Welcome to another insightful episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Bianca Mastromano, a clinical perinatal psychologist, joining us to talk all things parenting and emotional development. Dr. Bianca, also a mother of two, brings a unique perspective shaped by her extensive experience in clinical and forensic psychology. She shares her journey from studying forensic psychology to her current passion: supporting parents through the early stages of parenthood and helping them nurture their children’s emotional wellbeing.

What Bianca is sharing today is intended to be educational in nature and not to replace individualised assessment or treatment of mental health concerns. Bianca encourages anyone needing individualised support to speak with their GP so that they can access whatever support they may need.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Importance of Emotional Development
• Dr. Bianca explains how children, from babyhood to toddlerhood, undergo key emotional development stages. She highlights the importance of recognising nonverbal cues, like mirroring our child’s emotions, to foster connection and resilience.
• Balancing Boundaries and Emotions
• We dive into the delicate balance of setting boundaries while supporting our child’s emotional expression. Dr. Bianca assures us that children need safe spaces for big feelings and provides insights on holding boundaries without suppressing emotions.
• Managing Societal Pressures
• From societal expectations to social media standards, today’s parents are often bombarded with the notion of raising the “perfect” child. Dr. Bianca shares practical tips on tuning out external pressures and nurturing our parenting intuition.
• Emotion Coaching Explained
• Learn about the concept of emotion coaching—identifying, validating, and connecting with your child’s emotions. Dr. Bianca emphasises that it’s not about getting it perfect every time but about showing up with empathy and understanding.
• Rupture and Repair
• Dr. Bianca reassures us that it’s okay if we don’t always get it right. The idea of “rupture and repair” is key: even if we lose our cool, it’s possible to reconnect and strengthen our relationship with our child through repair.
• Embracing Our Own Parenting Journeys
• Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of self-compassion in parenting. Dr. Bianca encourages parents to reflect on their own childhood experiences and let go of unhelpful patterns, helping us create a nurturing environment for ourselves and our children.

You can find Dr. Bianca Mastromano on Instagram @drbiancamastromano or on her website at drbiancamastromano.com.au, where she shares valuable resources and insights for parents.

Tune in for this heartfelt episode that encourages us to embrace the beauty of imperfect parenting!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 36 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at

Welcome back to Thriving Parenting! In this episode, I dive into a topic close to every parent’s heart – the power of connection. Through a personal journey, I share how embracing small moments of connection shifted my parenting approach and made a tangible difference in my relationship with my children.

1. The Weight of the Invisible Load: Parenting comes with an immense invisible load that can feel overwhelming. As parents, we juggle endless responsibilities, from providing nutritious meals to ensuring developmental milestones are met. I unpack how this invisible “backpack” often distracts us from meaningful connection with our kids.
2. Mini Moments of Connection: Connection doesn’t have to mean hours of focused time. Small pockets of connection – even just 10 minutes – can fill our children’s need for attention and nurture a happier relationship. I discuss how these brief, intentional moments create a sense of security for both parent and child, making day-to-day parenting smoother and less reactive.
3. Fulfilling Our Own Needs: Parenthood isn’t just about being there for our children; it’s about ensuring we, as parents, have our needs met too. I share personal insights on the importance of self-care, whether it’s through movement, a brief moment alone, or setting boundaries that allow us to recharge and show up better for our children.
4. Connection as a Parenting Strategy: So often, we focus on strategies to manage behaviour without addressing the foundational need for connection. In this episode, I explain how building a “connection loop” enables us to hold boundaries with ease and navigate parenting challenges with more empathy and resilience.
5. Bringing Self-Compassion into Parenting: Parenting is tough, especially in today’s world where “the village” is often absent. I encourage listeners to offer themselves the same compassion they show to their children. You are doing a fantastic job, and your child is lucky to have you.

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 35 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Welcome to another episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, we’re diving into something profound yet often overlooked: the will for change. Change is hard, especially in parenting, where our instinct to protect and sacrifice can sometimes overshadow our own needs.

In this episode, I explore why finding the will to change is essential, especially when it comes to sleep and overall well-being. As parents, we’d do anything for our children, even depriving ourselves of sleep and comfort to keep them secure. But that intense protective instinct can sometimes hinder logical thinking, especially in those challenging sleep-deprived moments.

