Playdates can be fun and a great way to entertain your child. And...they can also be chaotic, noisy and end in tears. Discover how to help your child and their friend have a great time and deal with any friction or fights that may arise. For more help with your child, join me inside Annoying to AMAZING! where you'll receive: more practical strategies to help your child with anxieties, aggressive behaviour, bedtime issues and more the step by step approach to deal with tantrums, whining and big upset emotions how to set limits playfully & lovingly an insight into what's going on in your child's brain plenty of more games for use in many different situations a deeper understanding of your own triggers so you will shout less and be able to connect more in the heat of the moment PLUS: Ongoing weekly mentoring with me, so you will be supported throughout videos of me with my children so that you can see exactly what to do Click here to join

Discover why play is more effective than talking & reassurance when your child is anxious. You can play games in a therapeutic way that will help your anxious child become much more confident and able to cope with difficult situations. Find out more ways play can help & more games inside my FREE online Playful Discipline Workshop. Click here to join today! And if you're wanting to take your parenting to the next level so you can feel more confident knowing you're helping your baby or child in a deeper way, you can: book in a 1:1 session join Annoying to AMAZING! - my online program if you have children aged 1 - 8 years old join Aware Parenting Babies if you have a baby under 1

How to make travelling much easier when you have a baby or a child. Travelling long distances on planes, trains or in your car doesn't have to be super stressful. Discover what practical things you can do to make it more enjoyable for you and your child. If you'd like to learn how to incorporate more PLAY into your parenting, join me for my online Playful Discipline Workshop - it's FREE! And if you're wanting to take your parenting to the next level so you can feel more confident knowing you're helping your baby or child in a deeper way, you can: book in a 1:1 session join Annoying to AMAZING! - my online program if you have children aged 1 - 8 years old join Aware Parenting Babies if you have a baby under 1

What do you tell yourself when your child is having a tantrum? That you're a bad mum That you've done something wrong - That there's something wrong with your child That they're being ridiculous If they're like this now, what are they going to be like when they're a teenager Is it always going to be this hard? Why does it have to be like this? Your mental chatter can be exhausting! This episode is to offer you reassurance on your child's behaviour when they're having a tantrum, to share a recent example with my son, and to remind you of the benefits of listening to your child in this way. Because children's emotions can be messy & loud & difficult! Our emotions can be too as adults. With my eldest I would have all forms of doubt & fears and concerns. There was lots of self doubt and feeling overwhelm. With my second, I had the benefit of understanding children & emotions so much better, so that I'm able to recognise what's really going on and what's needed - without the debilitating mental chatter. And that's what I want for you. I want you to be more confident on how to be able to be with your child when they're having such a hard time in a way that will really help them. So if you want support so you can feel more confident in those moments, you can: book in a 1:1 session join Annoying to AMAZING! - my online program if you have children aged 1 - 8 years old join Aware Parenting Babies if you have a baby under 1 Visit www.parentingwithplay.com.au

With lockdowns being extended in Melbourne & Sydney as well as other parts of Australia, it's important we figure out the best way to help our children with their school work. This episode is going to help you to do just that. Whilst lockdown parenting is nothing like normal homeschooling, in this episode I'm joined by Joss Gouldon, an Aware Parenting Instructor who has homeschooled her children (her 18 year old son will be going to university next year). Joss is so warm, down to earth and insightful in what your family needs to be able to navigate this challenging time with your kids. You'll feel reassured and inspired how to make this lockdown experience as enjoyable and beneficial for you all We cover: what you can do to be able to help your kids what you need to prioritise with your children to help them be able to learn better how to help your child when they're being resistant to doing their work and having meltdowns taking control of your child's learning - realising you can make choices and prioritise what's going to work for your family how to integrate work with homeschooling your child reassurance that your child is learning all the time, not just through worksheets screens! how you can use them to your benefit and manage them with your kids CLICK HERE to read Joss' lockdown learning articleYou can contact her here:WebsiteFacebookInstagram For more support from Helena, download your FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ Contact Helena:WebsiteFacebookInstagram

Lockdowns seem to be here to stay as a strategy for dealing with Covid or even potentially Climate Change. I'm in Sydney and currently have at least 4 more weeks to go (after at least 5 weeks so far), so we need to find a way to make lockdowns as enjoyable as possible - for our kids AND ourselves. In this episode I cover:1. The Need for You To Get The Emotional Support You Need2. Looking for the Good in the Situation3. Using this Time For An Emotional Project If you want more help with your kids's behaviour this lockdown, then join my FREE Workshop this Thursday 4 August at 8pm Sydney timeThe 3 Secrets to Make Parenting Easier in Lockdown How to create more harmony in your family without bribes or punishments What your child needs to be able to entertain themselves while you work The secret to make home-learning easier THE #1 mistake you need to STOP making You'll walk away feeling clearer about how to manage lockdown better with your kids in a way that's going to help all of you. JOIN HERE And if you're listening to this and I'm not running the workshop, then join my online program Annoying to AMAZING! where you'll receive ongoing support - including weekly Q&A's, fortnightly mentoring calls and monthly masterclasses - to help you with your kids whether you're in lockdown or not. Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

