SEEN is a groundbreaking feature-length documentary—and now a powerful podcast companion—that explores the untold story of how healing our own childhood wounds can transform the way we parent. At the heart of this series lies a bold and hopeful message: when parents confront and rewire their own coping mechanisms, it doesn't just change their lives—it reshapes their children's developing brains.

Through raw, unfiltered conversations with real parents, experts, and neuroscientists, SEEN uncovers the science behind trauma, attachment, and emotional regulation. This isn’t just another parenting podcast. It’s a deeply personal, scientifically grounded journey into how healing ourselves can create ripple effects for generations to come.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious about how our pasts shape our futures, SEEN offers a roadmap to emotional liberation, stronger family connections, and a new vision of what’s possible.

Join us as we illuminate the path forward—one story, one breakthrough, one brain at a time.

Hailey Bartholomew is an award-winning director, writer, and cinematographer known for her emotionally resonant storytelling and distinctive visual style. With a passion for capturing the extraordinary in the everyday, her work blends vulnerability, beauty, and authenticity in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

As Director of Seen the Film (2025), a groundbreaking documentary exploring the neuroscience of parenting and personal healing, as well as Ageless (2023), and My Happy Heart (2019). As the founder of creative studio You Can’t Be Serious, Hailey is committed to making work with heart—projects that move people, spark conversations, and create change.

Hailey’s films reflect her deep belief in the power of real stories, told with honesty and care. Whether behind the camera or leading a creative team, her work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Connect with Hailey here:

https://youcantbeserious.com.au/about/

#SEENtheFilm

#DocumentaryWithHeart

#StorytellingThatMatters

#BehindTheScenes

#IndependentFilm

#FilmWithPurpose

#WomenInFilm

#DirectorSpotlight

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📌 Key Insight:
Modern parenting often prioritises convenience and safety over challenge and growth. But kids need opportunities to struggle, try, fail, and try again to build the emotional muscles they’ll need for life.

Let’s flip the script—and raise a generation built on connection, competence, and confidence.

In this gripping conversation, we’re joined by Nicole Runyon, LMSW—psychotherapist, parent coach, and author of Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation—to unpack the Netflix series Adolescence and the uncomfortable truths it holds up to modern parenting.

Nicole brings over two decades of experience in child and adolescent mental health and a rare ability to help adults step inside the minds of today’s kids. Together, we dive into the deeper layers of Jamie’s story and what it reveals about a world where kids grow up online, alone, and often unseen.

We explore:

• Why this isn’t just a mental health crisis—it’s a crisis of adult power
• How convenience culture is sabotaging childhood
• The dark role of algorithms, and where adult responsibility still lies
• The myth of safety behind closed doors
• Why therapy alone can’t fix what community and connection must
• Practical steps for adults to reclaim authority in a digital world
• And what kids actually need—beyond screens, labels, or diagnoses

Nicole’s insight is both provocative and empowering. If you’re ready for a conversation that moves beyond blame and into bold, practical change—this episode is for you.

Top 5 Foundations for Healthy Brain and Child Development (0–18 years)

1. Attachment and Safety (0–18 months)
   • Prioritise bonding, physical affection, eye contact, and consistent caregiving.
   • Love, hugs, and a safe environment are essential to wire the brain for trust and connection.
2. Will and Authority (18 months–3 years)
   • Respect toddlers’ emerging independence while setting firm boundaries.
   • Let them try things on their own, even if frustrating, and allow space for tantrums. This builds frustration tolerance and emotional regulation.
3. Autonomy and Independence (3–5 years)
   • Encourage self-help skills like dressing, zipping coats, and managing tasks.
   • Let children take risks and experience challenge—don’t over-index on safety.
   • Social-emotional learning and confidence emerge from doing, not avoiding struggle.
4. Confidence and Competence (5–12 years)
   • Confidence grows by overcoming hard things—not from trophies or rewards.
   • Avoid constant praise and incentives; instead, promote perseverance and self-worth through effort and resilience.
5. Identity Development (12–18 years)
   • A secure sense of self is built on the foundation of earlier stages.
   • Without real-world confidence, teens look to social media influencers to tell them who they are.
   • This can lead to distorted identity formation and vulnerability to mental health trends online.

📌 Key Insight:
Modern parenting often prioritises convenience and safety over challenge and growth. But kids need opportunities to struggle, try, fail, and try again to build the emotional muscles they’ll need for life.

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Anthony England, Director of Innovation at Pymble Ladies’ College, discusses a bold grassroots initiative to reclaim childhood from the grip of digital addiction. With screen time skyrocketing and mental health declining, Anthony and his team took action—rolling out over 800 custom-managed smartphones designed to grow with students, limit harmful content, and foster real-world connection.

