Are you feeling a little frazzled after a busy festive season? If 'self-care' has been at the bottom of your 'to do' list recently, it's time to change that. We chat with local spa owner, Jillian Coughlan, to find out some super simple ways that we can incorporate self-care into our daily lives, to improve our health, happiness and overall wellbeing. It's the busiest time of year for parents! With end-of-year concerts, presentation days, gift shopping, work deadlines, graduations (the list goes on!), it's no wonder we just want to collapse by the time Christmas Day comes along. With all the extra stress, it can be hard to live in the moment and enjoy the simple pleasures, and it's not unusual to be a little snappier with the ones we love!It's time to put 'self'-care' back to the top of your daily priorities, and it can be a lot easier than you think. Rachel and Sarah chat to busy mum-of-two and Spa Owner Jillian Coughlan to get some advice about how we can all incorporate self-care into our daily routine to live a calmer, more fulfilling & present life.Win a Camellia Rose Signature TreatmentWant to experience some self-care at The Spa Rooms? Jill is kindly giving away a Camellia Rose Signature Treatment to one lucky listener. All you need to do it listen to the podcast and let us know where The Spa Room therapists put their crystals... Head to the North Shore Mums website to enter!Jillian CoughlanJill is the Owner of The Spa Rooms, which first opened in Berowra Heights in 2021, and has recently opened a second spa in Hornsby. She's also a mum to two Primary School aged boys.She comes from the 5-Star Day Spa industry, and has trained teams in some of Australia's top day spas- including the Bailies Lodges, The Darling Spa in Star City Casino, Orpheus on Lord Howe, The Lost World Day Spa in the Gold Coast Hinterland and numerous Hilton, QTand Peppers Spas.Having worked with an Elder who mentored her into the incredible sacred wisdoms, rituals and earth medicine of her country, she has incorporated many of these elements into the treatments and beautiful products that she offers at The Spa Rooms. The elements of sacred ritual, meditation and healing interwoven through our entire treatment experiences.The Spa Rooms: Essential DetailsLocations: Berowra Heights: 1/136-138b Berowra Waters Road (enter via Alan Road) | Hornsby: 1/264 Peats Ferry RoadPhone: (02) 9456 0801Email: [email protected] | Facebook | Instagram#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

Is your child starting high school soon? Make the transition from primary to high school a smooth one. This podcast interview with Youth Mindset Coach, Claire Eaton, is packed with invaluable tips for both parents and students to help them get off to the best start!Starting high school is one of the biggest changes that your child will go through. But it is also a time of huge excitement, maturity, responsibility and an opportunity to make lots of new friends.In this interview on The Parenting Couch podcast, Claire Eaton shares invaluable tips about starting high school. Be sure to listen to the episode so you can support your tween as they move to the next stage of school! Here are just some of the topics covered:The most important thing you need to look for when choosing a high school for your child.Why it's okay to move your child to another school if it isn't working out.What can parents in Year 6 do to help their child get ready for high school.Top tips for students starting high school.How to help kids find their tribe at high school... and the importance of being themselves in those first few weeks.How to support a shy or anxious child.What are kids most scared about, and how can we help them overcome it?Why it's so important for teenagers to be organised... and yes, they can be taught to be organised!About Claire EatonClaire Eaton is a national speaker, youth coach and author of 5 books for teens, Hello High School + Planner, ROC and Rise, You are Awesome and her newest book, The Organised Teenager. View the books. https://www.claireeaton.com.au/teen-books/Beginning her career as a teacher, deputy principal and tutor at Edith Cowan University, it is where her deep interest in prevention-focused social, mental, and emotional health for young people, parents and families evolved.In 2007 Claire left education to share her messages as speaker and begin her own youth coaching practice in Perth, which is still successfully supporting teenagers and families today.Since 2007 Claire has been privileged to work with people of all ages and present her wellbeing ethos throughout Australia and she is well known for her practical and prevention focused approach and is sought after for the real and heartfelt way she connects with people she meets.Follow Claire on Facebook and Instagram.#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

