Episodes

  • Raising assertive children
    Sep 18 2025

    How to help children to be more assertive and self confident, without being demanding and aggressive. Clinical psychologist and mum of 3, Jacqui Maguire says assertiveness is a life skill, not a personality trait. She says children can learn it with practice, encouragement, and role models. But often parents don't really have a handle on this skill either and assertiveness takes practice for everyone.

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    17 mins
  • Why cooking and baking with children is a good idea
    Sep 11 2025

    Cooking and baking with children is a great idea - even if its makes a helluva mess, according to early childhood education research specialist Dr Vicki Hargraves. She's an early childhood teacher and mother, and ECE research specialist at The Education Hub, an organization that supports teachers with knowledge about best practice. She says spending time in the kitchen with your children is a great way to support their learning - from shapes, colours, comprehension, sequencing and creativity. And if you do a good job, you'll end up with kids who can share the cooking load in the household.

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    16 mins
  • The pros and cons of handing out awards to children
    Sep 4 2025

    What are the pros and cons of handing out awards to children? From player of the day in sport, to winner of the spelling bee, to Dux of the school. Dr Elise Waghorn is a Lecturer at R-M-I-T University's School of Education in Melbourne. She says while awards can reward effort, they can also be unhelpful and lead to a fixed mind set in children.

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    18 mins
  • How to help 'covid babies' as they start school
    Aug 28 2025

    Babies born during Covid-19 lockdowns developed and moved through early milestones under challenging and unique circumstances. Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Nurse Zoe Tipa talks about what families can do to help their 4 and 5 year olds as they start or prepare to start school.

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    17 mins
  • The 'emotional gym': growing your child's resilience muscle
    Aug 21 2025

    In parenting today, how to raise resilient children who don't wilt at the first hurdle they face.

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    19 mins
  • Parenting: the balance between good cop and boundaries
    Aug 14 2025

    Neuroscience educator and parenting coach Nathan Wallis discusses finding the balance with boundaries for children and teens while maintaining an open trusting relationship. He says boundaries give children an edge to their world, and teach them what's acceptable.

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    17 mins
  • Helping children (and young adults) with big feelings
    Aug 7 2025

    Sadness, nerves, jealousy, anger and frustration - just like adults, children feel these emotions, but sometimes don't have the words or skills to deal with them. Gen Muir is a social worker, parent educator, author, founder of Connected Parenting and mum of four boys.

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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    25 mins
  • How to be a good parent when you're struggling with your own mental health
    Jul 31 2025

    Parenting can be a challenge at the best of times - but what about when mum or dad are experiencing low mood ? - Clinical Psychologist Ben Sedley with strategies to help

    Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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    18 mins