Pymble has chosen a new and courageous path—one that protects wellbeing while preparing students to thrive in a complex digital world.

At the centre of this conversation is the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative, launching in 2025. This school-wide program will provide a wiser mobile phone choice to students in Years 4 to 8, replacing traditional smartphones with custom-managed devices that grow with the child. Designed to be boring by design—but brilliant in impact—these phones limit harmful content while enabling connection, safety, and gradual digital independence.

We dive into:

• Why they created affordable, safe phones that don’t steal attention
• How a $5 alarm clock and a Wi-Fi timer can transform home tech habits
• The ripple effects: more sleep, stronger friendships, time for hobbies and outdoor play
• The digital licence approach: like P-plates for phones, helping students earn responsibility
• How joy is being restored—through go-karts, bikes, and parent-child pledges to live life well

This initiative is not about restriction—it’s about protection and empowerment. By uniting the school and home in a shared mission, Pymble is creating a spring-free trampoline for digital life—a safe ecosystem where children can grow stronger, not more stressed.

✨ “We are choosing a new and courageous path to make the world a better place for our girls.” – Pymble Ladies’ College

💡 If you’re a parent, teacher, policymaker, or school leader searching for practical answers, this episode will inspire, inform, and empower you to take the next step toward a wiser digital future.

This is a hopeful and practical blueprint for schools, parents, and policymakers navigating the digital age. It’s not about banning tech but making it safer, smarter, and developmentally appropriate.

💡If you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader wondering how to make meaningful change, this episode will inspire and empower you with real-world solutions.

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‘Parents who are so worried about offending others by setting boundaries for their kids make it so easy for me to offend” : Relayed from repeat offender to Feather Berkower, expert in parenting safe children.

In an era where information is at our fingertips, one of the most critical skills for parents and educators in 2024 is empowering our children to navigate their world safely, especially when it comes to protecting them from sexual abuse. "Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse" is a groundbreaking resource that has become indispensable in achieving this goal.

Crafted by Feather Berkower, MSW, and Sandy K. Wurtele, Ph.D., two leading sexual assault prevention specialists, and featuring a foreword by Marilyn Van Derbur, former Miss America 1957, incest survivor, and motivational speaker, this book is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It equips us with the necessary tools and knowledge to act as the first line of defense in our children's safety.

"Off Limits" offers invaluable insights into:

• Age-appropriate sexual development,
• Body-safety rules,
• Effective communication strategies for discussing body safety,
• Screening questions for caregivers,
• Handling disclosures of sexual assault.

Parents who have embraced these strategies share transformative stories of improved communication and safety within their families. This guide is more than a book; it's a movement towards empowering our children with the understanding of their rights, the ability to recognize their instincts, and the courage to advocate for their privacy and safety.

To further facilitate these crucial conversations, the Parenting Safe Children "Conversation-Starter Cards" are an innovative tool, making it easier to discuss body safety with all caregivers involved in your child's life.

As we navigate the complexities of parenting and education in 2024, let's prioritize equipping our children with the skills to protect themselves. "Off Limits" and the accompanying conversation cards are essential tools in this mission, reminding us that prevention begins with education and that safeguarding our children is a collective effort.

👉 Check out the visuals for a sneak peek at the book and some of the powerful conversation cards!

Interested in making a difference in the lives of the children you care for? Click the link in bio to learn more about how you can integrate these critical resources into your family or classroom safety plan.

Together, we can ensure that all children are off-limits to sexual predators.

#ParentingSafeChildren #ChildSafety #OffLimits #PreventionIsPossible #EmpowermentThroughEducation #FamilySafety

https://parentingsafechildren.com/about/

Please join the #BEINGSEEN movement to safeguard children on-line.

Buy the book www.profselenabartlett.com and pass the word to as many parents as possible.

https://www.amazon.com/Being-Seen-Master-Parenting-Digital/dp/0999099736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PZH7KRLUDEPY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CICkiFwRMe-5m1Zp0oWoR5Ln50Fl7i0ZQIgGDxKiUF8.pl_L_7uy2rp8KOfJpxEBEzvU5PfqTEQRg3O1zDe4Y_Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=being+seen+selena+bartlett&qid=1709953306&sprefix=being+seen%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-1

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In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary ideas of developmental psychologist Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray challenges conventional education by making a bold case for self-directed, play-based learning – or "unschooling" – as the best path to prepare kids for a rapidly changing world.

Drawing on insights from anthropology, psychology, and history, Gray argues that unstructured play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social competence. We’ll explore how freeing children from rigid educational systems can unlock their potential, foster independence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Join us as we question the traditional schooling model and discover why trusting children to take charge of their learning could be the key to their happiness and success.

