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Kids are always moving, right? So how could they possibly not be getting enough active play?  In this episode, Kate and Amelia talk to Professor Hayley Christian from The Kids Research Institute about why active play is so important for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.  Hayley explains why active play isn't about organised sport or exercise, but about playful movement, including those short bursts of “huff and puff” that get little hearts beating faster. She shares surprising research showing that while many young children are moving throughout the day, they're not necessarily getting enough energetic play.  They also talk about practical ways to build more movement into everyday life, whether you have a backyard, an apartment or simply a lounge room that needs a quick furniture shuffle.  Learn more about the Play Active program Hayley mentions here: Play Active    Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.    We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present

Being a working parent can feel like a constant juggle. Between work deadlines, school and childcare hours, sick kids, drop-offs, pick-ups and everything that happens in between, making work work alongside family life isn’t easy.  In this episode, Kate and Amelia are joined by Lucinda McKinn and Lauren Trawick from the Ready or Not podcast for an honest conversation about what it really means to be a working parent today.   They talk about the pressure to “do it all”, returning to work after having children, negotiating flexible work, sharing the load at home and finding a version of balance that actually works for your family.  Plus, Lu and Loz share some of their best working-parent hacks including encourage us to embrace that some nights eggs on toast for dinner will do.   Listen to Ready or Not on Spotify or Apple.   Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.    For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram    Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

There’s a whole network of free support available to parents and caregivers in the early years, but many families don’t know what’s there or how to access it.   In this episode, Joanne Turley, a paediatric nurse from South Australia’s Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) with 30 years’ experience joins Kate and Amelia to explain what’s available across the country.  We explore breastfeeding support, sleep and settling, early parenting groups and the range of professionals families can access through CaFHS and similar services in every state.   Joanne also explains the seven health and development checks, what happens if you miss one and how services are becoming easier to access in places families already visit.  Free resources Joanne recommends:  Healthdirect - 24-hour health advice and information, including virtual-care services.  South Australia: Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS)  Victoria: Maternal and Child Health Service   NSW: Child and Family Health Services  Queensland: Child Health Centres  Western Australia: Child Health Centres  ACT: Child Health Clinics Northern Territory: Community Care Centres  Safe sleep guidelines are available at Red Nose   Free breastfeeding support is available through Australian Breastfeeding Association    Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present

What makes a great children’s book? And how do you know which ones are right for your baby, toddler or preschooler?  In this episode, Kate and Amelia are joined by two very special guests from Raising Literacy Australia - our very own Alyson O’Brien and Bec Hughes - to get the inside word on books, stories and early literacy.   Aly is the Publishing Director of Little Book Press, the not-for-profit publishing arm of Raising Literacy Australia, while Bec is an early childhood literacy expert who leads professional learning at RLA.  They talk about what makes a book memorable, why babies benefit from books from birth, the magic of rhyme and repetition, and whether there’s really such a thing as a “bad” book.   The team also explore what to do when your toddler won’t sit still, why reading the same book again and again is actually a good thing, and how everyday moments can build early literacy.    Explore the range of books we publish at Little Book Press.    Raising Literacy Australia is the not-for-profit organisation behind Words Grow Minds, helping families talk, play, read and sing with their children from birth.  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram    Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.    We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present

Connection, connection, connection. If there’s one thing that parent educator Genevieve Muir wants us to take from her, it’s that it all comes back to connecting with our child. With her trademark good humour and keeping it real, Gen talks to Kate and Amelia about surviving and thriving in today’s parenting world of information overload. Gen shares practical tips for cutting through the noise, the advice you can ignore, setting loving boundaries... and why watching more cat videos might just help!  Gen is the founder of Connected Parenting, an obstetric social worker, author and the co-host of her own podcast, Beyond the Chaos. All in addition to being the proud mum of four boys!  Learn more: Connected Parenting  Follow Gen on Instagram  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

New parenthood is joyful, but it can also be overwhelming in ways you never saw coming. For some parents, that overwhelm can tip into something more serious. In this deeply personal episode, Kate and Amelia are joined by Gia Hogarth, a former journalist and host of Mum Mind Unpacked podcast.  Gia speaks openly about her own experience with perinatal anxiety and depression, the signs that something wasn't right, what she wishes she’d known then and how she finally found the help she needed. Gia wants you to know you’re not alone, and there are many supports available to help you come through the other side.  If you or someone you love might be going through this, this episode is for you. And if it raises any issues for you, please contact free professional support services   Please seek professional free support services:  Lifeline: 13 11 14  PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306  COPE Centre of Perinatal Excellent    Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

With the age of first-time parenthood rising in Australia, what’s it really like for teens and young people becoming parents? In this episode, Kate and Amelia speak with teen mum Katelyn and her Brave Foundation mentor Brooke Whitehead about the realities of young parenthood.   Katelyn shares her story, the challenges and joys of becoming a parent at a young age and how support from Brave made all the difference to her family. They explore how we can all help break down stigma and barriers and support young parents and their children to thrive.  Brave was established by a young mum who saw a gap in information available to young parents. From there, it has grown to a national not-for-profit that equips expecting and parenting young people with resources, referral and education opportunities to facilitate happy, healthy and connected families over time.  Learn more: Brave Foundation  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

From the first days of fatherhood, dads have an incredible opportunity to shape their child’s development – but how do they navigate the challenges and make the most of those early moments? And what programs, supports and strategies exist to build confidence and connection? In this episode, Kate and Amelia explore the experiences of new fathers with community leader and social entrepreneur, Thomas Docking.   Thomas is former President of the Childbirth and Parenting Educators Association (CAPEA) in Queensland, Chief Executive Officer of Dads Group and Founder of Man with a Pram – an initiative that brings new fathers and their families together across Australia to connect, share experiences and be celebrated within their local community.   Connect with Dads Group on Facebook or Instagram.   Access further information on mental health and support for Dads via Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA). Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

