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In this powerful return to Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with parenting author and speaker Michelle Mitchell to explore one of the most important parts of growing up: friendship. Together, Kristi and Michelle unpack the questions parents often find themselves asking when their children begin navigating sleepovers, friendships, different family rules, technology, boundaries and social situations without them. Rather than approaching these experiences from a place of fear, Michelle encourages parents to think about how they can scaffold safety while still protecting the fun, connection and memories that make childhood meaningful. This conversation goes beyond simply asking whether something is "safe". Kristi and Michelle explore how parents can ask better questions, recognise when a response gives them useful information, help children develop self-advocacy skills, and gradually prepare them to navigate relationships independently. Michelle also introduces the framework at the heart of her new book, Friendship Smart: safety, chemistry and effort. Together, they look at friendship as a set of skills children can learn and practise - skills that will support them not just through primary school and the tween years, but throughout their lives. Content Covered in This Episode Scaffolding Safety Around Sleepovers: Moving beyond simply deciding whether sleepovers are "safe" and instead thinking about the practical questions parents can ask before their child attends one. Asking the Right Questions: Understanding why parents should feel comfortable asking who will be supervising, who else will be in the house, how technology will be managed and where children will be sleeping. When Parents Get a Defensive Response: Exploring why a safe parent should be able to understand reasonable questions about their child's safety - and why defensiveness can provide useful information to parents. Protecting Friendship Experiences: Recognising that safety and fun are not opposites. The goal is not to remove children from experiences, but to create the conditions where they can enjoy friendship safely. Different Families, Different Rules: Navigating situations where children encounter family environments with different expectations, boundaries and approaches to technology, supervision and independence. Teaching Children to Speak Up: Helping children develop the confidence to communicate when something doesn't feel right and understand that their voice matters. Self-Advocacy as a Life Skill: Looking beyond individual childhood situations and helping children develop the skills they will need to advocate for themselves as they grow. Making Sleepovers Safe AND Fun: Why safety planning doesn't have to make an experience rigid or uncomfortable, and how simple preparation can help children have positive experiences with friends. Creating Connection and Memories: Exploring the importance of shared activities, food, games, movies and simple moments that give children meaningful friendship experiences. Knowing When to Step Back: Understanding that parents don't need to solve every friendship problem. Instead, they can create opportunities for children to practise navigating relationships themselves. Looking at the Bigger Picture: Michelle encourages parents to zoom out from today's friendship drama and ask whether a particular pattern will serve their child in ten years' time. Safety, Chemistry and Effort: Michelle's framework for understanding healthy friendships and relationships through three key elements: safety, chemistry and effort. Learning What a Relationship Feels Like: Helping children notice how they feel after spending time with someone and use that feeling as information about the quality of a relationship. Friendships as Practice for Future Relationships: Recognising that children's friendships provide an opportunity to develop relationship skills that will continue into adolescence and adulthood. Moving Beyond the "Hard No": Teaching children that saying no does not always have to be all-or-nothing. Michelle explores the importance of helping children communicate boundaries while understanding that relationships have edges and limits. Children Don't Exist to Please Us: A powerful reminder for parents that children were not born to agree with us, please us or do everything we want them to do - their existence alone is enough for us to love them. Why This Conversation Matters For many parents, the question of whether to let their child attend a sleepover can bring up a huge amount of uncertainty. We want our children to experience friendship, independence, fun and belonging, while also making sure we have done everything we reasonably can to keep them safe. Michelle offers a different way to think about that balance. Rather than allowing fear to take over or avoiding these experiences altogether, parents can learn to scaffold safety. Asking straightforward questions, understanding the environment, setting appropriate boundaries and watching how children respond to their experiences can all become part of building their child's independence. The same principle applies to friendship more broadly. Instead of trying to fix every friendship drama, parents can zoom out and ask: If this pattern continued, would it serve my child in ten years' time? Because the goal isn't simply to help children survive the next friendship problem. It's to give them the relationship skills they need for life. About Michelle Mitchell Michelle Mitchell is an Australian parenting author and speaker known for her compassionate and grounded advice for parents of tweens and teens. She has worked closely with families for three decades, including through a charity that delivered life-skills programs and psychological services to thousands of young people each year. Michelle is the author of 10 books for parents and tweens, with more than 200,000 books sold worldwide. Her latest book, Friendship Smart, provides parents and young people with practical tools for understanding friendship, boundaries, trust, belonging and healthy relationships. Learn More About Michelle Mitchell 📖 Book: Friendship Smart: A Parent's Guide 🎁 Friendship Smart Resources: Michelle's website includes additional resources, blogs, webinars and practical tools to support parents and young people with friendship and relationship skills. 📚 Parenting Resources: Michelle provides practical information for parents on friendships, communication, social media, resilience, anxiety and supporting tweens and teens. Kristi’s Resources for Parents & Carers Kristi provides practical, trauma-informed education to help parents and carers build safer environments and have confident conversations with their children. For parents preparing for sleepovers, Kristi recommends starting with the practical questions discussed in this episode and using her Sleepover Safety Checklist as a guide. 🔗 Explore Kristi’s resources: www.kristimcvee.com  Kristi's blog: www.kristimcvee.com/blog/parenting-from-confidence-not-fear-a-risk-assessment-guide-for-playdates-sleepovers-and-daycare Tool Highlight: Kristi’s Body Safety Card Deck provides an easy way to create regular, age-appropriate conversations with children about body safety, boundaries and speaking up. Support Services (Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services on 000.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with psychotherapist and family constellations facilitator Melanie Enders to tackle one of the most common yet undersupported family structures: the blended family. