Aqua Sensory Podcast

In this episode we talk to Meg Faure, Occupational Therapist, co-author of 8 parenting titles including the best-selling Baby Sense and Weaning Sense books, and founder of Parent Sense baby app We start with a deep dive with how our 8 sensory systems are massively important and how they are affected in water. “The vestibular sense and proprioceptive sense, which are the critically important hidden senses are both very well targeted when we are swimming with our little ones.” Meg talks to us from her from her sensory integration therapist and neuro developmental therapist background and relates her knowledge and experiences in the water and baby swimming.  Meg has a way of conveying complicated ‘sensory science’ simply! Like the 4 sensory personalities. “The most important part is the parent understanding her baby’s sensory personality.” “Our senses provide the platform, each layer builds upon itself, the sensory systems are our base. When they become over stimulated, it can almost become a little fractured, so it means the next layer, emotional regulation, doesn’t have a good foundation.”  It was a pleasure to talk to Meg about her life’s work supporting parents to help raise resilient, happy children. Check out her amazing books and new parent app: Parent Sense.   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory Connect with Meg: https://megfaure.com https://apps.apple.com/za/app/parent-sense-baby-care-app

In this episode we talk to Torill Hindmarch, recipient of the prestigious Virgina Hunt Newman Award for promoting the “Gentle Way” of baby swimming. It is always a pleasure to connect to our International Aquatic Community. Torill, shares her passion and knowledge from her many years’ experience and her observations.   “In 1973 I was given the responsibility for a mother and child group in a pool where I was a swim teacher for the local schools, this was my first step on my journey in infant aquatics.”   In this episode we myth bust on some of our aquatic submersion misconceptions on the ‘dive reflex.’   “We want our babies coming to the water for pleasure, we don’t want to put them in a situation that activates a survival, which prepares it for something terrible, and the thing is that sits in the body, for some children it is very strong.”   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Connect with Torill: Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torill-hindmarch-1b336b35

At Aqua Sensory we love to connect with experts in their fields, like with Jess Kennedy from My OT and Me. In this episode, Jo talks with Jess about supporting parents and professionals, understanding sensory integration, and supporting challenges in and out of the pool. One of the topics we talk about is ‘parent capacity’, about how much a parent can change, take on and how much external support they have. “It’s important for everyone to become sensory aware, even if you are directly working with people as it is highly impactful on your emotional regulation on how you know how you relax, what triggers you, how to manage your own stress so I think the words sensory integration or processing almost became theoretical you have to be an in-depth practitioner to understand it, but absolutely not.” “We all have sensory systems, differences, and preferences, it’s not just children. Although they may seek out certain types of sensory input more intensely, or for longer durations. We make adaption on what we have learned about ourselves and those adaptions help make it easier for us to cope in different environments.”    Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Connect with Jess Kennedy: https://www.gabadoo.com https://myotandme.com

At Aqua Sensory we love to bring more awareness into the pool of the words we say and how we communicate. In this episode, Jo talks with Kate Burgess, a speech and language therapist who supports parents with early intervention and ways to be more effective in their communication. Kate’s passion is to simplify speech and language strategies for parents, in a simple and accessible way. “You are absolutely right that face-to-face ability is fantastic, as being face to face is such an important part of communicating and it’s so easy with our little ones to forget how much higher up than them, we are most of the time. So, I love that swimming is giving that opportunity to be face-to -ace.” “One of the things that can do is really try to slow it down how quickly you are talking to your child, it can be very easy as adults, as proficient communicators to get quite excited. Being in the pool together is exciting and your child is probably showing you new skills and little milestones and with that excitement can be really fast language and for a young child or baby that can be quiet challenging to process.”   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Connect with Kate: https://www.instagram.com/wecancommunikate https://www.wecancommunikate.co.uk  

At Aqua Sensory we love to create sensory harmony in water and understand child development, we have a hold and move we call bear feet babes, so of course when I saw there was a book called Finding Their Feet - I was so drawn to buying it and reading.  In this episode, Jo talks with the author Bernie Landels from Finding Their Feet about why bare feet is good for child development, how going barefoot can help children physically and emotionally too. In the water, we are in the privileged position to always have bare feet, but maybe as swim teachers or for our swim parents we don't know about all the amazing benefits?  Let's connect some dots together.    Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Connect with Bernie Landels: https://bernielandels.com https://instagram.com/findingtheirfeet

