THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

Raising children is not something families should have to do alone. It takes a village: parents, grandparents, educators, health professionals, community workers, neighbours and friends who can offer practical help, calm advice and a reminder that no one needs to have all the answers.In Episode #5 of Big Feelings Growing Brains, we explore the everyday moments that can feel big for families: supporting children in building early reading skills, navigating toileting, asking for help, and finding the community support that makes life more manageable.This episode is about practical ideas, not perfection. It is about helping children feel capable, helping parents feel less alone, and recognising that small acts of support can make a real difference.To celebrate the ideas shared in this episode, we are creating simple resources for families, including:Building Reading BrainsEasy ways to grow language, connection and early reading skills through talking, singing, storytelling, looking at books together and making everyday moments a chance to learn.Toileting TipsGentle, practical support for families navigating toilet learning, accidents, routines, resistance and the big feelings that can come with this important stage of development.Community SupportIdeas for finding and accepting help through early learning services, playgroups, schools, health professionals, family support organisations and the people around you who care.A Small ReminderChildren grow through relationships. They learn through repetition, play, language, encouragement and the feeling that someone is beside them when things are hard.Families do not need to do everything on their own. Asking for help is a strength. Offering help matters too.It takes a village — and we want to help.With Thanks to Our ContributorsThis episode and its resources have been shaped by the knowledge, care and lived experience of the same community.Sue, Speech and Language PathologistJodie, Little ScholarsBec and Carmen, Bayview KindyLiz and Lisa, C&K Kindy at Deception Bay NorthAlana and Chloe, Gardenia Early LearningAlana and Nikki, Early LearningAshleigh Stephens,  Facilitator Early YearsRuth, Senior Project Officer First NationsParents and families who shared their experiences, questions and practical wisdomThank you for helping us build a stronger village around children and the people who love them.https://bigfeelingsgrowingbrains.com/Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Simple food and lunchbox ideas for big feelings, growing brainsFeeding children is rarely just about food. It can be about time, cost, tiredness, sensory needs, routine, allergies, lunchboxes that come home untouched, and the pressure families can feel to get every meal right.In Episode #4 of Big Feelings Growing Brains, we heard many thoughtful, practical ideas from educators, health professionals and families who understand these everyday challenges. Their conversations reminded us that food does not need to be perfect to be nourishing. Small, familiar meals, a safe food on the plate, ingredients served separately, and a little more connection can make a real difference.To celebrate the episode and make these ideas useful in everyday life, we created a collection of simple, low-cost recipes, food-on-the-run ideas and lunchbox suggestions for busy families. These resources are designed to support children who are learning to eat, families doing it tough, and anyone looking for realistic ways to make food feel easier.Explore the ideasFood for All Recipe BookSimple, affordable meals made with everyday ingredients, including Cloud Bowl, Toasty Dippers, Tree Twirls, Eggy Bites, Volcano Mash, Treasure Bowl and Smiley Carrot Crunch. Each recipe can be adapted to different dietary needs and served together, side by side, or separately.Food on the RunQuick ideas for busy mornings, after-kindy hunger, appointments, sport, work and tired afternoons. Think yoghurt and fruit bowls, toast with beans, egg bites, carrot sticks with dip, bananas, rice bowls and leftovers packed into small containers.Lunchbox IdeasRealistic lunchbox options that are affordable, easy to open and familiar for children. Start with a safe food, add small portions, and keep foods separate where that helps. Lunchboxes can include toast fingers, Eggy Bites, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, carrot sticks, rice, peas, corn and leftovers from dinner.You can find all the recipes and ideas here:https://bigfeelingsgrowingbrains.com/With thanks to the Episode #4 contributorsThis collection grew from the knowledge, care and lived experience shared by:Sue, Speech and Language Pathologist, Jodie, early educatorBec and Carmen, Bayview KindyLiz and Lisa, C&K Kindy at Deception Bay NorthAlana and Chloe, Gardenia Early LearningAlana and Nikki, Early educatorsAshleigh Stephens, Facilitator Early YearsRuth, Senior Project Officer First NationsParents and families who shared their experiences, questions and practical wisdomThank you for helping us create practical ideas grounded in care, connection and the everyday realities of family life.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