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her own lived experience navigating a large, complex blended system, Mel sheds light on the emotional weight children carry when their "family frame" changes. Together, they dive into why parents in survival mode often struggle to see what their kids truly need and the long-term internal damage caused by bad-mouthing a co-parent. Mel shares beautifully simple, three-dimensional tools to help children visualize their sense of belonging and provides a roadmap for parents to move from reactive survival into a grounded, aligned way of parenting. Content Covered in This Episode The Lived Experience Advantage: Why Mel became a therapist specifically for blended families after finding a lack of resources for her own. Behavior as Language: A deep dive into how children use behavior-sometimes erratic or erratic-to communicate when they don’t feel safe or heard. The Survival Mode Trap: How the existential stress of separation contracts a parent's nervous system, leaving little room for emotional nurturing. The "Wait for the Fall" Phase: Why children often seem "fine" initially, only to fall apart 12 months later once they sense their parents are finally out of crisis. The Dangers of Bad-Mouthing: Understanding that a child is 50% each parent; criticizing an ex-partner is effectively criticizing 50% of the child’s identity. Healing Language Architecture: How to shift from "verbally vomiting" adult problems to using language that strengthens a child’s soul.  The Belonging Reorder: How family trees and "Spiral Charts" help children orient themselves when new partners and step-siblings enter their world. Aligning with Self: The importance of parents finding their own internal alignment to avoid making fear-based decisions for the family. Why This Conversation Matters  Blended families are now the norm, yet many parents still feel like they are failing because there is no universal blueprint. When families separate, the focus often stays on the logistics of survival, while the emotional experience of the child gets lost in the shuffle. This episode challenges parents to separate "couple business" from "parenting business". It encourages a shift from judgment to awareness, reminding us that while we cannot control every change in our family structure, we have full control over the frame of safety and belonging we create for our children. About Melanie Enders  Melanie Enders is a psychotherapist, family constellation facilitator, and trainer who runs a school for therapists specializing in family systems. With deep roots in trauma therapy and a personal background in navigating her own blended family, Mel provides a unique bridge between textbook data and the messy reality of modern parenting. She is the creator of the Blended Family Summit and an advocate for non-punitive, connection-based parenting. Learn More About Melanie Enders 🌐 Website: melanieenders.com    🎙️ Resource: The Blended Family Summit - A collection of expert insights on grief, the nervous system, and family dynamics. Kristi’s Resources for Parents & Carers If you are navigating a family transition, Kristi offers trauma-informed tools to keep your children safe and empowered. 🔗 Explore resources: www.kristimcvee.com 💡 Tool Highlight: Kristi’s Body Safety Card Deck is a perfect way to maintain open communication during times of change. Support Services (Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with Deb McPhedran, a mother, grandmother, and survivor turned advocate. Deb shares the deeply personal and moving story of how her family’s life was upended five years ago when her adult children disclosed that they had been sexually abused throughout their childhoods. Deb also reveals her own realization that she was groomed and abused by a high school teacher starting at age 15-a reality she didn't fully grasp until her own daughter reached that same age. Instead of remaining silent, Deb and her family turned their devastation into action, co-authoring the stunning Australian children’s book Secret or Surprise to give other families the language and tools to protect their children. This conversation is a powerful exploration of how perpetrators operate within families and relationships, the nuances of coercive control, and why it is vital to empower children with body safety knowledge from an early age.  Content Covered in This Episode The Power of Disclosure: Deb recounts the moment her daughter and son disclosed their childhood abuse and how the family has navigated the years since. The Predator’s Playbook: Identifying the warning signs Deb missed at the time, including pornography addiction and gaslighting within her own relationship. A Survivor’s Realization: Deb shares her own experience of being groomed by a teacher at 15 and why it took decades to recognize it as abuse. Why Kids Don’t Tell: The role of fear, severe threats, and the confusion of "fun times" mixed with abuse that keeps children silent. "Secret or Surprise": How the family co-authored a book using Australian animals to teach children about safe touching, safe people, and the difference between good and bad secrets. Navigating Parent Guilt: A raw look at the guilt parents feel when they discover abuse has happened under their roof and how to move toward healing. The "Mama Bear" Mission: Deb’s work in providing empathy and support to other mothers who find themselves in this devastating position. Empowering the Next Generation: Why ramping up body safety education is the most effective tool we have for prevention. Why This Conversation Matters  For many parents, the idea of child sexual abuse happening within their own home is unimaginable.  Deb’s story highlights that perpetrators are often the "good guys" who have groomed everyone around them, not just the children. This episode serves as an urgent reminder that we must move past the myth of "stranger danger" and start having real, honest conversations with our kids about body autonomy and safe people. As Deb notes, teaching a child that they have a voice isn't about giving them an adult responsibility; it's about giving them the power to speak up when something doesn't feel right. About Deb McPhedran  Deb McPhedran is a parent, grandmother, and dedicated advocate for child safety. After her family's personal experience with abuse, she co-authored Secret or Surprise, a resource designed to help Australian families navigate body safety conversations with ease and sensitivity. Through her advocacy, she provides a voice for survivors and support for parents navigating the aftermath of disclosure. Learn More About Secret or Surprise  🌐 Website: secretorsurprise.com.au 📱 Social Media: Facebook and Instagram: @secretorsurprise 📖 The Book: Secret or Surprise is designed for children aged 4 to 10 to help recognize unsafe behaviors and identify safe adults. Kristi’s Resources for Parents & Carers If this episode resonated with you, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools to support your family's safety journey. 🔗 Explore resources: www.kristimcvee.com Tool Highlight: Kristi’s Body Safety Card Deck is a perfect companion to Deb’s book for starting these chats at home. Support Services (Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with Andrew Carpenter, a South Australian solicitor who has spent over a decade fighting for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse. Andrew didn’t enter this field through personal experience, but rather by picking up the files at his law firm that no one else wanted to touch.Together, they explore the staggering legal loopholes that allow offenders to hide assets in superannuation and avoid true accountability.  Andrew shares the frustrating reality of a six-year campaign for legislative reform and discusses why the civil justice system is often the only form of deterrent left when criminal conviction rates remain so low. This is a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, conversation about the urgent need for persistent public pressure to force governments to prioritize child safety over institutional reputation. Content Covered in This Episode  The Files No One Wanted: How Andrew’s journey began with the cases other lawyers were too uncomfortable to handle.   The Superannuation Loophole: Why offenders were able to dump millions into super to avoid paying settlements to survivors-and the 6-year battle to change it.   