Join us again to explore the question of how often families should gather at the dinner table. Derek Boylen says the answer lies in both the quantity and quality of the time spent together. Starting small is recommended to introduce new traditions and build upon them. Research shows that the amount of quality time needed to maintain a healthy relationship varies, with some studies suggesting at least two hours a week and others suggesting 15 hours. Ultimately, the frequency of family meals depends on the family's needs, challenges, and demands, with some families requiring more time together t ..read more

This podcast is a must listen for all faith-based organisations taking child protection seriously. Our guest, Professor Daryl Higgins from the Institute of Child Protection Studies talks about areas concerning the understanding of how young people perceive safety.  Continuing the work done for the Royal Commission into institutional responses into child sexual abuse to understand what are the different risks and perceptions that young people have around where harm might occur in the kind of youth serving organisations that they engage with. Daryl outlines the fundamental questions communi ..read more

In this third Dinner Table podcast, Derek Boylen discusses the spiritual significance of families sharing a meal together.  While families may not be religious, sharing a meal can help them grow in love and faith. Derek says just as Jesus broke bread and shared a meal with his disciples, the importance of families being together should never be underestimated or undervalued. Derek says a family sharing a meal is in itself a powerful spiritual presence and he has some tips on what families can do to grow their love together. Find resources to make your family dinner table a place of love ..read more

In this second Dinner Table podcast with Derek Boylen, we look at the enormous health benefits for people when they share a family meal. Lower rates of depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders have all been reported, while higher rates of resilience and self-esteem have also been noted. Derek also says families sharing a meal and communicating also helps young people’s social skills and develops bonds between siblings and parents from an early age. Listen now and then visit us at the dinner table for even more great tips on how to make the most of your family's time at you ..read more

In this new podcast series, we are on a mission to reunite families at the Dinner Table. We want to help families be closer, sharing and more loving. The dinner table is not only an area for eating but a place for gathering, sharing, communicating and where relationships can grow. Studies show there are enormous mental and physical health benefits for the whole family with reduced rates of anxiety and depression. There are so many benefits, and, in this series, we’ll give you ideas on how to get your family to the dinner table and how to make it a valuable experience for everyone. We are joine ..read more

In our special Mission podcast we talk to Kirsty Robertson, the CEO of Caritas Australia. Kirsty has previously featured on our podcasts speaking about Caritas’ role in helping the people of Ukraine following the invasion by Russia and the importance of Project Compassion during Lent. Caritas Australia is the Catholic Church’s international aid and development agency and is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world. Recently returned from Ethiopia, Kirsty speaks about the dire consequences families are facing in Ethiopia and how they are struggling to even find water for th ..read more

Interest rate increases and the rising cost of living are making life much more difficult for families. In this latest Financial Series podcast featuring Serina Bird she discusses ways families can survive the tough times. Serina says with inflation pushing up prices for things such as groceries and petrol, many people understandably are feeling powerless but it’s not all doom and gloom and there are things families can do to insulate themselves from the rising cost of living. In this very important podcast, Serina provides some terrific tips on how families can make it through the rough and t ..read more

In this latest podcast of the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, Director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, we discuss the issue of parents smacking their children. Daryl talks about the latest study which shows children who are smacked are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life. He also provides strategies for parents who may feel guilty after smacking a child and are looking for a more harmonious household --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/figuring-out-families/message ..read more

In the second podcast in the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, our discussion centres around ‘parenting interventions’ to address mental health issues in children. Daryl says the majority of mental health problems have their origins in childhood and adolescence which is why additional funding is needed to help families. The problem has been made worse by the pandemic and the prevalence of social media. While family income plays a part, Daryl offers some tips on what parents can do to help their childre ..read more

In this episode of our Parenting Sessions Series, we talk to Dr Rosina McAlpine who’s an author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting. Rosina talks about how families can get back on track after the pandemic. The physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing of people has been tested big time over the past two years and she says many families have also suffered big financial losses. Rosina provides some timely tips on what families can do to improve their lives and overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19. Visit www.majellan.media for more great podcasts on family, parenting &nbs ..read more