Raising Teens with Collett Smart

PURCHASE the book for $1.39AUD here at Amazon Raewyn Elsegood is a seasoned author and chaplain renowned for her empathetic writing and expertise in grief counseling. With over ten years of experience as a trained writer, Raewyn has channeled her profound personal experience of losing her daughter into her work, penning "21 Gifts" as a testament to her healing journey. Her professional history includes extensive work as a chaplain, where she has supported countless individuals in times of grief with her compassionate presence and insightful guidance.   Key Takeaways: Grief is Messy and Individual: Raewyn underscores that grief is not a linear process but unique to each person and can evolve over time. Writing as Healing: "21 Gifts" harnesses the power of writing as a therapeutic outlet, documenting a mother's journey through loss by reflecting on life's gifts. The Power of Presence: Offering support to those grieving involves simply "being there," as a witness to their experience without needing to fix it. Faith's Role in Grief: Raewyn candidly shares her struggle and reconciliation with faith amidst her grief, revealing the comfort and complexity it brings. Lessons in Legacy: Through her book and public speaking, Raewyn continues to honor Amy's legacy, teaching that healing often involves transforming personal pain into purposeful action. Notable Quotes: "Grief is very messy, and even trained professionals need to surrender to it." "Losing Amy didn't mean losing my purpose as her mother. Writing 21 Gifts, establishing her scholarship, speaking to others; this is mothering her legacy." "What I want people to feel as they read this book is they're walking with a companion, and I want them to have hope in their hurting heart." "In our fear, we stay away, not knowing what to do. But there's no perfect words. Please just show up." "Worry is normal, but it is a waste of time." Resources: Raewyn Elsegood's Website Book: 21 Gifts   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WIN Dr Arne’s book!! Click here to enter! Dr. Arne Rubinstein is a leading expert on rites of passage and adolescent development. As the founder of the Rites of Passage Institute, Dr. Rubinstein is devoted to creating transformational experiences for teenagers and communities. With over 30 years of experience, including a decade and a half as an emergency medicine doctor, he has a profound understanding of human development and the challenges young people face today. Dr. Rubinstein is also the author of "The Making of Men" and has significantly contributed to the field by working with schools globally and supporting over 500,000 people through his programs. Key Takeaways: A rite of passage is a guided process essential for successfully transitioning youth from childhood to adulthood, offering community support and shared wisdom. Unstructured "rites of passage," such as schoolies, often involve risk and lack meaningful guidance, leading to potentially harmful outcomes. Structured programs emphasise storytelling, challenge, vision creation, and recognition of unique gifts as critical components, providing a healthier and more profound transition experience. Both teenagers and their communities, including parents and elders, benefit from engagement in rites of passage, promoting stronger, more supportive relationships. Rites of passage are not limited to adolescence; they are valuable throughout life for managing transitions like leaving home, marriage, and aging. Notable Quotes: "I am convinced that every one of our children is going to go through a rite of passage. The question is, will that be a healthy rite of passage?" "When we are creating rites of passage for our young people, we need to take into account that every child is different, and every child is born with their own unique gifts and talents." "Instead of having elders in the community who are actually doing it for the benefit of the young ones, when they're doing it as a way of sort of staying on top of them, that's when it goes wrong." "One thing, if we could teach girls to listen to their inner voice, that would really be impactful and important for those girls." "Bringing out their gifts and their spirit. That's what rites of passage are about." Resources: Rites of Passage Institute Dr. Arne Rubinstein's book: The Making of Men Online Rites of Passage Leadership Training via the Rites of Passage Institute   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krysten Bisby is an esteemed counselor and advocate for animal-assisted therapy, harnessing her extensive experience with animals to support mental health and well-being. With a background in competitive horse riding, she has drawn on her lifelong passion for animals, including her therapeutic partner Cruz, a certified therapy dog, to enhance her counseling practice. She is notably involved in para-dressage riding at an international level, working with riders who have disabilities. Furthermore, she has transitioned from being a teacher to a counselor, focusing on creating safe spaces for young people to discuss their concerns and work towards mental wellness. Krysten operates KB Counseling Collective and partners with organisations like Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Sydney to provide therapy incorporating animals. Key Takeaways: Krysten Bisby emphasises the importance of safe environments in therapy, crucially non-traditional approaches that involve animal companionship. Animal-assisted therapy facilitates tangible benefits for emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and developing social skills. Pet therapy involves a certified partnership between handler and animal, requiring rigorous training and assessment. Non-verbal communication and repetitive activities with animals significantly aid in engaging clients who struggle with verbal processing. Activities with therapy animals can transform feelings of being 'different' or struggles into therapeutic experiences of social connection and emotional growth. Notable Quotes: "I think horses were kind of that escape and that time for me that I just felt a bit free really, being out in the paddock and riding." "If there had just been someone at school that I could have talked to, or who could have said, ‘Hey, what's happening for you?’" "Research shows that being around animals reduces cortisol, releases oxytocin, and has physical effects like lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate." "For me, it's about equipping clients to have skills and strategies to manage themselves in everyday struggles." "I think when you take away some of that focus of therapist with client and you add an animal, it's super regulatory, a calming presence." Resources: Visit KB Counselling Collective's Website Visit KB Counseling Collective on Facebook for more information about Krysten Bisby's work. Explore services at Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers in Box Hill. Contact Krysten here for counseling inquiries in Sydney.     Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Gair StrongHER Side ebook - Available for free to listeners, providing tools and resources for mothers. Hannah Gair became a foster mum at 23, then had a son born with Fragile X syndrome. She's now raising three kids and knows firsthand the "pressure cooker" reality of supporting families with children with disabilities. In this conversation, Hannah shares practical strategies for raising teens with additional needs while still connecting with your other kids, how the broader community can genuinely help struggling families, and why 70% of disability caregivers experience burnout. She also opens up about navigating divorce, rebuilding life as a single mum, and creating StrongHER Side—a community for the nearly one million Australian mums raising children with disabilities. Key Takeaways: Parental Advocacy: Hannah's journey emphasises the critical role of parents in advocating for children with disabilities, both in terms of education and day-to-day life. Importance of Support Structures: Family, community, and specialised education play vital roles in supporting children with disabilities and their families. Self-Care Strategies: Hannah underscores the necessity of finding personal time for self-care, which can range from exercise routines to quiet journaling moments. Navigating Emotional Complexity: Addressing the emotional and logistical complexities of raising children with additional needs, and how empathy and vulnerability foster resilience. Building Awareness and Empathy: Encouraging proactive interactions and openness with individuals with disabilities to foster an inclusive environment. Notable Quotes: "The best thing we can do as a mother is actually allow our children to reach their full potential." "When somebody leans into their world and looks at her and displays empathy towards her and shows her support, then you're making her feel seen." "He's trying to find a common place to have a conversation with you because majority of Aussies have a team that they follow." "We are the product of our choices, and so it's being bigger than the most negative thought that you have." "Every one of us want to feel seen. Every one of us are hardwired for connection." Resources: StrongHER Side Podcast - A podcast designed to support mothers raising children with disabilities. Hannah Gair StrongHER Side ebook - Available for free to listeners, providing tools and resources for mothers.   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Maltman brings sleep health education to thousands of Australian teens and parents. She reveals why 70% of teens aren't getting enough sleep, tackling technology designed to keep them scrolling, packed schedules treating sleep as leftover time, and sleep disorders mistaken for ADHD. Collett and Lisa discuss the "Can't Sleep vs Won't Sleep" framework, social jet lag from weekend sleep-ins, and why tired teen drivers are as impaired as drunk drivers. You'll hear practical tools like family sleep diaries, Connor's story of misdiagnosed sleep apnoea, and why "revenge bedtime procrastination" steals everyone's rest. Real solutions for tired teens. Key Takeaways: Sleep is foundational for physical health, mental well-being, and academic and athletic performance. Around 70% of teens fail to get adequate sleep, largely due to technology and time management issues. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can profoundly impact behavior and mental health; professional help is available and recommended. Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, even on weekends, can help mitigate "social jet lag" in teenagers. Parents can model good sleep habits and assist teens in understanding the importance of adequate rest by engaging in open conversations about sleep. Notable Quotes: "Sleep impacts so much, and ironically, the time I was working for a sleep company, I developed insomnia." "Elite athletes will actually get someone to come in and talk to them about how improving their sleep will give them the competitive edge." "The logical part of our brain's not really working, so we just go: 'whatever', and that cycle can continue." "Because when you're tired, it is the same as being over the limit with alcohol." "My biggest hope is that they all completely understand the impact that sleep has on their physical health, mental health, and performance." Resources: The Sleep Connection: Lisa Maltman’s initiative, offering programs focused on educating students, parents, and corporations about sleep health. Woolcock Medical Institute: Leaders in Breathing and Sleep Research   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collett sits with the host of Troubleshooting (a podcast for the 20-35 year olds for all things technology) and discuss the social media ban which has come into effect recently.  Key Takeaways: Legislative Impact: Australia's new laws ban under 16-year-olds from accessing many social media platforms, intending to offer kids more time for childhood development away from digital distractions. Platform Responsibility: The legislation places responsibility on big social media companies to ensure compliance, threatening fines for continued underage access. Balanced Approach: Colette advocates for the careful balance between digital interaction and real-world activities essential for kids’ growth, promoting delayed technology exposure. Community Alternative: While online communities serve as a meaningful outlet for many young people, especially in rural areas, the challenge is to find or create those networks safely outside digital confines. Parental Support: These laws support parents in setting boundaries, fostering conversations about screen time, and promoting mindful technology use among adults and children alike. Notable Quotes: "I really just want to also kind of end with saying, I see this as an opportunity to give children time to be children." "The social media giants, they are the ones who will face a penalty… if they don't take steps to prevent underage accounts." "It's now part of the law… it gives parents another tool to help their children delay social media use." "There has been this enormous shift in my own family of the way phones are used, technology is used and social media has been used." "It's not that we are just banning social media, we are actually encouraging a delay." Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FREE GIFT - Exclusive to Raising Teens and Hope1032 listeners - StrongHER Side podcast is offering this resource Planning Calm For Christmas Christmas brings joy, but it can also bring pressure, grief, and exhaustion. Collett shares practical mental health strategies for parents navigating tricky family dynamics, financial stress, and the weight of loss during the holidays. Drawing on insights from Graeme Cowan (co-founder of RU OK?) and Hannah Gair (advocate for mums raising kids with disability), she explores realistic self-care practices that actually fit into real life. From setting boundaries to adopting a "just one thing" approach, this mini-episode offers permission to protect your peace and embrace imperfection this Christmas season. Key Takeaways: Holiday stress can amplify emotional challenges; hence, setting realistic expectations is crucial. Establishing healthy boundaries can protect your mental well-being during the festive season. Practicing gratitude and engaging in activities like volunteering can shift focus away from materialistic comparisons. The importance of maintaining personal well-being routines amid holiday busyness is emphasized. Concepts like the "just one thing" philosophy can simplify stress and encourage peace during this period. Notable Quotes: "Your well-being, not always being polite, is your first priority." "Choose peace over this invisible pressure to make everything perfect." "You just need to take one step towards protecting your peace." "Practicing gratitude changes the brain pathways." "Cultivate kindness for yourself, especially during stressful times." Resources: Graeme Cowan: Co-Founder of RU OK? Hannah Gair: Host of "StrongHer Side" Podcast, advocate for mothers raising children with disabilities 1300Respect - If you need help with Domestic, Family or Sexual Violence Llifeline - Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention     Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She Wasn’t Born Yesterday tackles the many unique issues affecting women who are 40+ fabulous. Click here to follow this podcast Janet Evans and Jenni Woodhouse tackle adult parent-child relationships on "She Wasn't Born Yesterday" with Dr Jenny Brown, a family therapist with 35+ years helping Aussie families. Jenny shares