A "Moral Fault" vs. a Crime: The shocking 2014 revelation from a church official that child abuse was once viewed as a moral failing rather than illegal conduct.   The Volunteer Loophole: How a 2024 High Court decision currently protects institutions from liability for the acts of volunteers unless states change their laws.   Deterrence Through the Pocketbook: Why financial penalties and the loss of assets may be a more effective deterrent than the current criminal justice system.   Online Exploitation & AI: Australia’s rise as the second-largest consumer of live-streamed abuse material and the growing threat of AI-generated content.   The Myth of "Stranger Danger": Confronting the reality that the family home, not a dark alleyway, remains the most dangerous place for a child.   Signs to Watch For: Identifying secretive device behavior and how to listen when a child suddenly refuses to visit a "favorite" adult. Why This Conversation Matters  Most Australians believe our laws are "tough enough," but as Andrew highlights, many significant legislative protections have only been enacted in the last few years-or haven't been enacted at all. We are failing as a country if our most vulnerable citizens are not protected by the very systems meant to serve them. This episode is a call to action to move past the "it’s not my family" mindset. Statistically, in a classroom of 30 children, eight will be affected by sexual abuse by their 18th birthday. Andrew reminds us that uncomfortable conversations are the only way to break the stigma and drive the public pressure needed for legislative change. About Andrew Carpenter  Andrew Carpenter is a dedicated solicitor based in South Australia, specializing in civil litigation for survivors of institutional and personal child sexual abuse. He is a relentless advocate for legal reform, most notably leading the campaign to open superannuation funds to satisfy civil judgments against offenders. Andrew uses his platform to highlight legislative gaps and empower the public to hold their representatives accountable for child safety. Learn More About Andrew Carpenter 📱 Instagram: @andrewcarpentersolicitor 📱 Facebook: Andrew Carpenter Solicitor  Practical Support & Resources If this episode resonated with you, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools to help you navigate these difficult conversations with your children. 🔗 Explore resources: www.kristimcvee.com  Support Services (Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with author, educator, and speaker Lael Stone to explore a powerful and often overlooked truth: the way we parent our children has everything to do with how we were parented ourselves.  Lael shares her incredible journey-from starting a children’s entertainment company at age 20 to becoming a doula, a sex educator, and eventually co-founding the Woodline School. Together, Kristi and Lael unpack why parenting in the age of social media takes so much courage and how our own unresolved childhood "stuff" often bubbles to the surface the moment our kids hit certain milestones .  This conversation is warm, honest, and deeply practical. It challenges the traditional "compliant child" paradigm and offers a new way of thinking about connection, emotional intelligence, and the healing power of repair-reminding every parent that it is genuinely never too late to start over.  Content Covered in This Episode The Evolution of Connection: Why Lael’s career shifted from entertainment to birth trauma, sex education, and founding a school. The Courage to Parent: Navigating the "battlefield" of modern opinions and coming back to your own inner intuition. Unresolved Childhood Imprints: How our own history determines which of our children's "big feelings" we can actually tolerate. The "Poo Head" Test: Understanding why we feel "activated" when children challenge us and how to respond with calm instead of power. Raising Humans, Not Robots: Why the goal of parenting is deep connection and self-accountability rather than just raising "good," compliant children. Non-Punitive Discipline: Inside the Woodline School philosophy of removing shame, punishments, and rewards from the learning environment. The Power of Repair: Why an apology to your child-even when they are 18-is the most profound way to stop a traumatic lineage.  Every Day is a New Day: Small, practical steps for reconnecting through play and listening without an agenda. Why This Conversation Matters  Many parents today feel the weight of "failing" or passing on their own traumas to the next generation .  But as Lael explains, our children are often our best teachers, pushing the exact buttons we need to look at so we can finally heal.When we have the bravery to acknowledge what we didn't get as children, we open a doorway to change the story for our own kids. This episode encourages parents to shift from:"How do I shut this behavior down?to:"What is my child's behavior telling me about their unmet needs?" Because when a child feels seen, heard, and allowed to express their full self, they don't just behave—they grow into resilient, empathetic adults. About Lael Stone  Lael Stone is an author, educator, and speaker whose work centers on connection and understanding the "why" behind human behavior. She is the co-founder of Woodline School, an innovative primary school that prioritizes emotional intelligence and non-punitive discipline.  Through her clinical work and workshops, Lael helps adults understand their own imprints so they can show up as the best versions of themselves for their families. She is the author of Own Your Story and the host of the Humans Being podcast. Learn More About Lael Stone🌐 Website: laelstone.com.au   📱 Social Media: Instagram: @laelstone   🎙️ Podcast: Humans Being 📖 Books: laelstone.com.au/books Kristi’s Resources for Parents & Carers If this episode resonated with you, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools to support children and families. 🔗 Explore resources: www.kristimcvee.com  Support Services (Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Louise Mansell to explore a powerful question: Why are we waiting so long to teach children how to understand and manage their emotions? Dr. Louise shares how her early experiences supporting her own mother through anxiety shaped her career, and how years of working with children-particularly those experiencing trauma-revealed a major gap in how we support emotional development. Rather than accepting that gap, she created a solution. Introducing Tedology - an innovative, therapeutic teddy bear designed to help children understand, regulate, and process their emotions in a safe and accessible way. Together, Kristi and Dr. Louise unpack why children aren’t meant to “get rid” of emotions like worry, how emotional suppression impacts long-term wellbeing, and why early emotional education has the potential to change entire generations. This conversation is warm, honest, and deeply practical. It challenges common parenting approaches and offers a new way of thinking about how children can be supported-long before issues become overwhelming. Content Covered in This Episode Why emotional education needs to start earlier The difference between regulating emotions vs. avoiding them Why children can’t (and shouldn’t) “get rid” of worry How unprocessed emotions impact mental and physical health The role of play in helping children understand feelings Why many children struggle to talk about their experiences The impact of trauma, silence, and emotional suppression How sensory tools support emotional regulation Why children need safe spaces before they can use their voice How Tedology supports children between therapy sessions Why This Conversation Matters Many children today are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation. But as Dr. Louise explains, the issue isn’t that children are “too sensitive” or “not coping”-it’s that they haven’t been given the tools to understand what they’re feeling or what to do with