Packing school lunch boxes every day can be such a chore, especially when your kid comes home and you realise they haven't eaten a thing you've prepared.  When it comes to packing school lunchboxes, it's important to focus on building a nutritionally balanced lunchbox that balances your children's blood sugar levels, but we also need to find foods our kids want to eat (which is the tricky part!)

In this episode, I will be sharing my time-saving hacks for packing a healthy lunchbox. For more insights on packing a healthy lunchbox, be sure to listen to Episode 53 of the Natural Super Kids podcast.

Let's dive into: 

• Why packing a healthy lunchbox is such a significant part of our kid's overall wellbeing;
• Tips for packing a lunchbox for a fussy eater;
• How to improve nutrition throughout the day, if they won't eat it out of their lunchbox;
• Why healthy lunchbox options are so beneficial for our kids.. (hint: it involves balancing blood sugar levels..);
• We dive into some of my time-saving hacks including:
  • Batch cooking recipes that freeze well and are made to last (hint: sweet snack options);
  • How having a schedule or a plan to "prep ahead" is a game-changer;
  • Why I love to have the lunchboxes cleaned and ready to go when I'm cooking dinner;
  • The key macronutrient you should include, and how to make it easier for you to include it in the lunchbox;
  • How to get the kids involved and put them in charge, plus tips for all ages;
  • Quick, easy supermarket options to have on hand.

Episode Links:

• Join us for the Natural Super Kids Lunchbox Challenge in February. Click here to have access to recipes, masterclasses, community, prizes, and more. 
• Listen to Episode 53: Packing a healthy lunchbox
• Not ready to join us? Join the KLUB waitlist 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].

This week I'm thrilled to have Kirsten Cobabe on the podcast. I've had the pleasure of chatting with Kirsten before for our membership program, the Natural Super Kids Klub, and it was such an insightful chat on supporting our teens.

Kirsten is a family coach and teen whisperer who specialises in supporting both teens and parents in navigating the waves of adolescence. Her intentional approach focuses on creating lasting connections through curiosity, presence, authenticity, and awareness. Kirsten supports parents in learning how to listen to and talk with their teens. She engages parents in personal reflection, embracing their new role, cultivating rapport, understanding the teen brain, transforming obstacles, and restoring harmony in the home 

In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, Kirsten and I discuss: 

• More details about this age and stage of life for our teens;
• Understanding counter-will;
• Why we should look to the environment rather than blaming the teen;
• How to listen, really listen, without an agenda to better connect;
• How to shift from conflict to connection, and ways to navigate this differently.

Episode Links:

• Follow Kirsten on Instagram for more insights;
• Check out Kirsten's website here.
• Kirsten is offering one FREE 30-minute call per family. Book in your time 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].

In this week's episode of the podcast, I sat down with special guest, Sarah R. Moore, who is the author of Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science & Better Behavior and founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting. Sarah is a certified Master Trainer in conscious parenting and a Board Member of the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, she’s also a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a Mum/Mom. With training in child development, trauma recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, improv comedy, and play, her work supports parents and caregivers around the globe.

In this episode, Sarah and I discuss:

• Why Peaceful Discipline? 
• Why, from a brain science perspective, do so many punishments end up failing or even backfiring;
• Is peaceful discipline for all kids, or just sensitive ones? What about strong-willed children?
• Why do we need to be parent-centric in how we approach behavior, rather than trying to modify our children's behavior? What does that look like?
• What about when peaceful discipline is hard for us? Do we have to parent this way ALL the time?
• What if parenting this way doesn't come naturally?
• What is story teaching? Does it work for all ages? What if I'm not creative? When do we use it?

Episode Links:

• Purchase Sarah's book Peaceful Discipline from Booktopia here.
• Sarah will be offering parent support sessions soon - join her mailing list to be included and get a discount.
• Follow Sarah on Instagram 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 final episode of 2023. We want to thank you for listening to our weekly podcast, we appreciate our podcast community so much.

