Kinderling Conversation

When small children go to day care, they can be seen in everything from tutus with hardhats to superhero costumes. But once kids enter formal education, with uniforms, just how much self expression are they allowed? Many schools have rules around hair, nails, and neatness of uniforms. But what is our role as parents when it comes to how our kids want to express their own sense of self? Anthony Semann is an early learning educator with Semann and Slattery. Anthony helps us find a balance between the rules and supporting our kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Female reproduction is often referred to as a "ticking clock" and yet many women are not aware how challenging falling pregnant after 40 can be. Dr Karin Hammarberg is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Monash University. She also worked in the field of IVF for 20 years. Karin is concerned there is a myth about fertility that persists for both men and women. Karin talks about how likely it is for a woman to fall pregnant after 40 and what needs to change to allow women to have babies when they are most likely to fall pregnant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step parenting is not something we talk about a lot, but inheriting non-biological children as part of a new relationship is common. As common as blended families are, we don't often hear what it's like from the step-parent's perspective. Lem Zkharia was 28 when she met and fell in love with her partner, who at the time had two children aged 4 and 6. Things moved quickly and before she knew it, Lem was moving through the process of learning how to raise children. Lem talks about the challenges and joys of becoming a part of the family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most parents have heard about the challenges that can arise once a child has their own phone. Access to the internet at all hours and with many social platforms can create a whole new universe that parents need to master and understand. Kate Browne from finder.com has done the research on when Australian parents are giving kids a phone. She explains what we might want to avoid and tips on ways to make it a better experience for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tongue tie is when the membrane that attaches a baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth is tight or short. This can then cause problems with breastfeeding because the baby can't latch properly. However there are some who believe that tongue ties have become a catch-all for the many challenges that can come with breastfeeding. Paediatrician Dr Deb Levy talks us through where to go if you suspect your child might have tongue tie and how they are fixed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shame is a very powerful word. One that most associate with the most serious of crimes. But the truth is shame is a very everyday experience. Parents can inadvertently use shame while trying to discipline their kids. Karen Young is a parenting educator and creator of the Hey Sigmund website. Karen gives practical examples of shaming language and tips on how you can turn this around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your child was to wake up screaming in the middle of the night, would you know how to work out if they were having a nightmare or a night terror? While they might look similar the two experiences are very different. Dr Sarah Blunden is the Head of Paediatric Sleep Research at Central Queensland University and a spokesperson for the Sleep Health Foundation. Sarah explains the difference and how you can help your child manage both. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Tabitha Carvan first noticed Benedict Cumberbatch her children were still very young. One moment he was an ordinary actor, the next she was obsessing over every plane of his face. Her book This is not a book about Benedict Cumberbatch traces her new-found obsession, from embarrassment about her feelings to a new-found joy in her unusual passion, Tabitha shows that loving something ridiculous could be the very thing that sets you free.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does your son have a melt-down every time you ask him to put down his console? Does he want to be playing games every waking minute? Many parents have children, and sons in particular, who love gaming more than anything else. Dr Kristy Goodwin says that while this isn't always a bad thing, it might be time to set up some healthy behaviours. Kristy explains why boys in particular can be so attached to their games, and how we can put in some boundaries to have a more harmonious household.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has your child ever woken in the night complaining of a sore leg? Or maybe it was the inside arch of their foot? Growing pains has been something children have complained about for years, but it's also something that Joshua Burns says is poorly understood. Joshua Burns is a Professor of Paediatric Neuromuscular Rehabilitation at the Sydney School of Health Sciences. Joshua explains what is known about growing pains, and how parents can manage them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Power believes fighting is normal and it doesn't have to mean the end of everything. In her new book When Love Goes South, A guide to help you turn conflict around Emma explains how knowing yourself can help you avoid unnecessary conflict. In this interview Emma talks about both preventative measures and ways you can manage fights when they happen anyway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the moment you bring a second baby home you are dealing with sibling dynamics. And while that might start with just managing the needs of two small humans, it can evolve into sibling rivalry over everything from who gets the best slice of cake to who sits in the front seat of the car. Genevieve Muir is an obstetrics social worker and parenting educator. As the mum of four boys she also has some insight into sibling rivalry. Gen explains what's happening when siblings fight, when you should leave it, and when you need to step in. Gen's website is called Connected Parenting. https://www.connectedparenting.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Distraction, an obsession with youth and discontent are all part and parcel of being an adolescent. But author and social researcher Maggie Hamilton says that adults today are living an extended adolescence that's hurting our kids. Maggie's latest book is called What happens to our kids when we fail to grow up. Maggie talks about why we all have parts of ourselves that need to grow up, and the difference it makes when you embrace being an adult.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever heard a child cry out "but it's not faaaaair" you will be interested in this interview. Psychologist and author Dr Vanessa Lapointe explains why your children might constantly fight over who is in the front seat, or even over something as mundane as a favourite cup. Vanessa also has some great practical tips on how to manage the situation after you hear that first cry of "but it's not faaaair!!"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you're pregnant chances are you're thinking about labour and what to do with a baby once they're safely in your arms. We don't talk a lot about how you might feel physically. Lyz Evans is a women's physiotherapist at Women in Focus Physiotherapy and Health who has had three babies herself- her last is now only nine months old. Lyz talks about how you can expect to feel after child birth, and the best ways to get yourself feeling back to healthy and healed. Lyz also has an online program called Empowered Motherhood for pregnancy and postnatal care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a baby can be empowering and disempowering at the same time. On one hand you have brought a new life into the world, on another you can be restricted in your work and home life by your new role as a carer. Kemi Nekvapil is a life coach who has trained with Dr Brene Brown. Her new book is called Power, A woman's guide to living and leading without apology. Kemi talks about her definition of power, and why motherhood is the perfect place to practice it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much control do you have of your finances? You may be happy to let your partner take care of the 'money stuff' as that's their strength, while you focus on the things you do well (like organising holidays, supervising home work etc). But sometimes an equal divide of jobs becomes something more sinister. Money, after all, is something we all need to survive. Financial abuse happens when one partner controls the other through economic means. Fiona Mort is the CEO of 1800 Respect, the national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service. Fiona outlines the signs that someone might be predisposed to financial abuse, and what we can do if we feel we're in an abusive relationship. 1800 Respect has resources available for people experiencing financial abuse. https://www.1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/financial-abuseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lo Carmen is an actress, musician, author and mother. She grew up surrounded by some of Australia's most influential female musicians. Along the way she starred in the iconic The Year My Voice Broke and toured with her baby when she was still in her early twenties. Then, sixteen years later, she had two more babies- and continued the creative juggle. Lo talks about her extraordinary life and the women who helped to shape it. Lo's book is called Lovers Dreamers Fighters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The body we have after childbirth isn't the same as the one we started with. But not all of us want to jump on the exercise wagon after having our baby. Your body is probably tired and sore. But sometimes moving feels good after you've been sitting in a chair feeding your baby for 24 hours straight. Jen Dugard is a personal trainer who founded MumSafe a program that educates personal trainers on the best way to help mums feel fit and healthy. Jen explains the best way to rebuild your strength, and the types of things you should avoid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should kids get pocket money? And if they should what is the right amount? Kate Browne is the editor-at-large for Finder.com.au They've done research into how Aussie parents give pocket money. Kate talks about whether kids should do chores for their money and the average weekly wage for kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.