it. When emotions are ignored, dismissed, or misunderstood, they don’t disappear. They grow. This episode encourages parents and carers to shift from: “How do I stop this feeling?” to: “How can I help my child understand and work through this feeling?” Because when children learn how to process emotions early, they don’t just cope-they thrive. About Dr. Louise Mansell Dr. Louise Mansell is a clinical psychologist who trained and worked in the UK before moving to Australia. Her work has focused on childhood trauma, emotional development, and early intervention-particularly supporting children who struggle to express or process their experiences. Through her clinical work, Dr. Louise identified a major gap in accessible emotional support for children and created Tedology to bridge that gap. Tedology combines psychology, sensory regulation, and play-based learning to help children build emotional awareness and resilience from a young age. About Tedology Tedology is more than a teddy bear. It’s a therapeutic support tool designed to help children: Understand and name their emotions Regulate overwhelming feelings Practice expressing thoughts safely Build emotional confidence over time Each Ted includes: Guided emotional support features Sensory elements for calming and regulation Emotion cards and play-based learning tools A companion guide for parents and carers Tedology is not a replacement for therapy-but it can be a powerful bridge, helping children feel safe, supported, and understood in their everyday environment. Learn More About Tedology 🌐 Website https://tedology.com.au  📱 Social Media Instagram / Facebook: @tedology 💡 Access Support Tedology may be accessible through NDIS or available grants depending on eligibility. Practical Support & Resources If this episode resonated with you, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools to support children and families. 🔗 Explore resources: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Resources include: Conversation tools for parents and carers Guidance on emotional safety and regulation Support for children navigating anxiety and overwhelm Trauma-informed parenting strategies Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with child safety consultant, author, and educator Nicole Talarico to explore what it really takes to create cultures of safety for children - not just policies, but everyday practice, mindset, and leadership. Kristi and Nicole discuss why child safety cannot be treated as a compliance checklist, and instead must be embedded into culture, relationships, and daily decision-making across education and care settings. They unpack the uncomfortable truth that harm does not happen because people don’t care - but often because systems become complacent, reactive, or underprepared. Together, they explore how real safety comes from preparation, awareness, and a willingness to sit with discomfort before something goes wrong. Nicole shares her journey from early childhood educator to consultant, author of Asserting a Culture of Child Safety, and creator of practical safety systems designed to support services in real-world risk situations. Her work highlights the importance of embedding safeguarding into everyday routines, not as an add-on, but as a foundation of quality practice. The conversation also explores the tension between fear and empowerment - especially for educators and parents who worry that talking about risk might create fear in children. Instead, Kristi and Nicole emphasise that children are already exposed to information and experiences, and adults have a responsibility to guide those conversations safely and intentionally. A key theme throughout the episode is the role of communication - how children, teenagers, and families can build trust through ongoing dialogue rather than one-off “big talks.” They discuss practical strategies such as co-creating safety plans, using text-based communication with teens, and maintaining open, non-punitive relationships so children feel safe to seek help when needed. Kristi and Nicole also challenge common misconceptions around child safety in education settings, including the belief that risk only exists outside of services. They highlight that while the majority of harm does not occur in early childhood education settings, the responsibility to remain vigilant, trained, and prepared remains critical. This episode encourages educators, parents, and leaders to shift from avoidance to action - and from discomfort to capability. Because safety isn’t about eliminating risk entirely. It’s about being ready for it. Content Covered in This Episode Why child safety is about culture, not compliance The dangers of complacency in education and care settings How Nicole’s experience in early childhood shaped her safeguarding work Why risk awareness should be part of everyday practice The importance of embedding safety into curriculum and routines How to talk to children and teens about risk without fear-based messaging Co-creating safety plans with children and young people Supporting teens through open, ongoing communication Why children are more likely to be harmed outside of education settings The gap between educator responsibility and training in real-world disclosures Why uncomfortable conversations are necessary for protection Building confidence through preparation, not fear Understanding bias in adult decision-making and how it impacts children Consent, boundaries, and autonomy from early childhood Technology, online exposure, and safeguarding in digital spaces Creating safer environments through awareness and intentional action Why This Conversation Matters Child safety is often discussed in policy documents, audits, and compliance frameworks - but Nicole and Kristi remind us that real safety lives in everyday decisions. When adults are prepared, informed, and willing to engage in uncomfortable conversations, children are more likely to be protected, heard, and supported early. This episode is a call to move beyond reactive systems and toward proactive cultures of care. Because protecting children is not about fear. It’s about readiness, responsibility, and relationship. About Nicole Talarico Nicole Talarico is a child safety consultant, author of Asserting a Culture of Child Safety, and an experienced early childhood educator with decades of sector experience. She works with education and care services to embed safeguarding into everyday practice, with a focus on prevention, culture, and practical implementation. Nicole is also the creator of safety tools designed to support services in emergency preparedness and child protection awareness. Learn More About Nicole Talarico BookAsserting a Culture of Child Safety: Offering Children the Protection and Care That They Deserve 📱 Social Media@talaricoconsulting Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about protecting children, having safety conversations, or supporting a child, Kristi provides trauma-informed education and practical tools for parents and carers. 