Kayleigh McDine runs Swim with Kayleigh a small swim school based in the Highlands of Scotland in a Seaside Town called: Nairn. In this episode it was a treat to catch up with Kayleigh, to chat about her swim school, Bath Babies and Aqua Sensory adventures and her swim school, values: Community, individual learning, mindfulness and water safety. “We used to travel over an hour to get to our nearest baby swim class, it was a whole day’s travel, so it was the highlight of my week. I have been teaching now for 7 years and recently relaunched my swim school.”   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory Find out more: https://swimwithkayleigh.co.uk

In this episode we talk to Deborah McNiels (M.Ed) Author, The First 60 Days & The Neuro-Nurturing®, Brain Insights Founder,  International Speaker  and Initiator of The First 60 Days Movement. Wow! Deborah is certainly a uniter of those that are making a difference. Because the brain is so malleable by the experiences that they are having in the earliest days, weeks and months, early experiences matter. In water it is important to balance the sensory experience. “We are born with about 86 billion brain cells and some of those brain cells are connected to one another, 9 months prenatally is not enough time for them to connect early experiences are so important.”   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Connect with Deborah: https://www.braininsightsonline.com

Christian and Jo, co-creators of Aqua Sensory reflect their shared experiences and observations. In this episode, Christian and Jo talk together about how we support our children and swim families more, to provide a compassionate supportive base. To have a ‘can do’ attitude and to cultivate a program that promotes ‘more presence and more opportunities to discover.’ We talk about what creating more wonder in the water and less labels like; the terrible twos, he doesn’t like this or that, lazy legs, he’s bored …. “ “In water we naturally can be more present with our children, the water is so crucial in providing more opportunities. But as swim teachers and parents, are we providing opportunities or taking them away?”   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory https://aquasensory.com/ @christianwilsonauthor https://instagram.com/christianwilsonauthor?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==  

In this episode we talk to Monika Anzueto International Swim Educator and Owner of the prestigious swim school founded by her parents Delfin de Chipas. It is always a pleasure to connect to our International Aquatic Community. Monika shares her focus on global child development and aquatic skills as well as her passion for music in the pool to enhance the early years learn to swim journey. “20 years ago I was thinking there must be a different way to do this, I have to be honest, I found myself doing a play list, in my swimming sessions, there must be something better to do.” “We want to use music to relax our parents and to use music as an experience to learn, and to learn we have to be calm and happy and music can play a very important role.” “Water brings an oasis of wellbeing, but we do have to be careful, we have to allow babies to gently get used to this new sensory input around submersions.”   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Find out more about Monika Anzueto: https://www.aquaticity.net/ @aqua6citymonicaanzueto

In this episode we talk to Clare Stead, creator of the amazing parent app: Oliiki. We chat about why the first 1000 days a critical window. Why is understanding our child’s development important, and the big question, why is it good to support child development from the start, rather than fixing issues later. Tune into some amazing facts like; “A child’s development at 22 months old, predicts their academic success at 26 years old.” When you find out what Oliiki stands for, you’ll soon connect the dots to why we share passions. Oliiki: Observe closely Listen to what your babies are saying Investigate their interests Initiate conversation Kindle connection Instil a love of learning   Supporting child development doesn’t have to be complicated.   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory   Check Out The Oliiki App: https://www.oliikiapp.com

We are delighted to share with you this golden talk about how we can view our nervous systems with a new lens in the pool with the amazing Hannah Rose from Breathe. Hannah offers breathwork and wellbeing workshops to transform the mind, body, and soul.  In this episode, Jo talks with Hannah about how important our nervous systems are as the foundation of our mental and physical health. We touch on the importance of the vagus nerve and stillness. Hannah shares her favourite breathworks practices, whilst Jo connects this dry land wonderful work to the water.  Hannah says, “It very much depends on the state, so we have different states that our nervous system can be in, so one of those states is hyperarousal and the other is hyperarousal, so depending on how our nervous system is presenting we can offer different practices that can really nourish and support.” There are so many benefits to nurturing our nervous systems, to bring in a new deeper awareness, create more happiness and flow.   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory   Follow & Connect with Hannah Rose https://linktr.ee/breathewithhannahrose @breathe_with_hannahrose

What does sensory harmony mean to you? In this episode, Jo talks and reflects on what sensory harmony means to her. How can you bring this into your classes? What does your class need today? How do we create sensory harmony in water? Tune into a few top tips and her useful ‘rocket’ analogy.   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory https://aquasensory.com

Creating safe spaces, to embrace culture, and inclusivity in our teaching practices.  In this episode, Jo talks with Josette Stitcher from Urban Birth Plus about being a parent and supporting parents on their journey, giving them a voice and a place to share experiences. Embracing culture is a theme throughout, being mindful of bias, language and conscious in choices.  “It is all about letting other communities know that baby massage is not one demographic only, it’s for everyone and honouring the roots as well.’  Stripping things back to basics, learning about traditional practices and rituals from other cultures. Josette gives us an insight into bathing babies, touch and talks about practising with a different intention and creating a loving ‘vibe.’   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Follow & Connect with Josette: https://www.urbanbirthplus.com/about

