Parenting Unpacked

Latest Episodes:

Is cocomelon cocaine? Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to parenting unpacked! We're tackling a topic that is the source of infinite mum guilt, screen time. We're talking all things cocomelon and whether it's addictive, what harm befalls your child by letting them watch TV and whether children can actually learn anything from what they watch.

We hope you enjoy this weeks episode!

How to create a secure attachment Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to parenting unpacked! This week we're digging into one of the fundamental theories around raising children. Attachment! Attachment theory, attachment parenting, circle of security, secure attachment, insecure attachment. We hit that many buzz words in this episodes because this is one of our longest episodes to date and we still didn't cover everything we could have. Listen in as we talk about what the leading scientific thought is on attachment theory and how to help foster a secure attachment with your child. And while you're at it, I hope it takes a load of your shoulders and assures you that you are already doing all the things you need to do to create a secure attachment. You've got a lucky kid so be kind and compassionate to yourself and that will permeate the attachment relationship with your child.

For more information on attachment, head to our favourite source for all things attachment: Circle of security

Adverse childhood events with Candace St John Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Parenting Unpacked! This week we interviewed Candace St John. Candace St. John is a mom of one and a public health practitioner who studies the effects of equity, social determinants of health, & adverse childhood experiences and trauma on lifetime health. Upon having a baby in June 2020, she was taken aback by the unsubstantiated evidence behind most mainstream parenting ideals. She took to social media to bust myths & support parents to make the best informed choices for their children to thrive. Candace strives to weave in her public health expertise for advocacy and educational purposes, and is excited to work 1:1 with families.

We talked with Candace about the role of public health in parenting, the lack of evidence based information prolific in the health care sector as well as normative parenting resources. We also talked through biologically normal infant sleep, bedsharing and ACEs (adverse childhood events).

You can find Candace at her website, instagram and TikTok.

Links to things we discussed this episode:

https://numberstory.org

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html

Are tantrums panic attacks? Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

This week's episode is designed to help you breathe easier and know that you are an exceptional parent despite the little things that go wrong and the big things that overwhelm you. This week we touch on the idea of the good enough parent and how this permeates everyone's lives (yes, even the insta-perfect mums).

We also tackle tantrums for the very first (but not last!) time and we talk about how tantrums appear very similar to a panic attack and give you some useful insights into how your child might be feeling in the midst of a tantrum. We also give you some tips and tricks for how to reduce the frequency and severity of those tantrums by using some child mindfulness strategies and co-regulation techniques.

For Kristyn's video about the dysregulation rainbow, find it here

For Siobhan's post on "the good enough parent", find it here

For Siobhan's post on time as panic attacks, find it here

Recovering from Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of parenting unpacked where Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini and Dr. Kristyn Sommer (PhDs in child development) chat all things parenthood and child development. This weeks episode follows episode 3 and 4 which touched on both Kristyn and Siobhan's Postnatal Anxiety and Depression journeys and ties up the 3 episode series with information on how we recovered, and not only survived the postpartum period, but thrived past it!

If you are looking for resources on postnatal depression and anxiety and getting better visit https://www.panda.org.au

This is our last episode for 2021. Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you on the 4th of January 2022 as we bring you our next episode of Parenting Unpacked!

What it felt like to live through Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Siobhan's Story Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to parenting unpacked. This week's episode comes with a trigger warning. Siobhan goes in depth into her experience with perinatal anxiety and depression during the first year of her son's life. Siobhan details her experience having a baby with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) whom struggled considerably with sleep for the first 10 months of his life. Siobhan touches on some very challenging but important topics such as intrusive thoughts and suicial ideation. This episode has a lot of hard moments, but also a shining light at the end of the tunnel, which is the promise and proof of not only surviving perinatal anxiety and depression, but thriving in the year following a serious nervous breakdown.

Please join us next week as we delve into how we recovered and where we are now!

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this episode, please visit the following resources for support and further information:

PANDA: https://www.panda.org.au

COPE: https://www.cope.org.au

GIDGET: https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au

What it felt like to live through Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Kristyn's Story Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to parenting unpacked where you're guaranteed to find evidence, empathy and common sense. This week's episode is heavy on the empathy side but also comes with a trigger warning. Kristyn goes in depth into her experience with perinatal anxiety and depression, both during pregnancy and in the first year after birth. This episode has a lot of hard moments, but also a shining light at the end of the tunnel, which is the promise and proof of not only surviving perinatal anxiety and depression, but thriving in the year following a serious nervous breakdown.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this episode, please visit the following resources for support and further information:

PANDA: https://www.panda.org.au

COPE: https://www.cope.org.au

GIDGET: https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au

Is Praise Poison? Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to Parenting Unpacked. A podcast for parents seeking evidence, empathy and common sense. Hosted by Child Development PhDs Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini and Dr. Kristyn Sommer.

As experts in children’s cognitive, social and emotional development, we understand how children learn and grow. We're here to help you unpack the science of parenting and to find the beauty in the grey.

In this episode we talk about a recent Parenting Course Kristyn took where the speaker uttered the phrase “Praise is Poison”. Siobhan and Kristyn share their hot takes on this idea and how praise can be a wonderful tool when used effectively. We also talk about why Siobhan was drawn to study psychology and what piqued her interest in child development. We talk about our different feelings on lying to children and how parenting has changed the way we view academia.

Find Siobhan's website here and Kristyn's website here.

Music from BenSound.com

Parenting Unpacked with Dr. Kristyn Sommer & Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to Parenting Unpacked. A podcast for parents seeking evidence, empathy and kindness. Hosted by Child Development PhDs Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini and Dr. Kristyn Sommer.

As mums we know how hard parenting is. We also know how much conflicting information exists out there in the parenting space. As experts in children's cognitive, social and emotional development we're here to help you unpack the science of parenting and to see the beauty in the grey.

Join us every week as we bring you content from the science of parenting, with a good dose of empathy and common sense. We'll cover topics from tackling toddler tantrums postpartum anxiety and depression, gentle parenting, lying to your kids and everything in between.

Find Siobhan's website here and Kristyn's website here.

Music from BenSound.com