The Parent-Teacher Project

School refusal, anxiety around camps or school events, and the daily struggle of getting children out the door are becoming increasingly common challenges for families. In this episode, we speak with Dr Jenny Brown, an experienced child and family health practitioner with over 35 years working in child and adolescent mental health and founder of the Parent Hope Project. She offers a refreshing perspective grounded in family systems theory, helping parents understand the "worry cycle", the difference between support and over-accommodation, and how staying calm, connected, and curious can help children recover confidence and resilience. Discussion Points: Why focusing first on fixing the anxiety may unintentionally reinforce avoidance and dependency. Understanding the "worry cycle" and how parental over-monitoring can unintentionally fuel a child's struggles. The difference between protecting and over-protecting children during difficult moments. What it means to be a "loving leader" — calm, supportive, and steady without over-controlling. Practical ways to respond to difficult school drop-offs and emotionally charged mornings. How to navigate situations like camps, athletics carnivals, and school events without simply giving children a "leave pass". The importance of parent-school partnerships when supporting children through school-related challenges. Why managing parental anxiety and staying emotionally regulated can help children rebuild confidence and resilience. Helpful Resources: www.parenthopeproject.com.au https://www.jennybrown.info/ The Parent Hope Podcast New Book: The Parenting Paradox Australia Join the Conversation When your child faces discomfort or reluctance, how do you usually respond — do you tend to rescue, reassure, problem-solve, or pause? How can you support your child through challenges while still encouraging their independence and resilience? We'd love to hear your thoughts. What resonated most with you from this conversation, and how have you helped your child navigate moments of school reluctance or anxiety? You can: Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Daryl Castellino is the current Director of Teaching and Learning at Redfield College. He shares practical tips on how our children can become the best learners. In this episode, we talk about why it's so important that your child learns beyond the test. This episode is designed to help your child become a lifelong learner. You don't want to miss: Identifying your child's learning style Why we need to learn beyond the test Resources: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/childhood/professionals/support/egsls.pdf Related Episodes Helping Diverse Learners What Is Deep Learning In The Classroom? The Importance Of Sleep For Academic Performance You can: Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this thought-provoking episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, Alex Perrottet, Dean of Warrane College at UNSW sits down with Associate Professor Xavier Simmons, Master of Warrane College and Director of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics at ACU, to unpack the growing anxiety epidemic among young people — and how smartphones, social media, and modern parenting might be shaping this "anxious generation.". The conversation covers the importance of leading by example, the role of legislation in managing children's access to social media, and the powerful influence of parental modelling when it comes to healthy device use. They discuss the growing parental involvement in young adults' lives—such as writing resumes, attending interviews, and even negotiating grades—and how these good intentions can undermine self-reliance. The discussion also delves into risk aversion, the decline of in-person social interaction, and the need to cultivate resilience and agency among young people. They reflect on the role of reading and engagement with great books as antidotes to screen addiction and as a pathway to deeper reflection, imagination, and emotional maturity. Finally, Xavier shares insights from the Harvard Human Flourishing Study, shedding light on what truly contributes to long-term wellbeing—such as stable family life, strong social relationships, and cultivating meaning and purpose. Discussion Points: Parental Modelling and Example: why leading by example in technology use is one of the most effective ways to guide children towards balanced habits. Social Media and Legislation: The potential benefits and limits of policies that restrict children's access to social media and online content. Over-Parenting and Self-Reliance: How well-meaning parental involvement can hinder independence and responsibility. Risk and Resilience: The importance of allowing young people to face challenges, take risks, and experience failure as essential components of growth and maturity. Building Face-to-Face Connections: Why fostering in-person conversations and community engagement is key to developing empathy and authentic human interaction. The Power of Reading: How reading good literature can help young people rediscover imagination, reflection, and emotional growth in contrast to passive digital consumption. Find out more on: The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt Join the Conversation As parents, educators, teachers and mentors, we all share a role in helping young people navigate an increasingly digital world. What habits do we model at home? How can we create opportunities for children to face small challenges, make mistakes, and grow in confidence? Reflect on your own family's relationship with technology: Are you modelling the balance you hope your children will learn? What boundaries could help strengthen face-to-face time at home? How can we encourage reading, meaningful conversations, and a love for learning in our children? And most importantly, how can we teach them that true flourishing goes beyond screens—it lies in connection, courage, and character? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Join the conversation by sharing your reflections or tips on creating a more mindful, resilient, and flourishing family life. You can: Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, host Lucia Garcia sits down with Manal Azzi, school counsellor at Tangara School for Girls and a therapist with over 15 years of experience. Together, they explore how parents can support their children's emotional development, model emotional regulation, and respond constructively to the emotional challenges children face at home and school. Discussion Points: Why Emotions Matter: Emotions are vital for healthy relationships and self-understanding. Ignoring them can lead to future challenges. Emotion Coaching Steps: Notice your child's emotions, use them as a chance to connect, listen with empathy and validate, help them name the emotion, set limits and find solutions together. What Parents Can Do: Be calm, consistent, and compassionate. Model healthy emotional behaviour and avoid dismissive phrases. Supporting Teens: Teens need non-judgemental support and space to talk. If big emotions are frequent, it may be time to seek professional help. Talking with Boys: Teach emotional language early. Use daily moments to show that feelings are normal and safe to express. Resources Mentioned: • Dr. John Gottman's Emotion Coaching model • Upcoming TeenSTAR training: Register HERE Join the Conversation We'd love to hear your experiences. What has helped you stay calm and connected when your child is having a meltdown? Have there been moments where simply acknowledging your child's feelings changed the outcome of a situation? Reflection can often bring clarity, and your insights might be just what another parent needs to hear. Join the conversation with us online. You can comment on our latest post or message us. Let's support one another as we guide our children with compassion and courage. You can: Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, we welcome Katrina Alvir, an experienced teacher and expert in character education. With years of experience in classical education, Katrina shares valuable insights on how parents and educators can inspire children in developing virtues and forming good habits. She discusses the power of real-life role models, consistent example and practical ways to integrate character education into daily life. Discussion Points: Integrating Virtues into the Curriculum – How to weave character education seamlessly into daily lessons. Creating a Classroom Culture of Virtue – Practical ways to encourage responsibility, respect, and kindness. The Importance of Acknowledging Mistakes – How apologising to students fosters humility, trust, and teaches them the value of taking responsibility. Being a Constant Example – The impact of a teacher's words and actions in shaping students' character and the importance of striving for personal growth. Being Truly Present – The power of showing up and giving hope Join the Conversation How do you incorporate character education in your classroom? We'd love to hear your insights and experiences—share your thoughts with us and join the discussion on how teachers can shape students' character through everyday moments in the classroom. You can: Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, we explore the role of teachers in building a culture of collaboration with parents. Mary Broadsmith shares her insights and practical tips on fostering open communication, building trust, and engaging parents as active partners in their child's learning journey. Mary also emphasizes the importance of virtue education and the responsibility teachers have to model professionalism and character for their students. Key Topics: Creating a Collaborative Culture with Parents Benefits of inviting parents into the classroom Strategies for open communication and trust-building Effective Communication Techniques Building rapport with parents during meetings Handling difficult conversations and emails with professionalism The Role of Virtue Education Integrating virtues into the classroom environment Encouraging students to make positive choices and take responsibility Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode, we welcome Anthony O'Shea, the Year 3 teacher at Lysterfield Lake College. Anthony is a father of 4 and has many years of experience in Primary education. In this podcast episode, he speaks about the benefits of learning to read and write at a young age, and how to encourage children to love reading and writing.