Do you know what to say when your child asks you how babies are made? From what age should you talk to kids about sex? How do you teach children about consent? These are just some of the many issues that are covered in this latest podcast episode with Vanessa Hamilton, Author of 'Talking Sex".Whether you're a parent, carer, health professional or a teacher, talking about sex doesn't have to be awkward.In this interview on The Parenting Couch podcast, Vanessa Hamilton shares many simple tips and strategies to help you have these essential conversations with your kids. Whether you've got a toddler or a teenager, it's important to have age-appropriate conversations that support children as they grow up. Vanessa's goal is to empower the current generation of children with essential information to ensure they have safe and positive relationships during their lifetime.When should we start talking to our kids about sex?What to say if your child asks a question that you don't know how to answerWhy parents should be the first place that kids hear about sexIs it okay to give nicknames to body parts?What to do if you find out your child has sent a nude pictureHow do you answer when children ask very personal questions about your own sex lifeWhen your child gets a boyfriend or girlfriend, should you allow them to spend time alone in their bedroom?How to talk to your kids about consent, from an early ageAnd much more!About Vanessa HamiltonVanessa Hamilton is a Sexuality Educator, Speaker, Co-Author of consent resource Kit and Arlo Find a Way, Founder of Talking The Talk Healthy Sexuality Education. In her 25 years as a sexual health nurse and educator, she has been privileged to hear, support, and contribute to the intensely personal stories of thousands of people about their journeys and experiences ‘as a sexual being’.Vanessa wants parents talking to their children about sexuality, safety, reproduction, their bodies, diversity, pleasure, relationships, positivity, health, consent and more! The more people talk, learn, educate, and share accurate, comprehensive, diverse information about sex and sexuality, the better the outcome for everyone. In her latest book Talking Sex, Vanessa Hamilton discusses how human sexuality is complex, interesting, and constantly changing in our society. It's hard for adults to talk about it with children. This difficulty can be overcome with some very simple strategies and key educational points.As a nurse and educator, Vanessa has had the privilege of hearing from thousands of people about their sexual experiences throughout their lives. Her goal is to share experiences, stories and insights that enable parents to have an open, honest, and necessary conversation about human sexuality, respectful relationships and consent with your children or children you care for.Online ResourcesTalking The Talk: Sex EducationE-SafetyKids HelplineAustralian Centre to Counter Child ExploitationTake It Down#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

Are you in an unhappy or unhealthy marriage, and have been thinking about separation? If you're unsure of the first steps to take, or what might be ahead of you, be sure to listen to this enlightening interview with Family Lawyer, Anna Roberts from Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers.One of the 'most asked' Anonymous questions in the North Shore Mums Facebook group are around relationship and marriage issues. These can vary from women who want to leave a loveless marriage, right through to women who feel trapped in a toxic marriage that they feel they cannot escape.To help our members get the correct advice they need in the early stages, Rachel and Sarah spoke to Anna Roberts, from Delaney Roberts Family Lawyers, to ask all those common questions. After years of working with people experiencing separation, Anna knows how important it is to start the separation process in a strong, informed and clear-minded place.In this interview, you'll learn:Should you always appoint a family lawyer?Do all cases need to go to court, or are they resolved beforehand?How much would you expect to pay to see a family lawyer?What if you can’t afford a lawyer? Are there any free services for people who are financially struggling?How can you leave a narcissistic partner?Some couples decide to separate but stay living under the one roof. Does 'nesting' work?How you can get early funds from the property pool if you don't have an income.Should you stay in the family home or move out?How to get an AVOAbout Anna RobertsAnna is the Principal Solicitor and Director of Delaney Roberts Family Lawyers. She is also an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Anna has over 15 years’ experience in the area of Family Law including Divorce and Separation, Family Estate Planning and Contested Wills Claims.Anna has a niche practice representing the spouses of high-income professionals and executives in relation to the division of complex property and investment holdings including business structures, as well as parenting arrangements and spousal maintenance.Her empathetic nature, commercial acumen and strategic approach assist her clients to progress throughout their dispute with dignity, confidence and success.Essential Details: Delaney Roberts Family LawyersDelaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers are a leading Australian specialist Family Law Firm with offices in Sydney and Newcastle. They deliver expert legal assistance in the framework of a specialised service delivery model, tailored to assist you to achieve an outcome and move on with dignity, certainty and security.To make a Smart Start, book a Smart Start Appointment for $350.Address: Suite 1506, Level 15, 370 Pitt Street, SydneyEmail: [email protected]: 1300 760 773Website | FacebookDomestic Violence Support ServicesIf you are in immediate danger, call 000.Services for women escaping DV.1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732NSW DV Line: 1800 656 463NSW Sexual Violence Helpline: 1800 424 017#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