Learn about Dr Peter Gray here

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/affiliated-and-emeritus/peter-gray.html

Learn about Sudbury Valley free to learn school here.

https://sudburyvalley.org/

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Stop Stuffing the Duck with Mary Hewitt

In this insightful episode of Unlocking Childhood, Mary Hewitt unpacks the idea of "Stop Stuffing the Duck"—a powerful metaphor for how we often overload children with expectations, information, and stress. Mary explores how society's approach to childhood can inadvertently suffocate natural curiosity and resilience, rather than nurturing it.

Drawing on the groundbreaking ACEs Too High study, Mary highlights how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly impact long-term health and well-being. Conducted by Dr. Robert Anda, the CDC, and Kaiser Permanente, this study examined how traumatic events in childhood lead to serious health challenges in adulthood, such as heart disease, depression, addiction, and even autoimmune diseases like mastocytosis. Mary bravely shares her own story as a “textbook case” of the effects of trauma and how understanding her ACE score opened the door to personal healing.

Through her journey of self-discovery and transformation, Mary found hope in the science of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself and break the cycle of stress and trauma. She shares how practices like meditation, yoga, and the teachings of Byron Katie helped her overcome bulimia, anxiety, depression, and the debilitating symptoms of mastocytosis. This episode offers listeners practical strategies to move from survival mode to thriving, breaking free from the toxic stress response ingrained by childhood trauma.

Tune in to learn how we can stop overloading children and ourselves, and instead focus on building resilient, peaceful minds. Join Mary Hewitt as she inspires us to reimagine childhood and create nurturing environments that honor the uniqueness and natural growth of every child.

Listen now to discover how to let go of the pressure, embrace healing, and truly unlock childhood.

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“Wired for Good: The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection, and Success”
🎙️ Live from the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025

This special International Women’s Day episode explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, connection, and success—how our brains are wired for good and what that means for leadership, resilience, and well-being.

Recorded live at the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025, this episode unpacks the science of connection, the power of inter-brain synchrony, and how we can harness neuroplasticity to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.

Professor Selena Bartlett shares cutting-edge insights into the field of neuroscience and the brain, how our emotions and interactions shape our neural networks, and practical strategies to rewire stress into strength.

Whether you're a leader, a professional, or simply passionate about thriving in the digital age, this episode will inspire you to leverage the brain’s untapped potential for personal and professional success.

🔹 How connection fuels resilience and leadership
🔹 The neuroscience behind influence and decision-making
🔹 Practical ways to rewire stress into strength

Thank you for the invitation at Shand Taylor Lawyers for bringing a fantastic group of powerful women together to celebrate them.

https://www.shandtaylor.com.au/

Listen now and get ready to transform the way you think, lead, and connect. #IWD2025 #ThrivingMinds #Neuroscience #WomenInLeadership

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Empower, Nurture, Flourish – ECLD 2025 Keynote

Standing on the stage at Optus Stadium, in Perth looking out at 700 passionate educators, leaders, and changemakers, there was an undeniable energy in the room, with a shared commitment to shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. This was more than a conference; it was a movement.

Delivering the ECLD 2025 keynote was a privilege. The impact of early childhood educators cannot be overstated—every interaction, moment of care, and lesson taught ripples through time, shaping a child’s life trajectory.

My presentation focused on the neuroscience of being seen, learning, resilience, and emotional well-being, unpacking the latest research on how early experiences shape the developing brain. Beyond science, it was about the power of human connection, the inter-brain synchrony between educator and child, moments of kindness, curiosity, and joy, which build the foundation for thriving minds.

In that room were trailblazers who advocate for change, challenge outdated systems, and pour their heart and soul into giving every child the best start in life. Today was not just about sharing knowledge but igniting a shared mission.

We laughed, we reflected, and we explored what it truly means to empower, nurture, and flourish. The message was clear: when we prioritise connection, well-being, and brain health, we don’t just improve individual lives, we transform entire communities, we prevent mental illness.

This is also the driving force behind my book, Being Seen, and the SEEN documentary, which explore the science of how early experiences shape the brain, the impact of the digital age on childhood, and the role of connection in healing and growth. Our work together in education is central to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and supported.

As I closed, I celebrated the 700 minds and hearts in that room, and their dedication to coming on a Saturday to connect, to learn and make the lives of others 1% better tomorrow. You inspired me and we are ready to take action. This is how real change happens.

Because when educators thrive, children thrive, and when children thrive, the future is limitless.

#ECLD2025 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Neuroscience #BrainDevelopment #ThrivingMinds #EmpowerNurtureFlourish #BeingSeen #SEENdocumentary

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