Our kids are living in an anxiety-promoting world. There is so much stimulation out there thanks to modern technology, which gives their brains a lot to process. Some even say that anxiety is a normal and rational reaction to the modern world.

Anxiety is the second most common mental health disorder among children in Australia. It is more common in girls than boys, but boys can still have a hard time with anxiety.  As a Mum of a child who experiences anxiety, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to manage, which is why I love helping as many parents as possible in this area. 

In this episode, I discuss:

• The difference between feeling anxious vs having anxiety;
• Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in children;
• The most common contributors including:
  • Gut-brain connection;
  • Screen time
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Quality of sleep
  • Diet and nutrition
• The Natural Super Kids naturopathic approach to managing anxiety in children which involves:
  • Validating the child’s fears and emotions;
  • Addressing underlying triggers;
  • Dietary factors that contribute to anxiety in children
  • Particular dietary changes that can benefit anxiety in children;
  • Nutritional supplements that can be beneficial in supporting children with anxiety.

Episode Links:

• Screen time linked to psychological problems in children – research study.
• Changes in screen time and mental health outcomes – research study. 
• Blog post: Exploring anxiety in children.

Use code NOVEMBER when booking an Initial online Naturopathic consultation here

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Welcome back to our ⭐ Best Of series — where we’re sharing some of the most loved and listened-to episodes from the Natural Super Kids Podcast.

In this Best Of episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular topics — parasites in children — specifically the two we see most often: Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.

These microscopic critters can cause a surprising range of symptoms in kids — from tummy aches to mood swings an,d are more common than most parents realise.

Jess shares the signs to look out for, how kids can pick them up, and the Natural Super Kids approach to treating and preventing parasite infections naturally.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The most common symptoms of parasite infections in children - digestive, mood, and behavioural changes.
• Why some kids are more at risk (especially those on tank water).
• How parasites can affect mood, irritability, and concentration.
• Our holistic, naturopathic approach to testing, treatment, and prevention.
• The role of gut health and “terrain” in keeping parasites at bay.
• How we use antimicrobial herbs, probiotics, and prebiotics to support recovery.
• When to consider medical treatment or further investigation.

Episode Links:

• Blog post: Holistic approach to treating worms in kids
• Blog post: Low iron in children – How to boost their levels
• Research: Mental and behavioural effects of parasitic infections
• Research: Intestinal parasites may be associated with later behavioural problems in internationally adopted children

Need support with testing or treatment?

If you suspect parasites could be affecting your child’s health, our online clinic can help.  Our qualified naturopaths and nutritionists can arrange testing, interpret results, and create a personalised treatment plan to support your child’s recovery and overall gut health — all from the comfort of your home.

Book an online appointment here

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Welcome to our ⭐ Best Of series — where we’re sharing some of the most loved and listened-to episodes from the Natural Super Kids Podcast. These episodes continue to spark conversations, offer clarity, and provide support to parents navigating common health challenges in their kids.

In this Best Of episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're revisiting one of our most popular topics: how to understand and naturally support enlarged tonsils and adenoids without jumping straight to surgery.

If your child struggles with mouth breathing, snoring, recurring ear infections or behavioural issues like poor concentration or hyperactivity, enlarged tonsils and adenoids could be playing a bigger role than you think.

This is a must-listen for parents who want to explore their options with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• What tonsils and adenoids actually are, and how they function in the immune system.
•  Common reasons they become enlarged (and stay that way).
•  The link between enlarged tonsils/adenoids and symptoms like mouth breathing, sleep issues, ADHD, and fussy eating.
•  Risks and benefits of surgical removal and why it’s not always the best first step.
•  Natural and nutritional strategies we recommend to reduce inflammation.
•  How oral myofunctional therapy can support breathing, sleep, and long-term outcomes.

Ready to take a natural step forward?

Supporting enlarged tonsils and adenoids doesn’t have to mean rushing into surgery. Tune in to feel informed, empowered, and supported with practical, gentle alternatives. 🎧

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎧 Listen next: Episode 78 – Vitamin D for Immunity, Allergies & Brain Health

📘 Download your free Kids' Gut Health eBook

📚 Research:

• Association of Tonsil & Adenoid Removal with Long-Term Health Risks
• Tonsil Volume and Allergic Rhinitis in Children

👩‍⚕️ Need personalised support? Book a 1:1 consultation with our online clinic

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most eye-opening food conversations we’ve had yet with scientist, food integrity expert, and founder of Eat For You, Dr. Hayley Dickinson.

From misleading labels to outdated nutrition data, Dr. Hayley pulls back the curtain on how food marketing plays on our values especially when it comes to feeding our families. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really trust what’s written on food packaging, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ What greenwashing and nutrition washing actually mean and how they show up in food marketing.
✅ Why food labels often don’t reflect what’s really inside (including shocking nutrient discrepancies).
✅ What parents should know about common supermarket products like Brazil nuts, berries, and organic snacks.
✅ Simple, practical ways to reduce chemical exposure and choose better foods without blowing your budget

🎧 Tune in to learn how to become a more informed food shopper, why “healthy” packaging often isn’t, and how to focus your energy on what really matters when it comes to nourishing your family.

