100 episodes

I know there’s no magic handbook on parenting that can solve all our problems or a wise guru sat somewhere on top of a mountain who can answer all our millions of questions.

I also understand that parenting, although an absolute honour, is most probably the hardest thing anyone will ever have to do. 
Where Kiddipedia derived from was my curiosity: where do parents go for parenting support and answers? 

As Australia’s leading parenting advice website and a world-leading parenting resource, Kiddipedia is committed to delivering evidenced-based information from leading industry experts, and thoughts leaders, to help you be the best parent you can be. 

Together, let’s give children the life they deserve and a positive future.

Kiddipedia Podcast Kiddipedia

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

I know there’s no magic handbook on parenting that can solve all our problems or a wise guru sat somewhere on top of a mountain who can answer all our millions of questions.

I also understand that parenting, although an absolute honour, is most probably the hardest thing anyone will ever have to do. 
Where Kiddipedia derived from was my curiosity: where do parents go for parenting support and answers? 

As Australia’s leading parenting advice website and a world-leading parenting resource, Kiddipedia is committed to delivering evidenced-based information from leading industry experts, and thoughts leaders, to help you be the best parent you can be. 

Together, let’s give children the life they deserve and a positive future.

    Ep 216: Why GymbaROO-KindyROO Music is Perfect for Your Child’s Brain | Dr. Tessa Grigg

    Ep 216: Why GymbaROO-KindyROO Music is Perfect for Your Child’s Brain | Dr. Tessa Grigg

    I think we would all agree, music is one of life's greatest joys. Music weaves unforgettable memories into our lives by stirring our deepest emotions, making every moment more vibrant, no matter where we are or what we're doing.

    As powerful as music is in connecting with our emotions, did you know that music can have a profound impact on children's brain development in the early years of life?

    Neuroscientific studies have proven that exposing children to music during early education is exceptional for children's brain development, as it ignites a symphony of skill development, enhancing auditory, language, cognitive, and emotional skills. coordination, literacy, math, and more!

    So as a parent, grandparent or carer, we want to help you be aware of the significance of music in early brain development and the positive impact it can have on children. Why? So to help empower you to make informed decisions regarding your child's early education and activities. Also, to provide you with the tools to provide your children with a well-rounded and stimulating environment, setting the foundation for future success and lifelong learning.

    To help us understand all about this, we welcome back a very special guest, Dr Tessa Grigg.

    Dr Tessa Grigg is the Research and Education Manager at Toddler Kindy GymbaROO and KindyROO, She is a part-time lecturer at the University of Canterbury, NZ, a teacher and producer of children’s music. She has over 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education sector and a wealth of knowledge in this topic.

    We ask Dr Tessa questions including:


    How does music act as a precursor to language development?
    What is the connection between clapping, babbling, and music in babies?
    How does singing and moving with a baby contribute to secure attachment?
    Why do babies and toddlers often move in time to music? What role does adult involvement play?
    In what ways does engaging in a dance-a-day benefit brain development?
    How does a music-rich environment help children develop their musical skills?
    What is the significance of learning to keep a steady beat for the brain's internal timing signals?
    Why does the brain have a natural affinity for patterns in music?
    How does performing music contribute to the development of self-control in children?
    How does GymbaROO-KindyROO music cater to the developmental needs of babies and young children?
    What are the specific skills that music encourages in auditory processing, verbal memory, language, speech processing, perception, coordination, literacy, and mathematics?
    What role does classical music, especially from the Baroque period, play in stimulating the developing brain?
    How do the songs chosen or written for GymbaROO-KindyROO programs incorporate developmental sequences?
    What are some inexpensive musical instruments that parents can introduce at home for their children?
    How does dancing with a child and singing songs contribute to their skill development?
    Why is exposure to a wide range of music beneficial for a child’s development?
    How can parents use music to extend and strengthen their child's GymbaROO experience?

     

    For further details:

    https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/

    https://www.facebook.com/GymbaROO.KindyROO

    https://www.instagram.com/gymbaroo/
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 45 min
    Ep 215: How Mindfulness Activities Can Empower Children's Well-Being and Creativity | Naomi Green

    Ep 215: How Mindfulness Activities Can Empower Children's Well-Being and Creativity | Naomi Green

    I think we would all agree that our post-pandemic world is as fast-paced and demanding as ever, and through this, it’s essential to equip our children with the necessary tools to navigate life’s challenges and foster their mental health.

