In this Episode of the Parent Hope Podcast Jenny Brown  explores  “How parents can partner with schools to increase student and family confidence” with Robin Shultz. What makes for a positive partnership between parents and schools? What can get in the way of this? How can parents best deal with worries about how their child is doing at school? Robin Shultz BioRobyn is a retired school social worker with 20 years of experience working in schools in the Chicago area. Now a private practice owner of New Legends Counselling, Coaching and Consulting, LLC Geneva, Illinois, United States ..read more

The Summer Theme - Parents promoting responsible, age-appropriate independence & avoiding futile power struggles.  These themes are relevant, whatever the age of your child.   Adolescents present unique challenges for parents. For example, the reactive push for independence can be triggering for parents. In this podcast, Jenny reveals how parent efforts to correct behaviours can inadvertently reinforce a conflict cycle that can fuel a teen's physiological reward system: (sensation seeking). An overview of adolescent brain development makes sense of this reward system.  More ..read more

In this episode, we will discuss parenting courses with a family skills community educator. We'll explore what parents get out of carving out time for parenting courses – and are all parenting courses the same?          How can parents get a confidence boost from accessing a parenting course?   Steve will share about differences in parent courses.  He will provide examples of what parents have found most helpful and most challenging.  And some tips for facilitating a parenting course in a way that helps parents develop their own insights relevant to the ..read more

Join Jenny as she asks Marie Vakakis what she has learned from her  young clients about their relationships with their parents. Parents connecting with their adolescents will explore questions like: How can parents best connect with a seemingly shut-off teen and How not to be intimidated or overwhelmed by the dramatic tech revolution – do parents really need to be up on the latest technology to connect with their teens? About Marie Vakakis The Therapy Hub: https://thetherapyhub.com.au/about-us/ Qualifications Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psychology), Monash University Masters of Social ..read more

In this Episode of the Parent Hope Podcast Jenny Brown  explores Grandparenting with Selden Dunbar Illick.  They discuss what makes for flourishing “grandparenting relationships”, with adult children, in-laws, grandchildren and the grandparenting partner if relevant).  With a Family Systems Lens in view they discuss the common pitfalls in these relationships, for example triangles. They will also discuss the value of working on self.  ..read more

In this episode Jenny talks with Dr Linda Mackay on parenting with a backdrop of trauma and adversity and how this affects building confidence in parenting. Linda MacKay is an accredited psychotherapist & counsellor, who practices in Mudgee, Blaxland and offers online sessions. She is also a lecturer, trainer, and supervisor, with degrees and qualifications in counselling, couple and family therapy and her PhD in critical psychology (UWS).  Linda lectures at undergraduate and postgraduate level at the University of Notre Dame, counsels private individuals, and coaches business executi ..read more

In this episode Jenny discusses with Dr Kathleen Smith the challenges and opportunities for parents managing fears and anxieties. What are the challenges of managing anxiety about our kids? What are the opportunities and benefits of parents working on managing their fears?  Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and mental health writer who lives in Washington, DC. She has written for popular publications such as Slate, Salon, New York Magazine, Lifehacker, Bustle, and Counseling Today, among many others. She is an associate faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family a ..read more

In this episode, Jenny Brown will be in discussion with Lauren Errington sharing stories of working with parents who are worried about 1 or more of their children. Lauren is the Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney. She also lectures at Charles Sturt University and has a clinical practice at the Family Systems Practice Network. The stories shared will reveal what parents gain from observing their interactions – Lauren and Jenny will reflect on learning to observe themselves in their own families. Links: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/anzf.1481 https://ww ..read more

In this episode, Jenny Brown interviews renowned Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Annemaree Bickerton about her work supporting parents managing their child or adolescent's strong, and often dangerous, emotions and behaviours.  Listen to how parents can be a lighthouse for children in stormy times. They listen rather than fix and allow the child to learn to surf the challenging waves of life. To find out about the Staying Connected Courses: https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/family-and-carer-mental-health-program-0/staying-connected-when-emotions-run-high To watch ..read more

In this podcast, Jenny Brown interviews Susy Lee, prize-winning author, speaker, and educator. They discuss Susy's prize-winning book 'Raising Kids Who Care: Practical Conversations for Exploring Stuff That Matters, Together'. Susy writes: 'In our complex world, we need to be aware of looming pitfalls and be intentional in helping kids navigate their way to compassion and wonder, driven by values and purpose.'  This path of conversations leads to amazing hope. In this conversation, Jenny explores Susy's thoughts on how parents can influence the development of a kind and caring child wit ..read more