We look at how to manage our protective instincts so that they benefit both us and our kids. By understanding the “will” behind why we need to change, like needing more rest or wanting more energy to enjoy life beyond just parenting, we unlock healthier habits that support our children’s growth—and our own peace of mind.

Throughout this episode, I share personal insights, client stories, and practical motivations for change. We talk about how something as simple as wanting to reconnect with your partner or having energy to pursue personal goals can be a powerful motivator. Change isn’t easy, but finding your will can make it possible.

• Parenting Instinct vs. Logical Thinking: Understanding when instinct can take over and how to bring balance for the well-being of both parent and child.
• Benefits of Change in Sleep Routines: How addressing sleep habits can lead to more personal freedom, connection with partners, and overall family happiness.
• Motivators for Parents: From reclaiming personal time to feeling energized enough to exercise or socialise, discover what might motivate you to embrace change.
• Coping with Sleep Deprivation Positively: Avoiding the trap of letting exhaustion become an identity and finding healthy ways to manage challenges.
• Empowering Yourself for Better Parenting: Realising your own worth, your needs, and how small changes can bring significant rewards for the whole family.

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 34 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Welcome back to Thriving Parenting! I’m thrilled about today’s episode because we’re diving into such an important topic for all you parents out there—baby reflux. And I have a special guest joining me, the wonderful Brenda Munns! Brenda is the founder of The Gentle Village, where she and her team provide incredible pregnancy and postpartum care, helping moms with everything from breastfeeding support to transitioning babies to solids.

In this episode, Brenda and I explore the topic of baby reflux, a subject that can be both confusing and stressful for parents. We break down what reflux really is (hint: it's a symptom, not a diagnosis), the difference between reflux and silent reflux, and why getting to the root cause of reflux is so essential for your baby’s health and comfort. Brenda also shares her insights on the connection between feeding, sleep, and reflux, and what signs to look for if you think your baby might be experiencing reflux.

We also talk about tongue ties—one of the common causes of feeding difficulties linked to reflux—and how something as simple as an improper latch or feeding technique can lead to a baby swallowing too much air, causing discomfort. Brenda gives practical advice on managing reflux and how to support your baby through it. Whether you’ve got a newborn struggling with reflux or know a mom who’s going through it, this episode is packed with valuable information and tips!

In This Episode, We Cover:

• What reflux really is and why it’s a symptom, not a diagnosis.
• The difference between reflux and silent reflux in babies.
• How improper swallowing and tongue ties contribute to reflux.
• Reflux Medication
• Why feeding and sleep are so closely connected with reflux symptoms.
• Practical tips on how to support your baby and ease their discomfort.
• The importance of understanding your baby’s individual needs and finding the root cause of their reflux.

If you or someone you know has a baby experiencing reflux, this episode is a must-listen! You can also find Brenda and her team at The Gentle Village for personalised support.

Connect with Brenda Munns:

• Website: thegentlevillage.com.au
• Instagram: @thegentlevillageperth

Has the impact of reflux on your baby or toddler left you with tricky sleep? If so you are not alone in this and that’s where I can help! Reach out for a free sleep clarity session and let’s decide together what level of support will positively influence your situation today!

https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/contact

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 33 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

In this episode of Thriving Parenting podcast, I’m diving into part two of a conversation I started last week—three things I’m really glad I knew as a first-time mom that helped me navigate the early days of motherhood with a bit more ease.

In this episode, I share personal insights from my journey, reflecting on how these realizations shaped me as a mom and helped me grow through the ups and downs of parenting. From learning to trust my child’s development to finding joy through play, these are the things that gave me confidence and peace, even in the uncertainty.

Here's a quick rundown of what you’ll hear in this episode:

• We’re Meant to Evolve: Both you and your child are constantly growing. It’s about embracing the changes and trusting the process. I’ll share how understanding developmental milestones helped me relax and enjoy motherhood more.
• Your Child is an Individual: Realizing early on that my child is their own person—not just a reflection of me—made all the difference. I talk about how this perspective took the pressure off and allowed me to get to know and respond to my child in a way that worked best for them.
• Connect with Your Inner Child: Play is powerful. I share why being playful and tapping into your own inner child can make parenting more fun and help you build strong connections with your kids.