A happy life starts with a happy home... and Feng Shui is a four-thousand-year-old practice that can be used to supercharge your home to create a balanced and harmonious space. Feng Shui Expert Patrica Lohan shared her top tips for updating your home to balance your house's energy, find greater flow and design a living space that can help you realise your dreams.Rachel and Sarah are joined by Patricia Lohan on The Parenting Couch, to learn how Feng Shui can enhance the harmony and well-being of your family's living space. In this interview you'll learn:The importance of noticing how your home makes you feel when you arrive homeWhy your bedroom should be a sanctuary, and not a place for laptops, mobile phones or photos of your kids!Why toys belong in the playroom (and not your child's bedroom)How to choose what toys to declutter, and what can happily stayWays to 'switch off' from work when your desk is in the middle of the house or on your kitchen tableAbout Patricia LohanPatricia Lohan is a Feng Shui expert, manifesting magnet, alchemist, healer and real-life Irish Celtic Shaman. Some people call her the “Mary Poppins of Prosperity".Patricia is the creator of PowerHouse Feng Shui and Author of The Happy Home: A Guide To Creating A Happy, Healthy, Wealthy Life. She has helped thousands of people across the globe embrace Feng Shui and creates lasting changes in their businesses, homes and lives. Patricia has seen first hand the power of the mind, surroundings and inner healing, clearing and aligning everything so it works holistically.Patricia has been featured in media around the world including The New York Time, CNN, Fox, Forbes, The New York Post, She Knows, Essence, Mind Body Green, USA Today and Elephant Journal.Want to know more about Feng Shui? Join Patricia's Feng Shui Mini Course for $9!Follow on InstagramJoin the Powerhouse Feng Shui Facebook group#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

Is your child plagued by negative self-talk? Do they have low self-esteem? In this empowering episode of The Parenting Couch podcast, Rachel and Sarah talk to Lauren Thompson, Author of 'There's a Bully in my Brain' who shares her tips about how kids can develop a more positive self-talk and healthy self-esteem.One of the most significant mental well-being issues facing Australian children is declining self-esteem.With one in 5 students saying they already feel negative about their self-esteem as they enter high school, children need help in developing positive self-talk from a young age.Working as a support teacher (and a mum of three herself), Lauren Thompson saw the impact that negative self-talk has on children firsthand. Lauren began challenging these thoughts with her primary school students, helping them to develop a more positive mind set and healthy self-esteem. In teaching them to stand up to the bullies in their brain, Lauren watched as the children around her began to change into happier, healthier versions of themselves.In this episode, Lauren shares:The power of positive affirmations - and her top 3 affirmations for kidsWhy it’s more important to praise your child’s effort, not just their successesThe 'GGG' dinner ritual that you can do every night at the tableHow kids have the power to change their negative self-talkHow to help your child take risks, without saying ‘be careful’Why it's okay to use the 'Parent Pause'There's a Bully in My Brain, by Lauren ThompsonAfter seeing the positive impact her work was having and recognising that her own struggle with negative self-talk first came at a young age, Lauren decided to write a picture book to help turn one’s inner-dialogue from a bully into a friend, offering practical strategies to counteract negative thoughts.There’s a Bully in My Brain takes readers inside the mind of one young girl, struggling with negative self-talk, who begins to stand up against the bully in her brain, fighting away the pessimistic thoughts with uplifting and inspiring words of kindness.There’s a Bully in My Brain is for every child that has told themselves they aren’t good enough and every adult who wants in inspire their children’s ability to fight the voices in their head.About Lauren ThompsonLauren Thompson has a passion for helping children and currently works in primary schools as a support teacher, working with children with additional needs. She has always loved helping children feel their best and spent many years teaching yoga and meditation where she specialised in children’s classes.Lauren lives on the South Coast of NSW and is a loving mother of three children. Working with kids as well as having her own has given Lauren deep insight into what challenges children are struggling with the most today. She hopes that her books will be able to reach a wider span of young people to help them overcome any difficulties they might be experiencing.Buy a copy of There's A Bully in my Brain.#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

Got a spring in your step? Keen to tackle the cutlery drawer, linen cupboard or wardrobe? The Decluttering Diva joins Rachel & Sarah on The Parenting Couch to share her top tips for Spring Cleaning. This interview will give you the motivation you need to get started... and once you've sorted one area of your life, you'll be keen to move onto the next!In the latest episode of The Parenting Couch podcast, Rachel and Sarah sit down with Kristina Duke, Decluttering Diva, to get her top tips for Spring Cleaning! In the episode, you'll learn...What's the best way to approach Spring Cleaning?The clever tactic to ensure you smash all your spring cleaning goalsHow to tackle spring cleaning the wardrobe... kitchen... and linen cupboardTo sell, donate or recycle... how to choose and how to actionWhy a tidy cupboard reduces the mental load and helps your mental healthKristina DukeKristina Duke is a North Shore Mums of three kids, and is the lead of organiser and founder of Decluttering Diva since 2013.Since its inception Decluttering Diva has grown to a team of 6 professional organisers servicing clients with chronic disorganisation, hoarding disorder and/or ADHD issues across Sydney.Kristina takes clutter seriously and has recently been accredited as NSW’s 1st Certified Professional Organiser in Chronic Disorganisation through ICD – a not for profit organisation that provides education and training to professional organisers and related professionals who specialise in working with the population affected by chronic disorganisation.When she isn’t organising Kristina loves DIY projects in her home, op-shopping, and singing – hence the Diva name.Mobile: 0402 021 995Website | Facebook | Instagram#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

It’s not easy being a parent in a world of TikTok and bubblegum-flavoured vapes! To help guide them through the teenage years, Rachel & Sarah invited Dr Jo Prendergast onto The Parenting Couch to get her top tips for supporting teens towards a healthy headspace.Parenting a tween or teen can come with a whole range of challenges - from depression and anxiety, through to self harm and eating disorders. If you're navigating (or about to navigate) this parenting stage, this interview with psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast is packed full of useful tips - from how to build a strong relationship with your teen, through to what to do if you child is self harming.How to be a safe base for your teenWhat questions to ask your teen that get more than a one-word answerWhy talking in the car or via text message can work!How the 'drop & run' technique (rather than a TED talk!) can be effective for providing adviceTips to build a strong relationship with your teenWhy a being a calm parent is so important - and that self-care for mums is still important when you have a teenWhy it’s important to listen & validate their feelings - and not always problem-solveSigns of depression in teens & what to do if you teen is depressedSelf harm - the huge rise in cases, and what to look out forAbout Dr Jo PrendergastDr Jo Prendergast is a parent, psychiatrist, and stand-up comedian. Over the course of her career, she has worked with children, teens and adults in a wide range of settings in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. She moonlights as the comedian Jo Ghastly and tours her solo comedy show The Cool Mum internationally.She is passionate about tackling big subjects in a lighthearted way. Dr Jo is also the mother of two young adults, recently graduating from parenting teens herself."When Life Sucks" covers everything from anxiety, depression, trauma and eating difficulties, to understanding neurodivergence and gender identity. The book is a first-aid manual for some of life’s toughest challenges. It’s not easy being a parent in a world of TikTok and bubblegum-flavoured vapes, but When Life Sucks gives you the practical tools to help make your life a little lighter and to support your teen towards a healthy headspace.As a parent herself, Dr Jo knows how hard it can– especially when a teen communicates only in eye rolls and grunts!Support ServicesLifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention): 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36Mensline: 1300 78 99 78Suicide call back Service:  1300 659 467National Indigenous Critical Response Service: 1800 805 801#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