🔗 Explore education and resources:👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Resources include: Guidance on teaching children body safety and boundaries Tools for building open and safe communication Support for navigating difficult conversations Trauma-informed parenting strategies Resources & Support If this episode raises concerns or questions about child safety or wellbeing, support is available: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (5–25 years) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with Adam from the Family Advocacy and Child Abuse Alliance to explore one of the most difficult but important topics we face as a society - child abuse prevention, awareness, and advocacy. Kristi and Adam discuss the realities of child abuse, the warning signs that are often missed, and the critical role that education and awareness play in protecting children. This conversation sheds light on how abuse can occur in ways many people don’t expect, and why it’s essential for adults to feel confident recognising and responding to concerns. Together, they unpack the importance of empowering children with knowledge about their bodies, boundaries, and safety, while also addressing the discomfort many adults feel when having these conversations. This episode challenges the idea that child protection is someone else’s responsibility. Instead, it highlights how every adult - parent, educator, or community member - plays a role in creating safer environments for children. Kristi and Adam also explore how trauma impacts children, why some behaviours are often misunderstood, and how we can better support children who may be experiencing harm. This is not an easy conversation - but it is a necessary one. It’s about awareness, education, and taking meaningful steps toward protecting children. Content Covered in This Episode The realities of child abuse and why awareness matters Common signs and indicators that a child may be at risk Why many cases go unnoticed or unreported The importance of teaching children about body safety and boundaries How to have age-appropriate conversations with children about safety The role of parents, educators, and communities in prevention How trauma can impact behaviour and development Why children may not disclose abuse immediately How to respond when a child shares something concerning The importance of creating safe, trusted environments for children Why This Conversation Matters Child abuse is often misunderstood, and many people feel unsure about what to look for or how to respond. As Adam shares, education is one of the most powerful tools we have in preventing harm. When adults feel informed and confident, they are better equipped to recognise concerns early, respond appropriately, and support children in a way that prioritises safety and trust. This conversation encourages a shift from avoidance and discomfort to awareness and action. Because protecting children is not the responsibility of a few - it is the responsibility of all of us. About Adam & FACAA Adam is a representative of the Family Advocacy and Child Abuse Alliance, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for the prevention of child abuse. FACAA works to equip parents, educators, and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand, recognise, and respond to child abuse. Their work focuses on prevention through education, helping create safer environments for children through informed and empowered communities. Learn More About FACAA 🌐 Websitewww.facaaus.org 📱 Social Media@faca_aus Donate to FACAA atDonation FACAA Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about protecting children, having safety conversations, or supporting a child, Kristi provides trauma-informed education and practical tools for parents and carers. 🔗 Explore education and resources: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Resources include: Guidance on teaching children body safety and boundaries Tools for building open and safe communication Support for navigating difficult conversations Trauma-informed parenting strategies Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with neurodevelopment specialist and educator Dr. Christine Payard to explore something many parents and teachers have never been taught - how early physical development shapes the way children learn. Dr. Christine explains how the body and brain work together during the earliest years of life, and how movements such as rolling, crawling, balancing, and reflex responses play a foundational role in learning, attention, reading, and behaviour later on. Together, Kristi and Dr. Christine unpack the concept of primitive reflexes - automatic movement responses present from birth - and how these reflexes help build the neurological pathways that support learning. When these reflexes don’t fully mature, children may struggle with things like sitting still, focusing, reading, or coordinating their movements. This conversation challenges the idea that children who struggle in school simply “aren’t trying hard enough.” Instead, it encourages parents and educators to consider what a child’s body might be communicating about their learning needs. Kristi and Dr. Christine also discuss why many children are quickly labelled with behavioural or attention challenges, when in reality their nervous system may still be developing foundational skills that support learning. This episode is not about blame - for parents, teachers, or children. It’s about understanding development, recognising what children’s bodies are telling us, and supporting them to thrive. Content Covered in This Episode What primitive reflexes are and why they matter in early development How early movement patterns influence learning later in life Why some children physically struggle to sit still or concentrate The connection between balance, vision, and reading ability How retained reflexes can impact attention, behaviour, and coordination Why children often develop creative workarounds when learning is difficult The importance of crawling, movement, and sensory development How educators can better understand what behaviour may be communicating Why supporting the body-brain connection can improve learning outcomes Why This Conversation Matters Many children who struggle in classrooms are quickly labelled as disruptive, inattentive, or difficult. But as Dr. Christine explains, behaviour is often the body communicating something important. When children haven’t fully integrated early movement patterns or reflexes, their nervous systems may still be working hard just to regulate movement, balance, or focus. This means far less energy is available for academic learning. Understanding the body-brain connection can help educators and parents shift from asking: “What’s wrong with this child?” to asking: “What might this child’s body be telling us?” When we understand how development works, we can support children in ways that build confidence, resilience, and learning capacity. About Dr. Christine Payard Dr. Christine Payard is an educator, researcher, and neurodevelopment specialist who works with schools and educators to help them better understand how early development impacts learning. Her work focuses on the connection between movement, reflex development, sensory systems, and academic learning, helping teachers identify underlying developmental factors that may influence behaviour and learning in the classroom. Dr. Christine is the creator of the Body to Brain Learning at School program, which provides educators with practical tools and strategies to support children’s neurological readiness for learning. Learn More About Dr. Christine’s Work 🌐 Website https://bodytobrainlearning.com  📱 Social Media Instagram/Facebook: @bodytobrainlearning 💼 LinkedIn Dr. Christine Payard Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about parenting, boundaries, or guiding children through adolescence, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools for parents and carers. 