School avoidance is becoming an increasingly common challenge for families, schools, and communities.For some children, walking through the school gates can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, bullying, social pressures, learning difficulties, emotional distress, and feeling unsafe can all contribute to school refusal and disengagement.In Episode 3 of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, we explore what may sit beneath school avoidance and what families, educators, and communities can do to help children reconnect with learning.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why some children struggle to attend school• What fear and anxiety can look like in the classroom• The importance of emotional safety and belonging• How schools and families can work together• Practical strategies to support attendance and confidenceFeaturing educators, parents, wellbeing leaders, and community voices, this conversation focuses on understanding rather than judgment and support rather than blame.Because children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and seen.Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds podcast series helping parents, educators, and communities navigate the challenges of modern childhood together.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Why do some children seem calm one moment and completely overwhelmed the next when it is time to switch off a screen?In Episode 2 of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, we explore what is really happening in the developing brain when children move from highly stimulating digital environments back into everyday life.Together, parents, educators, and wellbeing leaders discuss why screen transitions can trigger big emotions, what children are trying to communicate through their behaviour, and practical strategies that can help reduce conflict at home and school.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why screens can be so difficult to switch off• What is happening in the brain during a meltdown• Why connection before correction works• Simple ways to support smoother transitions• Practical ideas from people who have been thereThis is not about blame, shame, or perfect parenting. It is about helping adults better understand growing brains and respond with confidence, compassion, and connection.Behind many screen meltdowns are often big feelings, and children who need support learning how to regulate them.Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds podcast series created by the community, for the community.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Why Children Melt Down When Screens EndWhy do simple moments like “time to turn it off” so often end in tears, anger, shutdowns, or emotional explosions?In the first episode of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett brings together educators, parents, and wellbeing voices to explore what is really happening in the developing brain during screen-time transitions.Featuring:Professor Selena BartlettDr Mark Williams, cognitive neuroscientist, Author, ScreenSmart ChildrenJennie Dreever from Younity Community ServicesKim, sharing a parent perspectiveHIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters)Together, they explore:why screens are so hard to switch offwhy transitions can trigger emotional escalationwhat parents and teachers are seeing in real lifehow connection helps regulate overwhelmed brainspractical ways to reduce stress and conflict at home and schoolThis episode is not about blame or shame. It is about helping adults better understand growing brains in a rapidly changing digital world.Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds mini-series bringing together neuroscience, lived experience, education, and community wisdom to support children, families, and educators.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Anxiety in children and teenagers is rising, but are we always helping in the right way?In this powerful conversation, with clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein to explore what anxiety really is, how modern parenting, social media and screens may unintentionally reinforce it, and why avoidance can quietly strengthen fear over time.Drawing on neuroscience, clinical psychology, and real-world family experiences, this episode explores: Why the brain learns through experience How screens, uncertainty, and constant comfort-seeking can fuel anxiety  The difference between supporting a child and rescuing them from discomfort  Why confidence grows through small acts of courage  Practical ways parents, teachers, and clinicians can help children face fears safely and gradually Dr Einstein also discusses her research on uncertainty and anxiety, and shares insights from her work helping families navigate school stress, social anxiety, gaming, emotional overwhelm, and everyday avoidance patterns.This is not a conversation about blame or “perfect parenting.” It is a conversation about understanding the brain, rebuilding resilience, and helping young people learn they can do hard things.A practical and compassionate episode for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone supporting growing brains in an increasingly uncertain world.You can learn more about Dr Danielle Einstein and her work here:https://www.danielleeinstein.com/Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

What does it really mean to raise a screen-smart child in a world that is designed to capture their attention?In this important and timely conversation, I sit down with Dr Mark Williams to discuss his new book with Gavin McCormack, exploring the science, the reality, and the responsibility we all share when it comes to children and screens.Drawing from their new book Screen Smart Children, we go beyond fear and blame to unpack what is actually happening in the developing brain. We talk about attention, emotional regulation, sleep, learning, and how constant digital stimulation is shaping the way children think, feel, and connect.This is not about removing technology. It is about understanding it.Together, we explore: What screens are doing to the brain during critical periods of development  Why children struggle to switch off and what that means for behaviour  The link between screen use, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation  How schools and families can respond in a practical, balanced way  What “screen smart” actually looks like in real life Dr Mark Williams brings deep expertise in cognitive neuroscience, helping us understand attention and memory in a distracted world. He collaborated with Gavin McCormack, bringing decades of experience in education, working directly with children, teachers, and families across the globe.What emerges is a clear and hopeful message: we are not powerless. With the right knowledge and small, consistent changes, we can reshape children’s environments and support healthier brain development.This episode is for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation.Because this is not just about screens. It is about the kind of minds we are shaping for the future.📘 Resources & LinksThriving Minds Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7457652593234919424/Thriving Minds in the Age of AIhttps://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0999099779?ref=yb_qv_ov_prnt_dp_rwBook: Screen Smart Childrenhttps://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Screen-Smart-Children/Mark-A-Williams/9781761639715https://www.amazon.com.au/Screen-Smart-Children-helping-switches/dp/1761639714Dr Mark Williamshttps://www.drmarkwilliams.com/Gavin McCormackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinmccormack/#ScreenSmartChildren #ThrivingMinds #Neuroscience #DigitalWellbeing #ChildDevelopmentSupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com