game-changing strategies for staying curious instead of reactive during family conflicts, giving feedback without criticism, and understanding those weird family patterns. Whether your relationship with your parents is broken or just challenging, she offers practical advice for improving family connections without losing yourself in the process. About the Guest: Dr. Jenny Brown is a highly respected clinical couple and family therapist with over 35 years of experience, specializing in family systems theory. She holds a PhD in social science and has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate complex family dynamics. Dr. Brown is also an accomplished author and a key figure at the Family Systems Institute, where she contributes to training mental health professionals. Her work focuses on applying scientific theory to real-world relationship challenges, particularly emphasizing self-differentiation and emotional maturity. Key Takeaways: Self-Differentiation is Essential: Emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal growth and emotional maturity to improve relationships with parents. Curiosity Over Reactivity: Advocates for a curious rather than reactive approach to family dynamics, promoting understanding and empathy. Avoid Triangulation: Highlights the pitfalls of involving third parties unnecessarily, urging direct communication in resolving conflicts. The Impact of Labels: Warns against labeling family members as villains or saints, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of individual behaviors. The Role of Feedback: Stresses the importance of offering constructive feedback without criticizing, fostering healthier communication patterns. Notable Quotes: "Being a parent is like trying to stand up in a hammock without spilling your wine." "If there's a lot of conflict with parents, it's probably a sign that there's a lot that isn't worked out." "I will not give advice until I've heard the best advice that they have to give themselves." "Even messy relationships are worth having the experience of dealing with them." "We can't have three steps to the perfect relationship to achieve in one week." Resources: Jenny Brown’s Books: Amazon Family Systems Institute: Information and resources on family systems theory. Family Systems Practice Website: Offers insights into familial relationship dynamics. Parent Hope Project: Dr. Brown's program focusing on improving parental approaches. She Wasn’t Born Yesterday, hosted by Janet Evans, a senior advertising creative and Jenni Woodhouse a semi retired social worker Join the discussion of being 40+ faaabulous on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To hear more Money: Faith & Finance, click on this apple podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/money-faith-finance/id1656825243 Teenagers earning money and paying you board? What about adult kids living under your roof? Joni asked Pete and Ben to get stuck into the family affair of working out if your kids with jobs need to stump up. So they did, diving deeper than their kneejerk response of "YES". Growing up with the expectation of paying board, Pete and Ben acknowledge the changed landscape of home ownership and accessibility. But the life lesson of paying board remains, as well as the opportunity to live out biblical principles of respect. Key Takeaways: Financial Responsibility: Charging board teaches young adults to manage finances and prepares them for independent living. Family Dynamics: Open communication about finances and responsibilities can reduce tension and foster understanding among family members. Economic Landscape: Rising costs of living and rental rates contribute to adult children staying home longer. Adapting Traditions: Modern families may need to adjust traditional approaches to rent and board, weighing financial necessity against educational opportunity. Value-Based Discussions: Families can leverage biblical principles, such as honouring parents, to guide discussions about board. Notable Quotes: "Shouldn't they, in a sense, contribute to the cost of the house? And I think the answer is yes." – Pete Burrows "In adulthood, spoiler alert, you're going to cop 100% of the cost of living." – Pete Burrows "We're trying to prepare you for adulthood. And in adulthood…you need to pay a percentage of those costs." – Pete Burrows "Is it more about while you're here, we're trying to teach you a lesson?" – Ben McEachen   Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more episodes of "Undistracted with Laura Bennett" subscribe here on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Join host Laura Bennett as she delves into parenting with psychologist, teacher, and author Colett Smart. Explore strategies for managing school-related stress, fostering children's identity beyond academics and activities, and maintaining healthy family dynamics. Colette shares insights into balancing extracurricular commitments, approaching other parents' expectations, and the impact of adult stress on children. Discover how to raise teens with intention and purpose, emphasizing the importance of staying present and engaged.  Key Takeaways: Navigating Change: Colette discusses how any form of change, even positive, induces stress and suggests approaching a new school year with a mindset that embraces both excitement and challenges. Emotional Load: She highlights the emotional burden parents and children carry during transitions, advocating for early intervention and support if stress becomes overwhelming. Balancing Activities: Encourages parents to support their children's passions but maintain a healthy balance to ensure time for social interactions and relaxation. Parental Influence: Stresses the importance of modeling positive responses to stress and maintaining open communication to alleviate children's anxieties. Social Engagements: Advocates for clear communication among parents to manage expectations regarding children's social activities, making these experiences enjoyable without overwhelming commitments. Notable Quotes: "All change can cause some form of stress, but it also brings exciting opportunities for growth." – Colett Smart "You need to be the voice for your children and get them support early on." – Colett Smart "Try to expand and make sure that they have other avenues where they reach out to others." – Colett Smart "Someone needs to be brave enough to start the discussion... most parents are relieved." – Colett Smart "We need to give our children hope and talk about what they can bring to the world." – Colett Smart Resources: Colett Smart’s book: "They’ll Be Okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times" Listen to Undistracted with Laura Bennett here on Apple Podcasts Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check Susanne's website out - https://www.susannegerstmyer.com/ "I help way too busy mums break the cycle of overwhelm and enjoy life more" ~ Susanne Gerstmyer Join Colette Smart as she explores the theme of busyness with guest Susanne Gerstmyer, author of "Breaking Free of Busy." They unpack the mental and emotional aspects of a packed schedule, the impact on family dynamics, and offer practical strategies to prioritise connection over perfection. Susanne shares her journey from burnout to balance and offers insights into making intentional choices to reclaim time and energy. This ep provides valuable reflections for parents navigating the demands of raising teens while fostering meaningful relationships and self-awareness. Key Takeaways: Susanne Gerstmyer emphasises that the root of busyness goes beyond schedules and tasks, stemming from internal beliefs and emotions. The different dimensions of busyness include practical, mental, and emotional aspects, which must be managed comprehensively for effective change. Recognise the unrealistic societal deadline mindset often associated with end-of-year schedules and the importance of simplifying tasks. The emotional climate set by parents heavily influences family dynamics; prioritising connection over perfection is vital. Introspection into why we overcommit is crucial; understanding the need for validation or the fear of failure can help manage tendencies towards busyness. Notable Quotes: "Who we are is far more important and impactful than anything we do." "I realised that it's okay for other people to be unhappy or to be inconvenienced." "When we're too busy, we often miss some of those subtle signals and cues about what's going on with our families." "Trying to choose connection over perfection and recognising that it's when we're actually just being real and not trying to make everything perfect." "My hope is that families would really be able to be intentional about that and in doing so, enjoy the season and show up as the best that they can be rather than a busy, crazy person."   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways: I CARE Framework: Learn how to Identify changes in behavior, show compassion, Access mental health experts, Revitalise social engagement, and the importance of Exercise. Engaging Teen Boys: Effective ways to engage young men in mental health conversations through shared activities and subtle inquiries. Self-Care for Carers: The importance of carers maintaining their own vitality, intimacy, and prosperity to provide effective support. Holistic Approach to Recovery: Emphasise the role of a holistic approach, incorporating regular exercise, healthy eating, and strong social connections. Community Resources: Utilise resources like Reach Out and Kids Helpline for additional support and information. Notable Quotes: "A conversation could change a life." – Graeme Cowan "Don't be afraid to let that [question] hold out there. Don't feel you have to fill the gap with noise." – Graeme Cowan "Self-care isn't selfish; if we don't care ourselves, there's no way we can offer support and patience and guidance for a young person who could be struggling." – Graeme Cowan "The more that a young man feels understood, the greater our capacity to influence them." – Graeme Cowan "We need to act like a VIP: vitality, intimacy, prosperity. Think each day, how can I top up those glasses?" – Graeme Cowan Resources: R U OK? – Information about the organisation and resources. Reach Out – Resources for young people and parents. Graeme Cowan's Books: Access to the "Back from the Brink" series. Kids Helpline – Support and resources for young people and parents. Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.