In the latest episode of The Parenting Couch podcast, Rachel and Sarah talk with Katie Parker from Bloomfully... who has created an incredible online program for tween girls called 'I Believe In Me'. Katie opens up about her passion for helping girls to bloom, and her insights for how parents can support their daughters.Tween girls have a lot to deal with... friendship issues, changing bodies, social media, school pressures and more. In recent years, there's been a huge increase in anxiety and depression from this age group, and as parents we want to be able to do whatever we can to support them through tough times. In this episode of The Parenting Couch podcast, Katie Parker from Bloomfully shares her advice for some of the big situations that your daughter might experience:Dealing with bullies and exclusion: When friends are mean and drama starts - what is the best way to handle it?Mental health: What can we do to support our child's mental health, particularly if they are suffering from anxiety or depression?Identity: Why girls should strive to find their own passions and direction, and not be a follower.Hard times: How you can help your daughter through failures, disappointments and hard emotions ? Negative self-talk: How can tweens stop the negative self-talk and stop the comparison game? Building Confidence: How you can build lasting confidence in your tween daughter, to help her now and in the future? Family routines: Why family routines are important... even with older children!Meet Katie ParkerKatie is the President & CEO of Bloomfully and has a passion for building the confidence of young girls, tweens and women. Her mission is to help them grow above the comparing, the criticism, and the self-doubt that are plaguing girls. She honestly believes EVERY girl and EVERY woman is remarkably unique and needed in this world.Katie is married to Matt Parker of Album Surfboards and they live in Orange County, CA with their six children. In the Summer they surf and in the Winter they snowboard. Family and faith are at her core and the blooming businesses are an extension of that foundation. She is the CEO & creator of Singers Company, I Believe in Me, and Bloomfully, companies that focus on building the confidence of girls of all ages.As she watches the world become ever more complex to navigate for girls, she longs to help them stay grounded/rooted yet willing and able to bloom wherever they may be in the world. She hopes Bloomfully will help girls believe in their gifts, encourage them to grow and motivate them to share with the world. The world needs strong minds, and strong hearts in strong girls.I Believe In Me is a life-cheering online adventure for tweens that gives real tools to create a happy school life! This time of life can be tricky and through weekly episodes, video tutorials and fun interactive online events we focus on promoting positive mindset and individual growth for each member. Girls can join ANY time and enjoy the program at their own pace.Essential DetailsWebsite: bloomfully.comOnline Program: Register your child into I Believe In Me#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums

Financial stress is real, and it has a huge impact on our happiness. When we're stressed about money, our relationships with our partners are strained, we're not as patient with our children and our physical and mental health is impacted. If we can take control of our financial wellbeing and reduce the stress, the benefits are huge. And it's just the smallest changes in the way with think about money use money and hold onto money that can make a profound change to our future.In this episode, Rachel and Sarah chat to Financial Planner Canna Campbell about how we can build, manage and protect our money. Canna is also known as Sugar Mamma, and has her own YouTube Channel with over 125k subscribers and 9 million video views! Although she now lives 'on the other side of the bridge'. she grew up on the North Shore and attended Abbotsleigh.Canna shares her top tips for getting through these tough financial times, as well as tips about how we can set ourselves up for the future.Why you need to do a budgetWhat household expenditures will give you the biggest savingsTips for savings on your weekly grocery shopHow you can get a better deal from your utility providersCall utility providers to see if you can get a better dealWhy you should call your bank or the debt helpline if you are really strugglingEasy ways to bring in extra moneyFlexible jobs for mums that you can do at the weekend or at nightsWhy you should pay your bills on a regular basisHow important it is to have Emergency Money, and how much should you have set aside?Can you cut back on insurance costs?Is a Financial Planner worth it?Meet Canna CampbellCanna Campbell is a Financial Planner and published author, with extensive experience spanning across corporate banking, boutique wealth management, television, radio, keynote speaking, podcasting and digital and social media production.Canna established her financial planning firm, ‘SASS Financial Services’, in 2007. She founded the financial media platform, ‘SugarMamma.TV’, in 2015 providing accessible financial education to everyday people who may feel intimidated and confused by personal finance.Canna has been featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue, The Huffington Post, Mamamia, Yahoo, The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail, as well as 2GB, Sunrise and The Morning Show on Channel Seven.Essential Details: SugarMamma.TVPodcasts: SugarMamma's Fireplay | How Do They Afford That?Books: Mindful Money | The $1000 ProjectFollow: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook#theparentingcouch#theparentingcouchpodcast#parenting#northshoremums