I know it may not seem like it, but your children do not want to fight each other. They want to get along with each other. But there are times when it's really hard for them to do that. Their upset feelings take over and they lash out. Discover how you can help your children at a deep, emotional level which really shifts how they feel and how they behave in this fantastic conversation with Belynda Smith, a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor and former High School Teacher. She shares some fantastic games you can easily play, as well as the importance of having the opportunity of being listened to as a mum. Belynda is a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor and she shares candidly about how she felt she was "losing her mind" when her kids were little, and the difference that this approach - particularly the play - has made in her parenting and the relationship between her 2 boys. About Belynda SmithBelynda is a single mum and a Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor with two beautiful boys who are now in their tweens/teens. Website: http://parentingbyconnectionwithbelyndasmith.blogspot.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingbyConnectionwithBelyndaSmith/ FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

Sending your child to daycare is a big time for both of you. So what do you need to look for in a centre and how do you help your child adjust to being away from you? In this episode I interview Steph Fleeton, an Early Childhood Educator, Aware Parenting Instructor who runs a Family Day Care, to give you these answers. About StephSteph Fleeton is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Parenting Support Counsellor and Early Childhood Educator. She runs her own Family Day Care, with a strong focus on Aware Parenting, nature play and child-directed learning. Steph also offers one-on-one sessions for parents and educators needing support for children in the early years.https://spiritedhearts.net/https://www.facebook.com/SpiritedHeartshttps://www.instagram.com/spiritedhearts_naturallearning/ -----------------FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ For more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

Physical play helps to build your child's physical and emotional confidence. So be inspired with playful ideas for more high-energy, rough and tumble play with your kids with Stacy Wilson, a fellow Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor & Primary School Teacher. This type of play is perfect for bedtimes, transitions between separated parents, offloading frustrations & emotional upsets and so much more. We also talk about how beneficial vibrant play is for girls, as well as for boys, particularly as they get older and are less likely to be running around in the playground. Plus, we discuss Stacy's progression into becoming more of a playful parent, so if you don't find it easy to be playful, you're not alone! So enjoy bringing some more rough & tumble play into your day. You can follow Stacy at Growing Goodnesswww.growingoodness.comhttps://www.instagram.com/growingoodness/ FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/work-with-me/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

Getting your child's school report can be exciting and affirming, or it can be stressful and demoralising. So in this episode I offer you ways to best manage your reactions and responses if you are disappointed or worried about your child's report. When you do this, you'll be you'll be calmer & less stressed, and so in a much better position to then support your child with whatever, if anything, they're needing. Together, you'll be able to figure it out. If you'd like help in diving into your fears or finding solutions to help your child, you can book in a session with me here. Or join Annoying to AMAZING!, my online program with group coaching support, to learn & master the tools to best help your child (aged 1 - 8) navigate all of life's challenges, including school. Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

Be inspired with silliness and discover ways to be playful with your kids from toddlers to teens. With Chiara Rossetti, Aware Parenting Instructor You are going to LOVE this episode! So much fun & silliness with the fabulous Chiara Rossetti who's an Aware Parenting Instructor with 2 teenage children. She is amazing at bringing play to all situations and you'll be able to see how you, too, can incorporate such fun & silliness into your family. We cover a range of topics including:- starting out simply with your child - using their hands- ways to improve meal-times- teeth-cleaning- helping your child to separate & return to you, especially if you've separated from their dad- dealing with rude words- addressing your own triggers & big reactions- the importance of your child crying too- play with teenagers LINKSChiara's fantastic list of silly games ideasPlayful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D.​Attachment Play by Aletha Solter Ph.D.Connect with Chiara directly Discover how to incorporate play into your day to help your children with their emotions & their behaviour with my FREE Workshop: Transform Your Child's Behaviour with Play!