🔗 Explore education and resources:👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Resources include: Guidance on connection-based parenting Tools for teaching children advocacy and self-expression Conversation guides for families Trauma-informed strategies for resilience and safety Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Damian Porter, also known as The How Not To Die Guy, for a powerful, practical conversation about situational awareness, self-protection, bravery, and what it really means to prepare for unsafe situations. With a background in the New Zealand Army, including Special Forces, policing in Western Australia, and over 15 years as a firefighter, Damian brings lived experience from high-risk environments - but what stands out most is his grounded, teachable approach to helping everyday people stay safer. This is not a fear-based conversation.It’s a preparation-based one. Kristi and Damian unpack why most people freeze in dangerous situations, how practice changes reaction time, and why “hypervigilance” isn’t the goal - awareness is. They explore how violence often arrives as a surprise, why ego can escalate risk, and how simple behavioural shifts - like using your voice, creating distance, or taking early action - can interrupt harm. The episode also bridges their shared work in child safety and prevention. They discuss: Teaching children to recognise unsafe behaviour Practicing “emergency no” and using your voice The power of situational awareness in everyday settings How offenders rely on silence, compliance, and disbelief Why most perpetrators avoid resistance and exposure How bravery is a choice - not a personality trait Damian shares practical frameworks for handling threats, from verbal deterrence to physical self-defence, while Kristi connects those principles to child protection, early warning signs, and empowering families. Together, they reinforce a simple truth: Preparation reduces panic.Practice reduces freezing.Bravery is chosen in seconds. This episode is about building files in your brain - so if something ever feels “off,” you already know your next step. Key Themes Covered Situational awareness without hypervigilance Why violence is often unexpected The biology of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn Practicing responses before you need them Using your voice as a deterrent Creating distance and changing positioning When force is legally justified - and when it isn’t Staying alive, staying out of jail, and managing aftermath Teaching children about safe and unsafe people Domestic violence safety planning Why ego escalates risk Choosing bravery in critical moments Why This Conversation Matters Many people walk through life believing, “It won’t happen to me.” But safety is not about paranoia - it’s about preparation. Children benefit when adults model awareness and confident boundary-setting. Families are safer when they’ve had conversations about what to do if something feels wrong. Adults are more capable when they’ve mentally rehearsed scenarios before they occur. This episode reminds us that: You don’t have to live in fear.But you do need a plan. And bravery isn’t about being fearless - it’s about choosing action when it counts. About Damian Porter – The How Not To Die Guy Damian Porter is a former New Zealand Special Forces soldier, police officer, firefighter, and long-time instructor in practical self-protection. Through his platform, How Not To Die Guy, Damian teaches everyday people - including women, elderly individuals, parents, and children - how to: Avoid dangerous situations Recognise early warning signs Use verbal deterrence effectively Protect themselves when necessary Understand legal considerations around force His mission is simple: teach good people how to handle bad situations. 🔗 Website:👉 https://www.hownottodieguy.com 📱 Instagram:👉 @hownottodieguy Damian responds personally to messages and inquiries. Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about child safety, boundary setting, prevention, or building safer family environments, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools for parents and carers. 🔗 Explore education and resources:👉 www.kristimcvee.com Resources include: Body safety education tools Conversation guides for families Support for teaching children to use their voice Trauma-informed strategies for prevention Guidance on safe and unsafe behaviours Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auMensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.auKids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Michelle Mitchell, parenting expert, author, and educator, for a practical, encouraging conversation about connection, boundaries, and raising resilient teenagers. With decades of experience equipping families to stay connected through the messy emotional years, Michelle brings grounded insights that help parents move beyond fear and frustration and into thoughtful, values-based parenting. This is not a perfection-based conversation. It’s a connection-based one. Kristi and Michelle explore why control isn’t the goal, why “parenting is just hard” is a myth, and how building trust with teenagers requires intentional, age-appropriate guidance. They discuss: Why connection matters more than control Teaching principles instead of just rules Using friendships as the practice ground for adult relationships How to stay consistent and present, even when your child pushes away Why saying “no” is sometimes the most loving thing you can do Navigating independence while maintaining safety The roundabout metaphor for the normal ups and downs of growing up Michelle shares practical frameworks for guiding teens through decision-making, resilience-building, and critical thinking, while Kristi connects these principles to child safety, advocacy, and helping children grow into capable adults. Together, they reinforce a simple truth: Kids don’t need perfect parents-they need present ones. This episode is about showing up, even when it’s messy, and giving your children the space to grow safely while knowing they are supported. Key Themes Covered Connection vs. control in parenting Teaching principles rather than just rules Age-appropriate trust and boundaries How to handle teenage pushback without conflict Encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving Preparing children for independence and real-world decisions Staying present and consistent as a parent Using everyday moments to build resilience and advocacy skills Why This Conversation Matters Parenting teenagers can feel overwhelming. Social media, technology, and cultural shifts add pressure, and parents often doubt whether they’re doing it “right.” This episode reminds us that: Children thrive when adults show up consistently, not perfectly Trust is earned and age-appropriate, not unconditional Boundaries teach respect, safety, and critical thinking Resilience comes from practice, not perfection Michelle and Kristi model that parenting isn’t about controlling every outcome-it’s about guiding children to become thoughtful, capable adults who know they are supported and loved. About Michelle Mitchell Michelle Mitchell is a parenting expert, author, and educator with decades of experience supporting families through the emotional ups and downs of childhood and adolescence. She teaches parents to: Build connection over control Set meaningful boundaries Guide teenagers with age-appropriate trust Encourage critical thinking, advocacy, and resilience Michelle’s mission is simple: equip parents with tools and confidence so children can grow into capable, confident adults. Website:www.michellemitchell.org  Instagram:@michelle.mitchell Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about parenting, boundaries, or guiding children through adolescence, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools for parents and carers. 