Sleep Godmother Program

21 days of 1:1 mentoring, mindset and healthy sleep changes!

In 21 days or less, we will optimise your baby’s sleeping and yours! My mission is to support you both to thrive together in sleep and beyond!

Sleep Guidance Program

90 minutes empowering sleep coaching over two individual calls! Complimented with tailored notes sent straight to your inbox!

https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/sleep-guidance-program

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 32 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

In this episode of Thriving Parenting, we delve into the emotional journey of becoming a parent for the first time. I shared three important lessons I wished I had known when I first became a mum, having now accumulated 12 years of parenting experience and reflection.

The episode explores managing anxiety as a new parent, emphasizing the necessity of trusting oneself and the parenting process. It highlights how mistakes are not just inevitable but beneficial for growth, as they foster resilience in both the parent and the child.

The episode also discusses the misconception that a baby's mood is directly linked to a mother's capabilities, encouraging parents to accept all emotions as part of their child's development. By sharing personal anecdotes and the support she received from family, the host provides insights into coping with societal pressures and self-judgment. This episode is intended to offer reassurance and perspective to first-time parents, reminding them that it's okay to let go of perfection and embrace the unpredictable nature of parenting.

Sleep Godmother Program

21 days of 1:1 mentoring, mindset and healthy sleep changes!

In 21 days or less, we will optimise your baby’s sleeping and yours! My mission is to support you both to thrive together in sleep and beyond!

Sleep Guidance Program

90 minutes empowering sleep coaching over two individual calls! Complimented with tailored notes sent straight to your inbox!

https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/sleep-guidance-program

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 31 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

In this episode of Thriving Parenting, I address the fears that often drive parenting actions, particularly in the realm of baby sleep. I explain how such fear-based decisions can result in feelings of being trapped, stressed, and overwhelmed.

Highlighting the differences between fear-driven and choice-driven parenting, the episode encourages parents to become more attuned to their motivations and to make decisions that truly align with their instincts and beliefs. Real-life examples from clients, including a mother who learned to trust her instincts and successfully transitioned her baby to cot sleeping, underscore the benefits of moving beyond fear.

This episode also discusses societal pressures and the misconceptions they create, urging parents to embrace a variety of parenting approaches based on what feels right for them. Practical tips on recognizing and managing fear responses help parents foster a calm, supportive environment where both they and their children can flourish. Ultimately, the episode empowers parents to trust themselves, embrace change, and create a joyful and fulfilling parenting journey.

Sleep Godmother Program

21 days of 1:1 mentoring, mindset and healthy sleep changes!

In 21 days or less, we will optimise your baby’s sleeping and yours! My mission is to support you both to thrive together in sleep and beyond!

Sleep Guidance Program

90 minutes empowering sleep coaching over two individual calls! Complimented with tailored notes sent straight to your inbox!

https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/sleep-guidance-program

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 30 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

In this episode of the Thriving Parenting Podcast, I engage in a detailed conversation with Gen, a Social Worker, parent educator, founder of Connected Parenting, Author of the new parenting bible Little People Big Feelings, Co-host of Beyond the Chaos Podcast, and Mum to four boys.

Gen shares her personal experiences of raising four boys, highlighting that the transition from one to two children is often the most challenging for parents. She explains the reasons behind this difficulty, such as the need to manage the demands of two children at different developmental stages and the potential struggles of the older child in sharing attention and resources with a newborn.

Gen also offers practical advice for parents to navigate this transition, including strategies for building connections with older children, setting and enforcing loving boundaries, and understanding the emotions behind difficult behaviors. She emphasises the importance of preparing oneself as a parent rather than focusing solely on preparing the child.

The discussion also covers how small acts of connection and empathy can significantly impact a child's adjustment to a new sibling. Gen's insights aim to reassure parents that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and stressed during this period and that through patience, empathy, and consistent connection, families can find their rhythm and thrive.

Get a copy of Little People, Big Feelings - https://www.amazon.com.au/Little-People-Big-Feelings-Muir/dp/1761266594/ref=asc_df_1761266594/

Connect with Gen Muir:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectedparentingau/

Website: https://www.connectedparenting.com.au/

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 29 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.