In this conversational-style podcast episode, I will be sharing:

• A quick overview of what's been happening at Natural Super Kids this year;
• Sharing more information about the Natural Super Kids KLUB and our incredible team;
• Personal and professional shares from my life; 
• Our most popular podcast episodes that you are loving;

Episode Links:

• Join the Natural Super Kids Klub waitlist here; 
• Follow Natural Super Kids on Instagram here;
• Follow Jess's business mentoring page/practitioner support page 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].

I am joined again this week by building biologist, Nicole Bijlsma. In case you missed last week’s episode, Nicole joined me to chat about creating a healthy low-tox home. You can listen to that episode here.

Nicole is a building biologist based in Australia and the bestselling author of one of my favourite resource books Healthy Home Healthy Family. Nicole is also the founder of the Healthy Home (Building Biology) movement in Australia and CEO of the Australian College of Environmental Studies. 

In this episode, Nicole and I will be chatting about electromagnetic fields (EMFs), where we discuss:

• What EMFs (electromagnetic fields) are and how they impact our children;
• The first thing Nicole looks at in a home when it comes to where beds are positioned in the home;
• How Wi-Fi affects our children; 
• How EMFs alter melatonin production;
• The truth about baby monitors;
• Ways to reduce EMF exposure include:
  • The benefits of texting over phone calls;
  • Turning off Wi-Fi at night via a timer;
• Nicole shares a little more information about her best-selling book Healthy Home Healthy Family.

Episode Links:

• Purchase Nicole's book Healthy Home, Happy Family on Booktopia. 
• Check out Nicole's website here. 
• Learn from Nicole over on Instagram here. 
• Listen to Episode 144: Creating a healthy, low-tox home with Nicole Bijlsma

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 I am joined by building biologist, Nicole Bijlsma. Not only is Nicole a building biologist, but she is a bestselling author (Healthy Home Healthy Family), founder of the Healthy Home (Building Biology) movement in Australia, and CEO of the Australian College of Environmental Studies. 

In this episode Nicole and I will be talking about the impacts of toxins and chemicals in the family home. Nicole will also be joining me next week to chat about EMFs (electromagnetic fields) and their impact on our children's health.

Nicole shares with us:

• The main toxins and chemicals that parents need to be aware of in the family home;
• The impact of trans-generational exposure to chemicals especially pesticides on our children;
• The steps you can take to reduce your toxic load in the home including the importance of not wearing shoes in the house, the reality of having a carpeted home, and why it's crucial that you invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner;
• The truth about our water quality, and what chemicals to be mindful of;
• The importance of using an air purifier in inner-city built-up areas;
• The four important household items to invest in to create a healthy home;

Episode Links:

• Purchase Nicole's book Healthy Home, Happy Family on Booktopia. 
• Check out Nicole's website here. 
• Learn from Nicole over on Instagram 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 Part Two of my chat with Dr. Elisa Song. If you missed Part One, be sure to listen to that episode first - click here to listen.

Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mum to two children. In her integrative pediatric practice, Whole Family Wellness, Dr. Song's approach is to get to the root cause of pediatric health concerns and empower parents to help their children thrive by integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils.

Today we are continuing the conversation on children's mental health:

• We chat further about the "microbiome mischief makers", focusing on diet and nutrition;
• We talk about the negative impacts processed foods have on the microbiome;
• The importance of being able to read food labels and ingredient lists;
• The impacts that sugar, artificial sugars, and pesticides have on our children's microbiome;
• Why fibre is vital, and how much our children should be eating daily; 
• The alarming statistics surrounding fruit and vegetable consumption;
• The lifestyle factors that will improve the gut microbiome and mental health outcomes:
  • How exercise and movement change the microbiome;
  • The importance of proper hydration;
  • The impacts of not getting enough sleep;
  • Learning how to improve our vagus nerve function.
• Lastly, Dr. Song gives us insights into her favourite supplements and treatments to consider for children with anxiety.

Episode Links:

• Listen to Part 1 here: Episode 142 - An Integrative Approach to Anxiety and Mental Health in Children and Teens with Dr. Elisa Song
• Check out Dr. Elisa Song's website here.
• Follow Dr. Elisa Song on Instagram here. 
• Download Food As Medicine for Kid's Mental Health 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].

