Our children and teenagers are more anxious and depressed than ever. Whilst the temptation is to blame the pandemic or the use of mobile phones, gaming and social media, what do the children themselves have to say about what is stressing them out? In this interview Dr. Peter Gray shares what his research into the root causes of the unfolding mental health crisis has shown. The best bit? There is a clear way out, and it is up to us, parents, to turn the tide. Listen and join us in taking action for our kids!

Our children and teenagers are often at least as busy, stressed and sleep-deprived as adults. Amidst an unprecedented youth mental health crisis, our education systems remain divorced from everything science knows about learning and wellbeing. If a book ever was a way out, “The Self-Driven Child” is certainly this, and the conversation with one of its authors Dr. William Stixrud is here to fill us with hope.What makes children invulnerable to anxiety and depression? How to build a brain that is capable of deep focus and motivation as well as being happy? What are the roots of autonomy and true resilience? How can we, worried parents, stay centred and give our kids the gift of our non-anxious presence? We couldn't be happier to be able to share this interview with you.

What do you do if your toddler’s special talent is jumping on and off furniture? Our guest Rudi Gesch put his own spin on the old nursery rhyme in “No More Monkeys,” a book that feels like a reassuring hug for parents who are horrified by their kids’ propensity for risky play. His science is solid too, as he partnered with an eminent evolutionary psychologist Peter Gray, who makes a cameo appearance in the book. Tune in as we talk about risky play and caution,  a surprising way to help young children unwind before bed and the kind of football training that promotes the development of leadership, initiative and confidence (OK, Rudi, "soccer practice"!). 

All eating is emotional eating according to Dr. Deborah MacNamara, the author of Nourished, a book that is a gift to any parent who has felt baffled and frustrated when feeding their child (which is most of us!). Why teaching our kids about nutrition can backfire? Why do we eat when we are not hungry and often don’t eat when we are? What did Maslow get wrong in his hierarchy of needs? Most importantly, how do we raise happy healthy eaters? This conversation is a rare insight that is going to change the way you think about food forever.

Katharine Graves has helped thousands of parents unlock the wonder of natural birth through unlearning harmful myths about labour, reclaiming agency in their antenatal journey and learning to understand and trust their bodies and instincts. What makes KG Hypnobirthing different from other courses? Why the idea of a “due date” is misguided? What are the best ways to support a pregnant woman? Finally, how did Katharine find hypnobirthing and what does she do for play?Trigger warning: Baby loss is mentioned gently and compassionately. If it’s touched your life as well, we hope you feel seen and find some comfort. 

If a school your kids and their friends need doesn’t exist, you can always create one! This is exactly what Anna Hobbs did. Listen to her incredible story of founding a democratic school that became a breath of fresh air for her students and their families, as well as her journey from being a homeschooled child to homeschooling her three kids. (Did Olga ask Anna about the housework when all three kids are at home? I bet you, and the answer is just wow!) Note: We are fully aware that “Asia” is vague as a location. We unfortunately can’t be more precise at this point, for a good reason. 

As the norms that used to structure relationships between ageing parents and grown-up children loosen, we may find ourselves with more agency to define ours. For some, it means a fresh start, a potential for a more meaningful relationship. How can we move through triggers and old wounds, to meet again? What roles do anger and shame play? What does it mean to honour your father and mother? Can we futureproof our relationship with our own children while they are still young? We talk to Daniel Maté, who runs a unique workshop series called Hello Again with his father Gabor.Find out more about Daniel and Gabor’s work at helloagainproject.com. For Daniel’s mental chiropractic service, visit walkwithdaniel.com. 

If I was pressed to choose the most helpful episode of The Caring Instinct podcast, I would pick this conversation with Benjamin Perry, a queer minister and author of Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter. Benjamin is a passionate advocate for crying, possibly the most misunderstood physiological process in our bodies (and the one we sometimes think we are better off without!). Why can we lose our tears for years and what happens to us then? Why is crying essential for our wellbeing and meaningful relationships? Most importantly, how can we soften back into tears after having lost them and how having access to them can protect our kids’ hearts? Benjamin speaks (and writes!) beautifully. This episode is already changing our lives, and we are delighted to share it with you.

Are we right in thinking the parents of the past used to be much stricter? What awaits new parents and children after a decade of gentler approaches? Can millennials claim hands-on fatherhood as their achievement? This conversation with Christina Hardyment, the author of “Dream Babies. Childcare Advice from John Locke to Gina Ford,” offers her unique bird’s eye view of parenting advice through the centuries. Listen out for the story of how the father of behaviourism became an evil marketing genius and follow our podcast for part 2. 

We are talking to our friend Nancy Evans, a Relational Trauma and Addictive Behaviours coach, a mum of three sons and true cycle-breaker. Where do you find answers as a struggling mother who still knows for sure that she does not want to raise her kids the way she was raised? How do you become a leader brave enough to take your family on a different path, the one that for Nancy included sobriety and homeschooling? Nancy shares her story with incredible courage and vulnerability. It is one of those that really stay with you. Enjoy!Find out more about Nancy's work at https://www.nancyevanscoaching.co.uk/#thecaringinstinct #parenting #cyclebreaker #sobriety #homeschooling #adhd