There’s no denying it’s been a really difficult year for parents of children in childcare. In this thoughtful and timely episode, CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent, joins Kate Ellis and guest co-host Daniela Ritorto to unpack the complex emotions many families are facing after recent revelations about poor quality care and alarming allegations of abuse.  With honesty and care, Georgie explores how to navigate very real feelings of fear and uncertainty, what to look for in a safe and supportive childcare centre - the red flags to watch for and the green flags that signal quality care - and how to make confident choices for your child.   A former lawyer and journalist, Georgie is also an author, media commentator and highly sought after keynote speaker who is determined to enact positive change for families, women and children.    Get involved: The Parenthood   Follow The Parenthood on Instagram  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

In a world full of screens and endless entertainment options, books remain crucial to the human experience, sparking imagination, curiosity and connection. So how do we ensure we are raising the next generation of readers?  Kate and Amelia sit down with Ali Durham, children’s picture book author, illustrator and early childhood educator. Ali shares her passion for nurturing early literacy and the magic of storytelling, showing how reading aloud can boost communication, cognitive skills, and even strengthen parent–child bonds.  Ali has plenty of practical tips for making reading fun for energetic little ones, choosing age-appropriate books and incorporating stories into daily routines, even for parents who don’t feel confident as readers themselves.   Follow Ali Durham on Instagram  Words Grow Minds has plenty of practical advice on how to read to your child every day. Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

It’s one of the biggest buzzwords in early childhood, but what does attachment really mean? In this powerful episode, Kate and Amelia are joined by clinical psychologist Rachel Samson to unpack why parent-child attachment matters so much in the early years and how it shapes a child’s emotional and psychological development.  Rachel shares achievable ways to foster secure attachment, gently reassuring parents that connection doesn’t have to be perfect, and that everyday moments offer meaningful opportunities to build strong, lasting bonds.  Rachel is a clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience working with children and families, specialising in family relationships and the law, parenting, child development, women’s health and infant care. She is an author, media contributor and a board member of the Australian Association of Psychologists. Through her platform Australian Psychologist, she shares clear, evidence-based insights with a growing community of more than 147,000 followers.  Get in touch with Rachel here   Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

Music matters, especially for growing brains. In this episode Kate and Amelia chat with Dr Anita Collins, a neuroscientist, award-winning music educator and author of The Music Advantage.   With a PhD in neuroscience and music education, Anita shares the extraordinary ways music supports language, cognitive development and emotional growth in young children, priming the brain for learning.   From practical tips for parents who think they can’t sing to exploring how music can be woven into everyday life, Anita explains why music isn’t just fun, it builds brains.   Follow Dr Collins on Facebook Words Grow Minds has lots of free resources on how you can add more music into your child’s life visit Words Grow Minds - Sing!  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

Is your toddler stuck in the notorious ‘beige phase’? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this episode, Kate and Amelia are joined by Anna Ritan, an accredited pediatric dietitian and nutritionist with over a decade of experience, to chat all things food, nutrition and child development.  Together they explore why nutrition in early childhood is so crucial and how a balanced diet supports cognitive growth, oral health and even language skills.  Anna explains what really counts as a fussy eater, why the ‘beige phase’ happens and when it’s time to seek professional guidance.   Anna also shares her strategies for encouraging healthy eating habits that are family budget friendly.  Get more tips from Anna on Instagram   Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past and present.

Parenting babies is a universal experience, but every country and culture does it a little differently. What can we learn from different ways of raising children, especially when it comes to creating the supportive ‘village’ many of us crave?   Global early childhood policy powerhouse Ana Nieto takes Kate and Amelia on a trip around the world, exploring some of the incredible ideas other countries are implementing, what we do well here and what more is needed to help parents and children thrive.   Ana has 20 years’ experience working at the highest global policy levels for children’s agencies and foundations including UNICEF Headquarters, Plan International and Dubai Cares.   She’s now based in Perth as Director of Early Years at the Minderoo Foundation, which has been successfully advocating why the early years matter and working to improve outcomes for all children in Australia. Some of the international programs Ana mentioned:   Too Small to Fail   Urban 95  Paid grandparents leave in Sweden  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past, present and emerging.

Do dummies affect speech development? Exactly how much should we be talking and reading to our babies? Which speech issues will resolve themselves and when should we be concerned?   Kate and Amelia get a wealth of practical advice from Helen Smith, Senior Speech Pathologist at Children’s Health Queensland.   Helen has over two decades of experience as a speech pathologist working in both health and educational settings. She has published research on supportive environments for language development and sharing universal messages with families. And she speaks from personal experience as a mother of four!  All the online speech pathology resources Helen mentioned:   Words Grow Minds family resources  Read and Talk to Learn (RATTL)  Communication milestones – Speech Pathology Australia  First 5 Forever (QLD)  Waiting for speech pathology (NSW Health)  Thanks for listening to the Words Grow Minds Parent Podcast! We love hearing from you, so please subscribe, rate and review this episode.  For tools and tips to support your child’s development visit wordsgrowminds.org.au and follow us on Facebook and Instagram  Thanks to PodBooth for producing this episode.  We acknowledge this land that we record on as the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with Country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people, as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living First Nations people today. We extend this respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from other areas of Australia and elders past, present and emerging.