    It’s common as parents to feel unequipped and unsure of how to help support their child’s mental health. We know it’s essential, and more than anything, you want your kids to thrive, but how? What can you do or give them that will help and support them in reaching their full potential?

    Even more so, how can we provide experiences for our children that can make this process fun, enjoyable and effective?

    Well, that’s where the magic of play-based learning and specific focus on well-being for children comes in. This is what we discuss today, along with topics including children’s mental well-being, the importance of nurturing young minds away from screens and what you can do as a parent to help strengthen their emotional resilience from a different perspective, that being through fun and engaging activities as we welcome with our special guest, Naomi Green, Co-Founder of Tiger Tribe.

    We ask Naomi questions, including:


    Why do you think it’s important more than ever that brands create products designed to help parents support children through the demands and complexities of our lives?
    Can you share insights into the design process and how you ensure that your products effectively stimulate children’s imagination and foster their creative skills?
    Well-being is such a broad term that it can mean many things. In recent times, it’s become a bit of a buzzword. What aspects of well-being is Tiger Tribe focused on?
    How does Tiger Tribe ensure your techniques and practices are presented enjoyably for kids?
    Parents’ and carers’ lives are busy; what role can they play in helping and supporting children in strengthening their mental health?
    How can the Pocket Gratitude Journal help children develop a daily practice of reflection?
    Can you provide examples of activities included in the Mindfully Me activity set?
    What age group is the Tiger Tribe Well-being range designed for?
    Why is providing non-screen-based opportunities to parents so important to you?
    Why do you think providing self-directed play-based opportunities is so important?

     

    For the full article, please go to: https://kiddipedia.com.au/how-mindfulness-activities-can-empower-childrens-well-being-and-creativity/

     

    For further details:

    https://tigertribe.com.au/

    https://www.facebook.com/tigertribeau

    https://www.instagram.com/_tigertribe_/
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 30 min
    Ep 214: Primitive Reflexes – Why Parents Need to Know about Them I Dr. Jane Williams

    Ep 214: Primitive Reflexes – Why Parents Need to Know about Them I Dr. Jane Williams

    Raising a newborn is an incredible journey filled with a whirlwind of new experiences. From the moment they enter our lives, we're catapulted into a world of learning and new information we never knew existed.. From trying to best decode baby cues, to the right

    and wrongs of sleep patterns to understanding the intricacies of early brain development we embark on a remarkable adventure of learning and growth alongside our little ones.

    Today we are going to be discussing the fascinating topic of ‘Primitive Reflexes’. Have you heard of this before? Well, until now I haven’t either, so even more reason to grab a cuppa and tune in as we welcome our special guest Dr Jane Williams, a Director of GymbaROO and KindyROO. 

    Dr Jane is one of Australia’s leading child and baby development experts. She has been working with infants, children and parents for over 40 years and her extensive experience includes guiding the Research and Education of GymbaROO-KindyROO for over 20 years.

     We ask Dr Jane questions including:


    Can you explain what Primitive reflexes are and why they are important for newborn babies?
    How do Primitive reflexes contribute to the development of baby's balance, muscle tone, head control, vision, and hand-foot coordination?
    What happens if babies don’t gain full control over their Primitive Reflexes?
    Can you elaborate on the connection between retained reflexes and unregulated behaviour, lack of impulse control, poor social skills, and difficulty in learning?
    What are some of the signs or symptoms that may indicate a child has retained reflexes?
    How does the process of gaining control over Primitive reflexes contribute to brain development?
    Are all children born with the same set of Primitive reflexes, or can they vary?
    Can you explain the role of developmental movements, such as tummy time, head control, rolling, crawling, and walking, in helping babies control their Primitive reflexes?
    What are some potential risks or consequences if babies skip certain developmental movement stages?
    Are there specific exercises or activities that parents can do to help their babies gain control over their Primitive reflexes?
    How can parents differentiate between normal developmental movements and signs of retained reflexes in their babies?
    Are there any factors that may contribute to the persistence of Primitive reflexes beyond the typical time frame?
    Are there any long-term implications for individuals who have retained reflexes into childhood or adulthood?
    Where can parents find additional resources or information about Primitive reflexes and their impact on child development?