🔗 Explore education and resources: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Resources include: Guidance on connection-based parenting Tools for teaching children advocacy and self-expression Conversation guides for families Trauma-informed strategies for resilience and safety Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Jocelyn Brewer - psychologist, former high school teacher, and founder of Digital Nutrition - for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation about technology, parenting, wellbeing, and what it truly means to stay human in a digital world. With over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of psychology, education, and technology, Jocelyn brings clarity, compassion, and a refreshingly non-shaming perspective to one of the most complex challenges facing families today: how to live well with technology rather than be consumed by it. Kristi and Jocelyn explore why online safety, digital wellbeing, mental health, and prevention cannot be treated as separate issues - and why bans, rules, and fear-based approaches alone will never be enough. They unpack how children’s behaviour online is often driven by a fundamental need to belong, how brains respond under stress and overwhelm, and why adults must build their own regulation skills if they want to support their children effectively. This episode challenges the idea of “digital natives” and reframes young people as digital orphans - growing up in systems designed to capture attention, without enough adult guidance or modelling. Together, Kristi and Jocelyn discuss why behaviour is not identity, how shame shuts down learning, and why curiosity, connection, and co-regulation are far more powerful than control. The conversation also touches on broader systemic pressures - cost-of-living stress, loss of community spaces, comparison culture, and constant information overload - and how these factors shape both parenting and children’s online experiences. This is not a conversation about perfection, restriction, or policing behaviour.It’s about intentional use, emotional literacy, and building skills for life - online and offline. Key Themes Covered Why digital wellbeing and online safety cannot be separated The concept of digital nutrition and intentional tech use Why behaviour is not identity - for children or adults How belonging drives online choices and risk-taking Why shame and fear undermine learning and connection Understanding regulation, big feelings, and brain development The limits of bans and legislation without education and modelling How persuasive tech design exploits attention and emotion Teaching children to be critical consumers of technology Co-regulation, boundaries, and consistency over control Why adults must do their own work first Staying human in a digital - and AI - world Why This Conversation Matters Many parents feel overwhelmed, confused, or behind when it comes to technology - often carrying guilt, fear, or shame about “getting it wrong.” This episode reframes the conversation entirely. Rather than asking “How do we control this?” Kristi and Jocelyn invite us to ask:“How do we build skills, connection, and awareness - in ourselves and our children?” Children don’t need perfect parents or total restriction.They need regulated adults, honest conversations, clear boundaries, and guidance that grows with them. Prevention doesn’t start with platforms or policies.It starts with relationships, modelling, and helping children understand why they feel drawn to certain behaviours — online and offline. About Jocelyn Brewer – Digital Nutrition Jocelyn Brewer is a psychologist, educator, and the founder of Digital Nutrition, a framework that helps individuals, families, schools, and organisations develop healthier, more intentional relationships with technology. With a background in teaching and counselling, Jocelyn brings a practical, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to digital wellbeing - focusing on skills, self-awareness, and agency rather than fear or restriction. Her work centres on helping people stay human in a digital world by understanding attention, behaviour, emotion, and choice. Learn more about Jocelyn and Digital Nutrition:https://www.digitalnutrition.com.auFollow Jocelyn on Instagram Jocelyn Brewer Follow Jocelyn on Facebook Jocelyn Brewer Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about technology use, boundaries, regulation, or parenting in a digital world, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and practical tools to support families. 🔗 Explore education and resources:👉 www.kristimcvee.com Resources include: child safety and prevention education guidance for calm, connection-based conversations tools to support emotional regulation and resilience practical strategies for modern parenting challenges Support Services (Australia) If you or someone in your family is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with mental health, support is available: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Brooke McIntosh - speaker, endurance runner, and founder of the Just One More movement - for a raw, powerful conversation about mental health, courage, healing, and the ripple effect of choosing to speak when silence feels safer. Brooke shares the deeply personal story behind her decision to run 14,000 kilometres around Australia - a journey born from suicidal ideation, unspoken trauma, and a life-changing car accident that forced her to confront the reality that she was not okay, despite appearing strong on the outside. Together, Kristi and Brooke explore how “just one more” - one step, one breath, one conversation - became a lifeline, not only for Brooke, but for countless people she encountered along the road. What began as a mission to spark conversation within FIFO, mining, and construction communities quickly revealed a much wider truth: mental health struggles do not discriminate. They exist everywhere - across families, generations, genders, and professions. This episode dives into the cost of emotional shutdown, the normalisation of masking pain, and how generational silence around trauma, addiction, and abuse shapes the way adults cope - or don’t cope - later in life. Brooke speaks candidly about childhood sexual abuse, substance use, shame, and the long-term impact of carrying stories alone for decades. Kristi and Brooke also reflect on the power of vulnerability to break cycles - from the unexpected moment Brooke’s father felt safe enough to say “I’m not okay”, to the way children who saw Brooke running began asking questions that opened conversations within their families. This is not a conversation about toughness or pushing through at all costs. It’s about courage, honesty, mental fitness, and choosing connection - even when it’s uncomfortable. Key Themes Covered Suicidal ideation and the turning point that saved Brooke’s life The meaning of Just One More as a daily practice Mental fitness vs mental health Why masking pain is so common - and so dangerous The ripple effect of courageous, vulnerable conversations Generational trauma, silence, and healing Childhood sexual abuse and delayed disclosure Addiction as a coping strategy for unprocessed pain Running as therapy, regulation, and trauma processing Listening to the body instead of pushing through it Breaking cycles for the next generation Why healing yourself can give others permission to speak Why This Conversation Matters So many people are surviving - not living. They show up, work hard, care for others, and appear “fine”, while silently carrying trauma, grief, shame, and exhaustion. This episode reminds us that strength is not found in silence or self-abandonment - it’s found in honesty, courage, and asking for support. Brooke’s story shows how quickly things can change when someone chooses to speak - and how one brave conversation can unlock many more. You don’t need to run around Australia to make a difference. Sometimes, just one more conversation is enough to save a life. About Brooke McIntosh - Just One More Brooke McIntosh is an endurance runner, speaker, and founder of the Just One More movement, using lived experience to spark honest conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and emotional wellbeing. Through her run around Australia and her ongoing work in communities, schools, and workplaces, Brooke encourages people to build mental fitness, challenge silence, and remember that pain never gets the last say. Follow Brooke McIntosh on her socials: 👉 Instagram - Facebook Brooke McIntosh website: 👉 https://brookemcintosh.com.au/ Practical Support & Resources If this episode has brought up big feelings or difficult memories, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and resources to support healing, prevention, and connection. 