How are mealtimes in your family? Fun & easy? Or a battleground?! If you're struggling to help your child eat normal, healthy food and you're using TV to distract them, or offering the reward of pudding / dessert, or any forms of coercion, then this episode will help. Find out how to use play to transform mealtimes and help your child eat well both now and in the future. To discover how play and connection can help your family with other parenting challenges, join Annoying to AMAZING! for information, inspiration & personalised support. https://parentingwithplay.com.au/amazing/ Follow Helena Mooney here:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

How do you feel about listening to your baby or child cry with you? Hear how one mum felt and the transformation she experienced with her baby In this interview with Vivien, she shares the impact Aware Parenting has had on her 13 month old daughter Nina especially around bedtimes, nappy changes, starting daycare and life in general. She shares how their relationship has deepened and how she, as a self-confessed emotional eater, now responds to her own emotions. You'll hear Nina happily playing around in the background. If you'd like help with your baby or your child, visit: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/work-with-me/ Download your FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

Do you co-sleep with your baby or child? If so, are you confident or embarrassed about it? If you don't co-sleep, but you think you'd might like to, what's your concerns about it? Are you worried that your child needs to become an independent sleeper by a certain age, or when you go back to work, or they start day care? This episode is to let you know that co-sleeping is such a beneficial and enjoyable thing to do with your baby or child/ren. And it won't last forever! I cover basic do's & don't's, as well as offer guidance if your child still isn't sleeping well. Plus reassurance that your children WILL be able to sleep on their own as they get older. As I record this, my son is 6 and daughter is 12. Both sleep really well in their own rooms. If you do co-sleep and your baby or child STILL isn't sleeping well, then I'm here to help! CLICK HERE to find out how. If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

It's horrible seeing your baby or child upset, especially when they've hurt themselves. So you can think you're doing the right thing by distracting them from the pain or the upset:"You're OK""It's only a scratch / small bump""Brush it off""You're such a brave boy/girl""Do you want a chocolate to cheer you up?" It's completely understandable that you do - of course you don't want your them to be upset. But when you distract your baby or child when they're upset, you're interrupting something very important that will impact their anxiety and confident levels. Listen in to find out. If you want to help your baby to sleep better without using distractions, join my FREE video series Better Bedtimes for Babies. https://parentingwithplay.com.au/better-bedtimes-for-babies/ If you want to help your child with their emotions & behaviour, waitlist now for Annoying to Amazing. Doors are opening soon! https://parentingwithplay.com.au/a2a-waitlist/ Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

It's heartbreaking when your child struggles to start or return to school. There's so much pressure on them to behave, learn, make friends and deal with new surroundings and it can all be overwhelming for them. It's a big time for them AND for you. So how can you best prepare and support them during this significant transition, and help them with their anxieties? In this episode, Shelley Clarke shares how she is supported her daughter when she started school. This is an ENCORE episode as there's so much goodness in here, that it's so good to hear again, or for the first time - for now in Australia & NZ, and for when children are eventually allowed back into schools around the world when Covid Restrictions are lifted. Shelley is a Parenting by Connection Instructor, Aware Parenting Instructor, Physiotherapist and Sacral Cranial Therapist and loves to use play to help her kids. Unfortunately the sound quality isn't as good as usual, but it's worth persisting with because there's so many great tips and games you can use with your kids to help prepare them, whether they're starting school for the first time or have anxieties about returning to school. You can find out more about Shelley at: http://www.shelleyclarke.com/ Follow Helena Mooney from Parenting with Play! on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/www.parentingwithplay.com.au

It can be super frustrating and bewildering when your child is being aggressive. Especially when you’re not modelling that behaviour and you’ve told them many times that it’s not kind, or to be gentle. So what’s going on for your child to causes them be aggressive? And what can you do about it? FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

Things are going to inevitably happen to your child that are going to upset, frustrate, annoy and disappoint them. So how do you help them to become more resilient in the face of challenges? Your job as a parent is not to prevent everyday disappointments or hurts - that's just not possible or actually helpful for your child. Instead, your role is to help them cope with them in a way that's going to build their confidence & their ability to manage similar situations. The more you can help your child in each situation, the less their upset feelings will accumulate which will mean they will be less triggered and more able to cope well in the future. So how can you do this? Listen in to this episode to find out. FREE GUIDE: Shout Less & Connect More with 5 SIMPLE Games! Download today: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/ If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

You know how this approach can help you with your children. But how about in the workplace? In this week's podcast episode, I chat with Caroline Ryan about how Aware Parenting / Parenting by Connection not only helped with her children, but also with her colleagues too. If your baby is under 1, doors to Aware Parenting Babies online program are now open! If you want more support with your children:Website: https://parentingwithplay.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentingwithPlaywithHelenaMooney/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithplay/

When your baby cries it can feel really stressful and most people do everything possible to stop their tears. But is that the best way to help them? And how does it impact their ability to sleep well? High School Teacher, Jenna Bujaroski, shares how she has helped her children when they've cried & tantrumed and how she sees the benefit of this approach for teenagers too.