     

    For the full article, please go to:

    https://kiddipedia.com.au/primitive-reflexes-why-parents-need-to-know-about-them/

     

    For further details:

    https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/

    https://www.facebook.com/GymbaROO.KindyROO

    https://www.instagram.com/gymbaroo/

     

    For free Baby Reflexes video:

    http://activebabiessmartkids.com.au/episodes/baby-reflexes/
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 27 min
    E213: Supporting Big Emotions in Children at Mealtimes | Sinead S.

    E213: Supporting Big Emotions in Children at Mealtimes | Sinead S.

    Every parent knows the pain of mealtimes with children and that they can sometimes feel a little bit like a rollercoaster ride. Trying to keep their emotions in check can sometimes feel literally like juggling spaghetti while riding a unicycle.

    One moment, they're ecstatic about their favourite food, and the next, they're crying because their broccoli touched their mashed potatoes. One second, they're happily gobbling down their meal, and the next, they're wailing because their sandwich is shaped like a rectangle, not a triangle.

    Managing these emotional whirlwinds requires the patience of a saint, the creativity of a master chef, and the ability to perform magic tricks that transform ordinary vegetables into delicious superpowers.

    You quickly learn to become a master in negotiation, offering bribes of dessert and creative distractions like talking carrots. But hey, the satisfaction of seeing them eat happily makes it all worth it!

    Jokes aside, managing children's strong emotions during mealtimes can pose a challenge, yet it remains crucial to establish a nurturing and uplifting atmosphere that encourages them to freely express their feelings.

    To help us better understand how we can do this, I’m excited to welcome one of our partners here at Kiddipedia Miss Sinead from Food Is Cool

    We ask Sinead questions including:


    (3:22) Why do you think it’s so common that children experience big feelings around food?
    (9:28) What is the key to supporting hungry children at mealtimes?
    (12:12) What tips do you have for parents on having boundaries, being consistent and being mindful of the language used?
    (14:36) You mention it’s important to develop your child’s sense of agency and allow them to have a sense of belonging during mealtimes. Can you expand with examples of this?
    (17:55) You mention to also ‘Talk about anything but the food!’ Why is this important?
    (23:31) How can parents remain calm if big emotions arise?
    (27:04) In your article you list 4 strategies to help parents keep their boundaries, can you quickly go through them with us now?

    For the full article, please go to: https://kiddipedia.com.au/supporting-big-emotions-in-children-at-meal-times/

    Research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35807307/

    Socials:@drflavsfacebook.com/drflavlinkedin.com/in/drflav

    @foodiscool._facebook.com/foodissocoolhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/foodiscool/
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 32 min
    Ep 212: Why We Need to Ditch the Go for 2 and 5 Message When It Comes to Children I Dr Flavia Fayet-Moore

    Ep 212: Why We Need to Ditch the Go for 2 and 5 Message When It Comes to Children I Dr Flavia Fayet-Moore

    Every parent wants their child to be healthy and happy and of course, a big part of ensuring this has to do with their diet and the balance of foods they’re eating. However, figuring out the right mix of healthy foods that are right for the whole family to eat each day can be a real puzzle, it's a little like trying to crack a code, especially when it comes to feeding ourselves and our little ones.

    I’m sure we’ve all heard the Australian Dietary Guidelines that say we should aim for 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of veggies daily. But what does that actually mean? It's not as straightforward as it sounds. We need to know the right portion sizes, and have a variety of fruits and veggies. Plus, age, activity levels, and all other individual needs play a role too. 

    Working this out on our own can sometimes feel like an added layer of stress and anxiety to our already growing pile sitting over there in the corner, definitely not what we need, there has to be an easier way!

    Well, lucky for us there is and our special guest today is here to help us understand and explain what that is using scientifically backed strategies.

    Today I am so excited to welcome one of our partners here at Kiddipedia Dr Flavia from Food Is Cool. 