In this podcast episode, I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Elisa Song to discuss children's mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and the huge role of the gut microbiome when it comes to supporting our children's mental health.

Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mum to two children. In her integrative pediatric practice, Whole Family Wellness, Dr. Song's approach is to get to the root cause of pediatric health concerns and empower parents to help their children thrive by integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils.

Dr Song and I had so much to discuss on this topic, so we have split this topic into two parts. In Part One you will learn:

• The alarming mental health statistics for children through to adolescence;
• The consequences that the pandemic had on mental health outcomes for youth;
• We chatted about the conventional treatment for anxiety and depression and why it's not working;
• Dr. Song shares her insights on the root cause or functional medicine approach to managing mental health in youth;
• The importance of the gut microbiome and the factors that are disrupting our kid's gut microbiome;
• Incredible information about the gut's nervous system and how 80-90% of the gut-brain connection stems from the gut, not the brain;
• We delve into the modern-day factors that are disrupting the gut microbiome, which Dr. Song refers to as the "microbiome mischief makers";
• How medications such as antacids, and antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome and the impact this has on mental health outcomes.

Episode Links:
Check out Dr. Elisa Song's website here.
Follow Dr. Elisa Song on Instagram here. 
Listen to Part 2 of this conversation 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].

A common theme we have been seeing in our Natural Super Kids KLUB lately is the number of children dealing with fussy eating, iron deficiency and constipation. So in today's episode I am going to discuss the link between the three. 

In this episode, we will touch on:

• How it is common for fussy eaters to become iron deficient due to lack of iron-rich foods in the diet, as well as the link to constipation due to lack of dietary fibre. 
• How a lack of dietary fibre can cause gut dysbiosis which contributes to poor appetite, fussy eating, constipation and iron absorbability;
• The link all three conditions have with the gut and the link between inflammation,  short-chain fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics. 
• How iron deficiency can lead to poor appetite;
• Why iron deficiency isn't just about iron intake, and why we should focus on absorbability. 
• How fussy eating and constipation affect iron absorption;
• The importance of choosing a well-absorbed iron;
• Plus so much more. 

Episode Links: 

• Check out the podcast episodes Jess mentioned here. Or subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. 
• Book a consultation with our qualified team.
• Download our free Gut Health eBook.
• Join the Natural Super Kids Klub Waitlist. 

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].

In this week's podcast episode, I am joined by our practicing Clinical Nutritionist, Melissa Kirkwood to discuss the importance of personal well-being as a parent/carer. In our online clinic, we often see a lot of children with complex health issues, children who aren't sleeping, or those who are unwell a lot, which puts a lot of pressure on the parent or carer of that child. Too often parents are so busy caring for their children, that they forget about their own wellbeing. So in this episode, Mel and I will share some practical changes you can make to support yourself.

You can look forward to learning about:

• The three categories to focus on when things seem overwhelming, are Nutrition, Movement  & Mind;
• For diet & nutrition, we will focus on:
  • The importance of protein & balancing the macros in your meals;
  • Reducing caffeine to support your nervous system;
  • Ensuring you are focusing on adequate hydration;
• For movement, we will focus on:
  • Why it might be time to quit doing HIIT workouts, and how this can impact your stress levels;
  • Alternative exercise options that will support you during this season of life;
• For mind, we will focus on:
  • How to incorporate small pockets of mindfulness into your day;
  • The importance of nature, and morning sunlight;
  • Our favourite yoga pose that settles a heightened nervous system;
  • Sleep, and why you should make it a priority (if possible)
• Mel also discusses some case studies of two recent clients:
  • Mother of two under 3 years old, who has sleep deprivation, brain fog, low energy;
  • Mother of two who is experiencing burnout, digestive complaints, brain fog, anxiety, and poor sleep.

Episode Links:

• Needing extra support? Mel would love to assist you in clinic. Check her availability 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].