💬  Loved this conversation?
Send Jess a DM on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids or email [email protected] — we’d love to know your biggest takeaway!

🔗 Find Dr. Hayley Dickinson here:

• Website: eatforyou.com.au
• Instagram: @_eatforyou
• Personal IG: @hayley___dickinson

Other Projects: 

• The Art & Science of Being Human
• The Womanhood Project

💚 Want ongoing support in raising healthy and happy kids?

Join the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids Klub — our membership that gives you evidence-based tools, real-life support, and a like-minded community of health-conscious parents.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

What It’s Really Like Inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB

This week on the podcast, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we support families inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB — our signature membership that’s helped thousands of parents feel more confident, clear, and connected on their children’s health journey.

In this episode, we are joined by Adele Rutch, our Community Care & Growth Manager (and mum of two!), for her first-ever podcast appearance. As a qualified nutritionist with a pharmacy background, Adele shares how she supports families inside the Klub with calm, practical guidance and why this kind of support makes such a difference when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure.

Here’s what we cover:

✅ The most common struggles parents come to us with and how we help them feel less alone.
✅ What makes the Natural Super Kids Klub different from other memberships or courses (hint: it’s not just more info).
✅ The 6 core health pathways inside the membership and how they help families make step-by-step progress.
✅ Real-life examples of the kinds of questions we answer daily (like dosing supplements, managing fussy eating, or decoding food sensitivities).

🎧 Tune in to get an honest, heartwarming glimpse into the Natural Super Kids Klub and learn how it might be the gentle structure and support you’ve been needing.

💚 Doors are open now but only for a few more days.

👉 Join us inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB before doors close Monday.

Whether you're navigating eczema, mood swings, food reactions or constant colds, you don't have to do this alone. We'd love to support your family without the pressure to be perfect.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

What Parents Need to Know about Gut Imbalance in Kids.

When you think of gut issues in kids, it’s easy to assume you’ll see obvious digestive symptoms like constipation or tummy aches. But what if your child’s mood swings, eczema, or constant colds were actually gut-related?

This week on the podcast, we’re exploring the less obvious signs of gut imbalance in children — the ones that often get missed or mistaken for unrelated problems. We'll tackle how skin, immunity, behaviour, and even food preferences are more connected to gut health than you might realise and how focusing on this one area can simplify your child’s whole health picture.

In this episode, we unpack:

✅ The overlooked signs of poor gut health beyond digestion like eczema, fussy eating, and recurrent infections.
✅ Why these symptoms often get treated separately in conventional medicine and how the gut offers a unified root cause.
✅ How to spot the patterns in your child’s symptoms that point back to gut imbalance.
✅ The gentle, realistic first steps you can take to restore your child’s gut health without perfection or piles of supplements.

🎧 Tune in to understand how the gut impacts everything from your child’s sleep to their mood and what you can do to support their health from the inside out.

💚 Want extra support to make these changes feel doable?

Join our FREE masterclass:
👉 The Proven Gut Health Approach Helping Kids Have Happier Tummies, Stronger Immunity & Calmer Moods

✨ Perfect for parents navigating allergies, sickness, fussy eating, or behaviour challenges.
✨ You’ll walk away with a simple, natural gut health framework you can start using straight away.

Let’s take the guesswork out of gut health together. 💚

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Could Your Child’s Gut Be Fueling Their Anxiety? Here’s What Every Parent Should Know

This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're diving into one of the most overlooked root causes of emotional and behavioral challenges in kids — gut health.

Many parents notice rising levels of anxiety, worry, irritability, or sleep struggles in their children. And while counseling or medication can play a role in supporting mental health, there’s often a hidden link that’s too easily missed: the gut-brain connection.

🧠 Did you know that 90% of serotonin — the feel-good brain chemical — is produced in the gut? Or that low microbial diversity, inflammation, and parasites can send stress signals straight to your child’s nervous system?

In this episode, we explore how gut imbalances may be silently influencing your child’s mood, resilience, and sleep  and what you can do about it, naturally.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• What the gut-brain axis is (in simple terms) and how it affects anxiety, mood, and sleep
•  The different gut imbalances that can trigger emotional dysregulation in children
•  Signs your child’s anxiety may be gut-related (especially if they have tummy issues or picky eating)
•  Practical food and lifestyle strategies to calm the gut, reduce stress signals, and build emotional resilience

Anxiety isn’t “just in your child’s head.” Their gut plays a powerful role in how they regulate emotions, respond to stress, and sleep at night.

If you're feeling stuck or unsure where to start, this episode is packed with empowering insights that will help you support your child more holistically.

🎧 Tune in for practical tips, gut-loving food ideas, and a big reminder: You’re not powerless, you’re just missing a piece of the puzzle.

🌿 Helpful Resources 

📘 Download our FREE Kids Gut Health eBook — full of gut-friendly food swaps, prebiotic recipes, and natural strategies to support your child’s mood, immunity, and digestion.
📩 Book a 1:1 Online Consultation — get tailored guidance from our Expert Naturopath to address gut-related mood or anxiety issues.
📲 Reach out to us anytime on Instagram @naturalsuperkids with your questions!

