Arizona, to delve into the complex topics of radicalisation and dangerous ideologies. Drawing from her extensive experience in clinical psychology and forensic consulting, Dr. Bashah unpacks how these ideologies take root, what makes individuals—particularly young people—vulnerable, and the role of social isolation in the process.

This episode explores actionable strategies for parents, educators, and communities to safeguard children from becoming isolated and susceptible to harmful influences, emphasizing the importance of connection, critical thinking, and open communication in preventing radicalization.

Dr Bashah's Book: https://www.optamerican.com/library

Parenting Types Podcast link: https://www.optamerican.com/podcast/episode/ca6ae501/parenting-types-how-both-attachment-and-anti-fragility-are-important-to-your-childs-success

Worksheets: https://www.optamerican.com/_files/ugd/56553d_99fb2af3fdd54e44886c07393548e38c.pdf

https://www.optamerican.com/_files/ugd/56553d_4e03706d7f44486185da908583ca3366.pdf

Madeleine's site: https://resilientkids.org.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com

In Episode 4 of difficult conversations host Madeleine is joined by Brett Harvey to discuss the challenges surrounding the rise in accessibility and consumption of pornography.

Madeleine and Brett discuss many topics including the dangers of pornography addiction, safe strategies to approach difficult conversations with young people, and tips to encourage healthy development and exploration of sexuality.

Most importantly, Brett drives home the importance of embracing a culture of awareness and open conversation in order to tackle this ever-growing issue.

Resources:

https://www.taimakorero.co.nz/resources

https://www.taimakorero.co.nz/store

https://bishuk.com/

Madeleine's website: https://resilientkids.org.nz/

Get in touch: resilientkidspod@gmail.com