🔗 Explore education and resources: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Resources include: trauma-informed education child safety and prevention resources guidance for courageous, supportive conversations tools to help adults respond calmly and safely to disclosure Content Warning This episode includes discussion of: suicidal ideation childhood sexual abuse addiction and substance use trauma and mental health challenges Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support, help is available: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi sits down with Dr. Justin Coulson to explore a topic that feels increasingly urgent for parents today: raising boys. Together, they dive into why so many young men are struggling to find their footing and what it actually takes to raise a generation that is resilient, purposeful, and grounded. Dr. Coulson shares his own "failure to launch" story-from failing school to a decade-long radio career before finding his true calling in psychology-and explains why the path to adulthood isn't a race. They unpack the "Hope Theory," the dangers of "vanity careers," and the power of "Autonomy Support," providing a roadmap for parents who want to move from controlling their kids to guiding them.   This is a candid, insightful conversation about shifting the narrative for our sons and helping them become men who make the people around them feel "safer and stronger". Content Covered in This Episode The "Crisis of Purpose": Why kids today have more freedom than ever but less direction and resilience.  Dr.  Coulson’s Journey: From the bottom 15% of his class to a PhD in psychology and the "Happy Families" brand.  The Value of the Gap Year: Why "earning and learning" through life experiences often leads to more success than rushing straight into university.  The 2026 Brain Maturity Update: New research suggesting neurological maturity may not occur until our early 30s.  Autonomy Support vs. Control: How to help kids "endorse" rules and values rather than just following them out of fear.  The Hope Theory: Breaking down the three essential pillars of hope: Goals, Pathways, and Agency.  Screen Time and Lost Potential: The neurological "hijacking" of our youth and how it impacts their ability to discover their values.  Healthy Masculinity: Defining a healthy man as someone who helps those around him feel safer and stronger.  The "Sunday Chat": A practical family ritual for discussing everything from consent to mental health.   Why This Conversation Matters We often expect too much from our little kids and not enough from our teenagers. As Dr. Coulson explains, our job as parents is not to slay the dragons for our children, but to prepare them to be "dragon slayers" themselves.  Many young men are failing to thrive because they lack a sense of worthiness derived from doing hard, productive things. By fostering "Autonomy Support," we can guide our children toward financial viability and personal fulfillment without resorting to "victimhood" or blaming external labels for a lack of progress. This conversation challenges parents to step up, have the hard conversations, and model the character we want our children to inherit.    About Dr. Justin Coulson Dr. Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He is the co-host of Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, the host of the #1 parenting podcast in Australia (The Happy Families Podcast), and the author of 11 books. After a successful radio career, Justin returned to university as a mature-age student, earning first-class honors in psychology and a PhD. He is a father of six daughters and is dedicated to helping families flourish through evidence-based psychological principles. Connect with Dr. Justin Coulson:Website: www.happyfamilies.com.au   Podcast: The Happy Families Podcast New Book: "Boys" Dr. Justin Coulson’s latest book, "Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out," is a culmination of four years of work. It provides a framework for raising boys who are confident, kind, and capable of navigating the complexities of modern masculinity.  Pre-order Now: Pre-orders are critical for a book's success. You can pre-order your via the Happy Families website happyfamilies.com.au/boys-book-waitlist Practical Support & Resources  If this episode has inspired you to start more meaningful conversations with your kids, Kristi provides trauma-informed education and practical tools to help you guide them toward a life they can be proud of. 🔗 Explore education and resources:  👉 www.kristimcvee.com  Support Services (Australia) If this episode has raised difficult feelings or if you need immediate support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services (000).

In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Kimberly King - author, educator, and founder of Tough Topics Mom - for a candid and deeply informative discussion on child safety, prevention, and fostering open communication with children. Kimberly shares her personal journey that led her to advocate for body safety, including a formative experience with her son that resurfaced memories from her own childhood. She reflects on the importance of early conversations about consent, boundaries, and safe adults, and how these conversations can empower children to recognize and respond to unsafe situations. Together, Kristi and Kimberly explore: the challenges parents face in navigating “tough topics,” the role of repressed memories in adult perspectives on child safety, and why prevention strategies are more effective when implemented early. They also discuss the unique risks posed by online spaces, how technology affects children’s development and safety, and practical tools for teaching kids about safe interactions in both real-life and digital environments. Through stories, practical advice, and evidence-based insights, this episode highlights how consistent, thoughtful conversations can make children less vulnerable to harm, support early disclosure, and strengthen parent-child relationships. Content Warning:This episode includes discussion of: Childhood sexual abuse Grooming behaviours Online safety risks Trauma and mental health challenges Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Key Themes Covered: How early body safety education reduces risk and empowers children The importance of recognizing “safe” vs. “red flag” adults Practical strategies for having calm, ongoing safety conversations Online grooming, sextortion, and managing digital risks for children How parents’ past experiences shape their approach to safety Creating an environment where children feel heard and supported The role of consistent, intentional communication in prevention Why This Conversation Matters:Child sexual abuse and emotional harm thrive in secrecy and silence. Many parents want to protect their children but feel unsure how to start conversations about body safety or online risk. Kimberly’s insights provide practical strategies and encouragement for parents and carers to normalize these discussions, reduce vulnerability, and create safe spaces where children feel empowered to speak up. About Kimberly King:Kimberly King is an author, educator, and advocate for child safety. She is the founder of Tough Topics Mom, a platform offering guidance, resources, and support for parents navigating difficult conversations about consent, boundaries, and online safety. Her books, including I Said No and Body Safety for Young Children: Empowering Caring Adults, have been translated internationally and are used by families and educators worldwide to teach children about safety in an empowering, age-appropriate way. 🔗 Learn more about Kimberly King: 👉 www.toughtopicsmom.com 🔗 Tough Topics Mom Books: 👉 www.toughtopicsmom.com/books Practical Support & Resources:If this episode raises questions about supporting child safety, Kristi offers trauma-informed resources to help parents and carers:🔗 Explore tools and guides: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com Support Services (Australia): Lifeline - 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au 1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic & family violence) - 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5-25) - 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.