    We ask Dr Flavia questions including:


    (2:48) I understand you’ve focused your research and advocacy work on promoting a food-first approach to address public health’s biggest problems, especially among children. Where did this passion come from and Why is this so important to you?
    (4:17) You’ve mentioned that the norm in society around food and nutrition is not the evidence-based way, can you expand on what you mean by that? 
    (5:48) You’ve also mentioned that you’re here to re-think and re-work (almost) everything we thought we know about food and nutrition and throw quite a bit out the window, please explain why this is. 
    (8:33) What are some of the more common questions and concerns parents ask to ensure their children's diets are healthy and balanced?
    (11:51) In your article you mention that 99% of Australian children aren’t eating enough vegetables every day and that more than 1/3 of their daily intake comes from foods that are not nourishing their bodies and their mind. That’s an alarming statistic, can you expand on why the statistics are so high and why this is happening?
    (13:56) I understand Dr Flav’s research team published a world-first study last year proving that there are benefits to eating the rainbow that goes beyond just the fruits and vegetables. What can you tell us about your findings? 
    (15:26) In your article you list your top 5 tips on adding colour variety to your plate, can you go through them with us now?
    (19:23) You mention in the article to eat the rainbow plus brown and white, what foods do you mean by that? 
    (20:38) You mention that the more variety you are offered, the more you eat. This is called the ‘buffet effect’, can you expand on this?
    (21:44) Does Colour variety also leads to greater food consumption, if so how? What is the 
    (22:53) How can parents make it fun to involve children in making rainbow meals every day? 

     

    For the full article, please go to: https://kiddipedia.com.au/why-we-need-to-ditch-the-go-for-2-and-5-message-when-it-comes-to-children/

    Research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35807307/

     

    Socials:

    @drflavs (insta/twitter) 

    facebook.com/drflav

    linkedin.com/in/drflav

     

    @foodiscool._ (insta)

    facebook.com/foodissocool 

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodiscool/
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 29 min
    Ep 211: New Treatment for Mastitis: What You Need To Know | Pinky McKay

    Ep 211: New Treatment for Mastitis: What You Need To Know | Pinky McKay

    You may have heard the proverb, it takes a village to raise a child, and for so many reasons in our hectic busy and stressful day-to-day lives these days it’s not always possible to receive direct support and guidance from our family and loved ones like generations before us had.

    Thankfully, technology does have an upside, and that is that it gives us direct access to experts and thought leaders who can share their wisdom, knowledge and expertise to help us fill this gap. To help us build our virtual community of people we choose to help us ensure our children grow in a safe and healthy environment.

    Not only do these experts share their knowledge and expertise through their qualifications, but additionally layering scientific studies and research on top of that, … to further inform and support us, which is what we are here to discuss.

    Today I’m so excited to welcome a very special guest, one of our partners here at Kiddipedia and someone that I personally have a tone of admiration and respect for, the one and only Pinky McKay - one of Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding experts.

    Pinky for thousands and thousands of Mums has been the go-to resource and expert with her sage knowledge and wisdom on breastfeeding, one person we definitely need in our village, circle or tribe to help us raise our children.

    We ask Pinky questions including:



    (15:40) We published your article ‘New Treatment for Mastitis - What You Need to Know, tell us, what the article is about and what inspired you to write it



     

    (17:11) What is Mastitis, and what are the symptoms if you’re suffering from it?



     

    (18:36) What causes mastitis?



     

    (20:20) How can we prevent mastitis from developing?



     

    (21:47) I understand there are findings from new research from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine; what can you tell us about them?



     

    (29:23) Are there different types of mastitis?



     

    (29:52):What happens if Mastitis is left untreated?



     

    (30:00) How do you treat Mastitis? In your article, you list 7 points. Can you go through them with us now?



     

    (34:10) How does mastitis affect the baby, and what should Mothers do about it?



     

    For the full article, please go to: https://kiddipedia.com.au/new-treatment-for-mastitis-what-you-need-to-know/

    For further information, please visit:

    Website: https://www.pinkymckay.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinky.mckay.fanpage

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkymckay1/

    https://www.shopwithpinky.com/
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 39 min

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Squidgeofish ,

Very useful practical advice

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Information galore - but in a friendly, educated and concise way.

I've just been introduced to your podcasts and I'm so impressed! A few in particular helped me learn alot where I need support and I found the information delivered in a personal, relatable and easy-to-digest way...as lets face it we get so much info as a parent don't we? So thank you!

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