What is Safe Love? with Lauren Armstrong

How do we teach children what healthy love, self-worth, boundaries and emotional safety look like before harmful relationship patterns begin?In this powerful and deeply important episode of Let’s Reconnect, Breanna Jayne Sada speaks with educator, advocate and founder of the Self Love Safe Love Collective, Lauren Armstrong.Lauren shares her lived experience of domestic violence in both childhood and adulthood, and how that inspired her mission to help children build an internal compass strong enough to guide them toward safe, respectful relationships and away from harm.Together, Breanna and Lauren explore how parents, teachers and trusted adults can start age-appropriate conversations with children about safe love, unhealthy behaviours, self-esteem, boundaries, coercion, emotional safety and family violence prevention.They also discuss why these conversations cannot wait until the teen years, and how teaching children to value themselves may be one of the strongest protective factors we can offer.This episode also includes an important discussion on the rise of teen gambling in Australia, new government restrictions on gambling advertising, and what parents need to know.In This Episode We DiscussWhat “safe love” means for children and teenagersWhy self-love helps protect young people from unhealthy relationshipsHow childhood experiences can shape adult relationship patternsSigns of controlling, coercive or emotionally unsafe relationshipsHow parents and teachers can respond if a child discloses abuseWhy believing children mattersHow to repair after yelling or conflict at homeTeaching children confidence without arroganceAge-appropriate relationship education for tweens and teensThe rise of teenage gambling in AustraliaWhy betting ads during sport matter for childrenKey TakeawaysChildren learn what love looks like early.The relationships they witness and experience can shape what feels normal later in life.Self-worth is protective.Children who value themselves are more likely to notice disrespect, coercion and unhealthy treatment.You don’t need all the answers.Parents, teachers and coaches do not need to “fix” everything. Often being a safe adult who listens is the first step.Repair matters.No parent is perfect. Apologising, owning mistakes and reconnecting after conflict builds trust.It is never too late.Whether your child is 5 or 15, healthy relationship conversations can start now.Resources Mentioned1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800Lauren Armstrong - Self Love Safe Love CollectiveSelf Love Safe Love Collective Self Love Safe Love on Instagram Purchase the books hereBreanna runs a short 4 hour course for adults called Conversations about Gambling. If you'd like her to run this for your organisation you can get some more information here If you like this episode or see it importance, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent, teacher or caregiver. These conversations help protect children.Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out.Disclaimer:The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation.If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.