Water safety is a big focus across the world and of course more so in countries where there are many back yard pools like in the States. When Nicole Fairfield, a swimming teacher from the US approached Aqua Sensory with their intentions to create a 'sea change' to create a parent education water safety program that offered a parent choice to the popular roll and float lessons. We were honoured and ready for the challenge. In this episode, Jo talks with Nicole about the main drivers and goals of creating a new water safety program together. It was a pleasure to connect and hear all about Nicole’s passions, experiences and favourite practices in teaching aquatics at her swim school Georgia Swim. Nicole was clear on her objectives for her new program. We were together going to create not only a swim program with clear outcomes, but also a parent education program too. "I want to nature, allow enrichment and proper development as these little ones navigate the water’s environment and gain a love and respect for the water." Nicole   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Follow & Connect with Nicole: https://www.gaswimschool.com https://www.navigatingneva.com

In this episode, Jo pulls on research and neuroscience to explain how important water is hold emotions, imprints and messages. Jo also shares with you how to reflect when in water and play in water. Let’s respect water, rather than treating it like a commodity. You can connect with Jo your water wonders and thoughts below.   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory

In this episode, Emie Kitson and Jo reminisce over twenty years of baby swimming. Aqualight baby swim school and Emie made such a big impact to my swim journey professionally and personally. In this episode, Jo talks with Emie (International Baby Swim Teacher & Founder of Aqualight) about the changes in the baby swim industry, how practices have changed, particularly submersion practices. We honour our roots and our influences over the last 20 years. From a more structure approach, back to our respectful holistic roots. We talk about not “dunking babies,” but listening to our babies and our gut too. Emie offers her advice and expertise “if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it, trust your gut.” “The connection between a parent and their baby is the most amazing, magical thing there is in the world. My aim has always been to facilitate this connection and help it grow with less stress and less pressure just allowing and being with each other. The water is such a beautiful medium for this, it allows body contact, closeness and the feeling of being fully supported. The water hugs you both, surrounds you, puts its arms around you and says “I’m here" in just the same way we do for our little ones. We can help our babies to learn to swim but more than that they can have an affinity with water that will last a lifetime, our strapline used to be a lifetime of loving the water, it still stands now.” Emie You can connect with Emie, her wonderful training and swim school below. Thank you Emie, you are the reason I started baby swimming.    Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory   Follow and Connect with Emie: https://www.aqualight.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/aqualightuk

We are delighted to introduce Dr Greer Kishenbaum PhD, Neuroscientist, Doula, Infant and Family Sleep Specialist and Life Coach to talk about how nurture shapes our brains from early childhood. In this episode, Jo talks with Greer about how we can improve health by understanding the importance of how genetics and experiences shape the brain, nervous system and body to influence lifelong mental and physical health. Greer and Jo share their passions to empower parents with this knowledge, to bring parenting back to basics. Greer also shares with her early swim experiences. And her top parenting tips from her book “The Nurture Revolution.” Enjoy listening to Greer and Jo bust some of the common parenting myths together.   Let’s keep connected. @aquasensory   Find out more about my guest here: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com https://www.instagram.com/nurture_neuroscience_parenting

Christian and Jo, co-creators of Aqua Sensory reflect over the last ten years. In this episode, Christian and Jo talk together about the highlights of their light bulb moments. Our changing world, child-development, free movement, opportunities for sensory play are just a few topics of conversation. The pool has everything it needs for optimum child-development.  We talk about what we are observing in our changing world, bringing through sensory snippets and knowledge of developmental play in the pool.   Let’s keep connected: @aquasensory @christianwilsonauthor https://instagram.com/christianwilsonauthor?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg== https://aquasensory.com

Welcome to the Aqua Sensory podcast! We are on a mission to spread our passion and expertise for sensory developmental play in water to nurture the next generation from womb to world, with water as a driver to support a child’s development. Because it is during the early years that is the most critical window, impacting babies and young children’s social-emotional, physical and cognitive development. Water can be both our playground and aquatic classroom. We are here to raise awareness and to create connections within our aquatic community. We are here to bring about change and our interconnectedness with water and ourselves. When we love water, and we are connected in sensory harmony from the inside out - learning will flow naturally. These episodes have been created by Jo Wilson @ Aqua Sensory along with experts in their fields.