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption in Kids

This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re digging into a topic that’s left many parents scratching their heads:

“My child eats well… so why do they still have low iron or nutrient deficiencies?”

It’s a frustrating reality for many families — you’re doing all the “right” things with food and maybe even supplements, but those blood tests or ongoing symptoms just aren’t shifting. The truth is: it’s not always about what kids eat; it’s about what they absorb.

In this podcast episode, we’re unpacking how gut health plays a powerful role in nutrient absorption and why deficiencies like low iron or zinc might persist even in well-fed kids.

Here's what we cover:

• Why good nutrition isn’t enough when the gut is imbalanced or inflamed.
•  The signs your child isn’t absorbing nutrients well, even if they eat a “healthy” diet.
•  How gut imbalances, parasites, and low stomach acid affect absorption.
•  The truth about iron supplements (and why the form really matters).
•  Practical ways to support your child’s gut so food and supplements actually work.
• Why absorption (not just intake) is one of the most overlooked reasons for poor growth, fatigue, and low immunity

🎧 Tune in to learn how to shift your focus from feeding to absorbing and help your child get the most out of every bite.

💬 As we share in the episode: “It’s not that you’re doing something wrong, your child’s gut might just need some extra support.”

🌟 Helpful Resources

We’re here to support you on your journey to raising healthy, happy kids! Here are some helpful resources to get you started:

📘 Download our FREE Kids Gut Health ebook for practical tips you can use right away. 
💬 Book an online consultation with one of our caring practitioners for personalised guidance. 
🌐 Visit our website at naturalsuperkids.com for more podcast episodes, show notes, inspiration, and more resources.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids; we love hearing from you! 

Remember, you’re not alone; our community is here to help every step of the way!

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Are parasite cleanses for kids actually necessary?

This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re addressing one of the most commonly asked (and most misunderstood) questions we get from parents that pops up often in our DMs, emails, and live masterclasses:

“Should I be doing a parasite cleanse for my child?”

If you’ve ever come across an Instagram ad or wellness reel pushing the idea that every child needs regular parasite cleanses, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the fear-based marketing, busting myths, and giving you the real, naturopath-backed guidance on when parasite cleanses may be helpful and when they’re completely unnecessary.

Here’s what we cover:

• Identifying the signs and symptoms that could indicate a parasitic infection.
• The difference between worms and gut parasites and why they’re often confused.
•  Why general parasite cleanses can actually do more harm than good for your child’s gut.
•  How these cleanses can impact the gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, and long-term health.
• Everyday, natural ways to support your child’s gut, immunity, and resilience.

Rather than jumping into harsh herbal cleanses or over-the-counter meds “just in case,” this episode will help you understand the why, when, and what else to consider before taking action.

✨ Tune in to learn what really supports long-term gut health in kids and when to seek professional guidance for parasites or worms.

🌿 Helpful Resources

📘 Download our FREE Kids Gut Health eBook for practical tips, recipes, and gut-loving strategies that help prevent worms and parasites the natural way.

Have questions or want to chat more about this topic? We’d love to hear from you! 

📩 Reach out to our Natural Super Kids team on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids
or send us an email. We’re always here to help.

Let's make gut health fun and easy together! 💚

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].

Supporting Your Child’s Nutrition While on ADHD Medication

If your child is on ADHD medication and you’ve noticed their appetite has disappeared, this episode is for you. One of the most common concerns we hear from families is: “They’re finally more focused, but they barely touch their lunchbox.”

This week on the podcast, we’re unpacking why ADHD medication can impact appetite and what you can do to make sure your child is still getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

💡 While these ADHD medications can be incredibly effective for behaviour and focus, they can also lead to a noticeable drop in appetite especially during school hours when kids need fuel the most.

Whether your child has just started their ADHD meds or you’ve been navigating this for a while, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and what you can do to support their growth, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why appetite loss happens on ADHD medication (and why it matters).
•  Smart meal timing & snack strategies for when your child is hungry.
•  Easy ways to boost nutrient intake for fussy eaters (even in small amounts).
•  The role of supplements and when to consider extra support.
• Our go-to tips for parents who are feeling stuck or worried.

If you’ve been feeling stuck between supporting your child’s focus and their nutrition, this episode is for you.

As we share in this episode:

“Appetite suppression doesn’t have to mean poor growth or poor nutrition. Sometimes it’s just about one small shift that makes a big difference.”

🎧 Tune in to learn more about how to find the balance so your child can thrive both mentally and physically on their ADHD journey.

🌱 If you’d like extra guidance, our Naturopath Sarah offers online naturopathic consultations for personalised support. Click the link here if you’d like to book or explore your options.

🌱 And if you’re not already a member, we’d love to welcome you inside the Natural Super Kids Klub — where you’ll find practical pathways, expert guidance, and a community of like-minded parents navigating this journey together.

Your child’s health journey is yours too and you don’t have to do it alone.

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at [email protected].