In this episode, we welcome Kate Mathai. Kate is a mother with 6 children and 1 grandson. Kate has extensive experience in counselling and presenting various programs for high school students, married couples and young parents. She speaks about topics like the importance of adapting your parenting approach over time as your family evolves, how to resolve disputes between your children, and how every interaction with your kids is a teaching opportunity.

Oscar Trimboli is a renowned expert on the art of listening, and creator of the Apple award-winning podcast 'Deep Listening - Impact beyond words.' Oscar has interviewed over 100 of the world's most diverse workplace listeners, including air traffic controllers, deaf and foreign language interpreters, hostage negotiators and spies. Over 14,000 people have contributed to Oscar's research about what gets in the way when it comes to listening. ⁠ In this episode, Oscar explains why listening is a skill that our children must learn. ⁠He also draws upon his extensive research and experience to help parents understand the importance of being role models for listening to their children. Finally, he also goes on to explain practical ways for parents to implement the science of listening. Recommended resources Listening quiz - https://www.oscartrimboli.com/listeningquiz/ Oscar's website - https://www.oscartrimboli.com/ Oscar's podcast: Deep Listening - Impact beyond words - Oscar Trimboli - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/deep-listening-impact-beyond-words-oscar-trimboli/id1274379362

Mary Broadsmith is the Principal of Harkaway Hills College in Victoria. With a wealth of teaching, and mentoring experience, Mary shares with listeners the benefits of learning in a single campus K-12 school. Mary covers areas such as friendships, bullying, parent-teacher relationships, and why students may struggle in new school settings. Key Quote: "In K-12 schools, the school gets to know the whole family." You don't want to miss Benefits of attending K-12 schools The problems with school switching How K-12 schools reduce bullying Resources: https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-choosing-starting-moving/moving-schools Related Episodes Preparing Your Child For Their Schooling Life You can: Submit a question to our team Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Brett Wright is the Head Of Senior School at Wollemi College. He is in his 32nd year of teaching Secondary English and has extensive HSC marking experience. Tomorrow Brett shares with parents how teenagers can be best prepared for the HSC. This episode outlines the importance of good habits, and starting preparation early. Key Quote: "It's very important that the student takes responsibility for their own learning" You don't want to miss How early should your child prepare? What habits are required for HSC success? Reducing final exam pressure Resources: https://www.hschub.nsw.edu.au/ Related Episodes Year 13, Navigating Your First Year Outside Of High School The Importance Of Sleep For Academic Performance You can: Submit a question to our team Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Judi Prasser is the founder of AV Learning Hub which offers workshops and online lessons on self-worth for teenage girls and boys. Judi shares the dangers of children constantly comparing themselves to others and provides parents with practical tips to help tackle the problem of excessive comparisons amongst students. Key Quote: "The first healthy comparison you can do is with yourself" You don't want to miss Why self-worth is a superpower Who should we compare ourselves to? How can parents help limit comparisons? Resources: https://www.avlearninghub.org/ You can: Submit a question to our team Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

You may have heard this week's guest on recent episodes such as 'Shaping Your Child's Creativity Through Art', & 'What Is Deep Learning in The Classroom?'. Isabelle Thomas is a mother of 7 children who has extensive experience as a school mentor, a classroom teacher and is also a host at The Parent-Teacher Project. Today Isabelle shares with us how parents can maximise the upcoming school holidays with their children. Listen on for practical tips on why it's important to plan the break, limit screen time, and engage in collaborative family time. Key Quote: "School holidays are an opportunity to grow the family bond." You don't want to miss Fun activities for families Importance of planning The sign of a refreshing holiday Resources: https://www.visitnsw.com/ https://www.australia.com/en https://www.sydney.com/things-to-do/nature-and-parks/walks/best-bushwalks You can: Submit a question to our team Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject Find out more about us and what we do, visit our website Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes