Today on the podcast I'm joined by Nicki Farrell. Nicki is a fellow unschooling mama of two little ones, an adventurous nature play maker, children’s rights advocate and a co-founder of Wildlings Forest School.Tune in to this episode to hear us talk about:- the importance of nature play and free play for children- why letting children be "bored" is so important for their development- de-schooling- screen time and self regulation- how children connect with different aged peers and adults- movement for children and parents, especially in the current climate- how to bring nature into the home while in isolationand much more!Resources mentioned:Unlocking Us (podcast) with Glennon Doyle - Brene BrownDeschool Yourself (podcast) - Zac Slayback and Jeff TillFree To Learn (book) - Peter Gray1000 Rivers (essay) - Carol BlackSiblings Without Rivalry (book) - Adele FaberHeart to Heart Parenting (book) - Robin GrilleRaised on a farm in remote South Australia, Nicki's favourite childhood memories are of family camping trips, climbing trees, hiding amongst wool bales and rock-hopping over rock pools.Accidentally stumbling across the respectful/attachment parenting philosophy shortly after having her first child, enabled Nicki to begin to trust her child's innate curiosity and insatiable appetite to learn through play, which in turn led the family down the rabbit hole of alternative education options.Nicki's passions and expertise lie in outdoor recreation, educating educators, creating community connections, ecological literacy, environmental protection and stewardship, and ensuring diversity and alternatives in our education systems to better prepare our children for an uncertain future.You can connect with Nicki over at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildlingsforestschoolau/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlings_forestschool/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQyHG5dHeCmvQdpzb_iNOWQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcH-D5Hm9K8Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/wildlingsforestschool/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/23716386/admin/And you can connect with me over at:www.instagram/heyjessicagrayYou can find the rest of the podcasts at:www.instagram/wildlyaligned

This episode is a raw and vulnerable share, on how I am personally navigating the heavier emotions I've experienced, and riding the lows as we all settle in to this "new normal".On this episode I talk about:- tuning in to what level of thinking we use to process information- how our emotions are messages from our body- why the language we use is so important- implementing a seasonal feed cleanse- finding your safe spaceand lots more! Don't forget take a screenshot of you listening to this podcast and share it on Instagram and tag me at @heyjessicagray with your favourite take away.

Thrown into the deep end with schooling from home, working from home, and having the entire family under one roof 24/7 while we are on lockdown?Listen in as I share from a homeschooling mama's perspective how our rhythms sets the tone for our days, how I work on my business during these times, and how I navigate this as a FIFO family.

Today Jacquie joins me on the podcasts to talk about the transition from two to three children, conscious and gentle parenting, supporting children through anxiety, helping our children build resilience, teaching children to self regulate through co-regulation and how important our self care is in being the best mother and support or our children.Hang out to the end where Jacquie shares about her Brave Oil she created for her little one when he experienced significant seperation anxiety when going to pre-school.Jacquie Ward is a Provisional Psychologist and Postgraduate Psychology student with a special interest in Developmental Psychology. When she’s not studying, you’ll find her being Mum to two busy little boys  and their brand new baby sister, or working as an ABA/ Play Therapist and Support Aide for young children on the Autism Spectrum or those with behavioural support needs. If she’s not doing that, there’s a good chance you’ll find her drinking coffee or escaping to yoga class for a hit of peace amongst the happy chaos.Jacquie created The Brave Space, an online haven dedicated to offering resources for resilience and enhancing the emotional wellbeing of children. She is also the creator of Brave Oil, a special formulation designed to be used in a ritual for boosting children’s confidence and self-belief.Resources mentioned in show:The Awakened Family - Dr. ShefaliUnconditional Parenting - Alfie KohnBeyond Behaviours - Mona DelahookeYou can find Jacquie at:Instagram: www.instagram.com/the.brave.spaceWebsite: www.thebravespace.com.auAnd you can connect with me over at:www.instagram/heyjessicagrayYou can find the rest of the podcasts at:www.instagram/wildlyaligned

We cannot control what goes on out there in the world - however, we can control what we let into our lives and our minds.This week on the podcast I'm sharing about 6 different ways you can manage your thinking during the current global crisis.Head over to Instagram at @heyjessicagray after you've listened to this podcast, and let me know which one you're going to action first.Don't forget to take a screenshot and share it with me there too!

The Law of Polarity states that you cannot have darkness without light - what light can you find amongst the shift of our planet and perceived darkness right now?It’s crazy out there - on your media sources, social channels, supermarket aisles… the pandemic of fear is well and truly alive and it is REAL.So how have I been navigating this as a woman, mum, business owner and unschooling parent? Listen on as I talk about my experiences in the last week and how I have moved through feeling the emotions of the collective.Whatever happens… will happen. However we get to choose where we’re coming at it from - the darkness, or the lightBig love xxx

Welcome to the first episode of Wildly Aligned!I wanted to take the opportunity to virtually throw open the doors, invite you inside and tell you a little bit about me, what we're talking about here and what you can expect moving forward.