“We need to recognise that people cope with trauma in many different ways, so there isn’t a standard pattern of reaction to the stress of traumatic experiences. And when it comes to children, they aren’t always able to express complex feelings in the same direct way that adults can … so it’s really important is that we are looking out for changes in children’s behaviour that can suggest they may be unsettled or distressed.” – Nicole Breeze, UNICEF

In this special podcast, Emma Walsh talks to UNICEF’s Nicole Breeze about the devastating effects of the recent bushfires on the children of Australia, and what we can do to not only help support these children and families, but how to talk to other children who have been witness to these events and may be feeling distressed. Nicole outlines how to spot underlying stress in your children - such as changes in their play, nightmares or trouble sleeping, anxiety about sleeping alone, withdrawal, and problems concentrating at school. She also talks about the different ways parents can support their children in these initial stages of healing - and that it’s okay for children to be more dependent on their parents during this time, while routines are being re-established. It is also important for parents to find out what their children know in case there are any misconceptions that are causing stress that can then be corrected, and when it’s important to actually minimise media viewing.

From the research conducted after Black Saturday in 2009, we understand how fundamentally important it is to concentrate on children's mental health in the recovery process of a natural disaster, and how important it is that they are able to receive support in the medium to long term. This is why UNICEF is teaming up with experienced clinical partners to provide appropriately targeted mental health services and are hoping that parents are able to provide some support for their children, while also making sure they themselves are receiving the help they need.

Join Emma Walsh, CEO of Parents At Work as she is interviewed by ABC Radio's Jonathon Gould about the current Australian Paid Parental Leave System. They discuss the barriers holding men back from sharing the care as well as the practicalities and details of the current system. It is an insightful listen for both parents and employers alike.

It's not often you get to hear from a professional couple who have both taken parental leave, and in this podcast, Michael Brosnan, Manager at Deloitte, and Annaliese Van Riet, People and Culture Leader, share their experience following the birth of their son Louis ten months ago. They discuss how the implementation of non-gendered, non-labeled, paid parental leave at Deloitte has benefited their family and the positive impact it has had on Annaliese's career.

Their story demonstrates the importance of flexible and inclusive parental leave policies, like those implemented at Deloitte, for both the employee AND the business. Hearing about these positive experiences can aid new families in deciding how to juggle the balance of work and family life, and answer any concerns about how taking parental leave may affect their career.

Join Fiona Hitchiner, Strategic Partnership Director at Parents at Work, as she interviews Annaliese and Michael about their experience of becoming new parents and how Deloitte's parental policies have made achieving a balance between work and family easier, ultimately cementing their position as an employer of choice for working parents.

The 10th - 16th of November marks Perinatal Mental Health Week. This week aims to spread awareness about the mental health implications associated with entering parenthood. Nearly 50% of new parents experience adjustment disorders, and from that, 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers will suffer from perinatal anxiety and depression. According to an analysis done by PwC Australia, Perinatal Depression and Anxiety is costing Australia $877 million annually. In the first year, $643 million is lost as a result of productivity losses associated with increased workforce exit, absenteeism, presenteeism, and career requirements. Also included in the annual costs is $227 million associated with significant health costs, and $7 million in wellbeing impacts.

In this podcast Emma Walsh, CEO of Parents at Work, and Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation, discuss the impact of perinatal anxiety and depression on the workplace. Arabella emphasises the importance of employers identifying employees who are going through a tough time and supporting them by demonstrating understanding and allowing for more flexible working hours. She also recommends developing strong policies surrounding the support new parents receive at their workplace, in particular setting up regular check-in points starting from when the employee announces they are pregnant. These suggestions aid in helping the employee feel supported and combat those feelings of isolation most people feel when they go on parental leave, making the transition back to work easier, and increasing the chance of spotting any mental health issues early on.

Nearly 50% of new parents experience adjustment disorders, with 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers suffer perinatal anxiety and depression. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Week aims to spread awareness about the mental health implications associated with entering parenthood. According to an analysis done by PwC Australia, Perinatal Depression and Anxiety is costing Australia $877 million annually.

To help raise awareness of why this week is important to acknowledge, Emma Walsh, CEO of Parents at Work, and Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation, discuss the impact of perinatal anxiety and depression on the individual. Arabella talks about the effects a new baby has on a person’s life and how the corresponding stressors and disruptions to routine can have significant mental health implications. She also explores how multiple risk factors including financial, emotional, and physical external stressors can increase the chance of emotional distress. This podcast discussion helps parents identify the risks and guide them where to look for support including free services both face to face and online.

There’s never been a better time in history to be a dad – we all know how much society has changed when it comes to parenting in the last 50 years – expectations of fathers have grown and men want to embrace the role of ‘dad’ like never before. But fathers often feel the pressure to conform to unhelpful stereotypes like the ‘fun dad’ or the ‘breadwinner dad’. It’s clear fatherhood needs a makeover. So, what does it mean to be a father today - what’s needed and what’s not?

There is a new generation of fathers redefining what it means to be a dad and combine work and family life. Join Parents At Work’s new ‘Dad Time’ team and The Father Hood in this one off ’special event’ live webinar as the guys offer personal insights, latest research and top tips from some ‘famous dads’ on what they’ve learnt on the road to being a modern, imperfectly awesome kind of dad.

Diageo launched a new Parental Leave Policy recently - one that leads the nation let alone the industry it operates in. The company offers 26 weeks of paid leave to all new parents, regardless of their gender or their role as primary or secondary carer. Previously (as it is in most organisations) paid leave was provided for only the primary carer and 19 times out of 20 the primary carer was female. Hence, this new policy is a critical step in Diageo’s journey towards establishing gender equality in their workplace.

In this interview, Kiri Stejko discusses this new policy with HR Director, Geraldine Joanes. We also hear from Diageo employee Matt DerSarkissian about his experience being a new dad on parental leave, and how he work’s flexibly with his new dual responsibilities.

1 in 5 Australians live with chronic pain including adolescents and children, according to Pain Australia. As chronic pain is invisible, sufferers can feel misunderstood and stigmatised – even discriminated against – by co-workers, friends, family and even the medical profession. There is no easy solution or quick fix however there are some very practical ways that people with chronic pain can use to ensure they feel fully supported at work and with their family.

Join Katie and Sam as they go beyond the common ‘just accept it and manage it’ approach by asking us to explore what a more comprehensive and self-loving care plan would look and feel like.

When ‘bad news’ or unavoidable circumstances at work or home leave you feeling overwhelmed or like giving up - is resilience the answer? That is, is ‘just getting on with it’ or ‘fighting fire with fire’ the best way to deal with adversity. Or is there another way that does not compromise your sense of ease and harmony in the world?

Katie and Sam will address some of the common reactions we have when we are faced with adversity and how we might reduce these. They will also explore the roles that acceptance and appreciation play in working with the achy and tense ‘lemons’ of life.

With 27% of men and 49% of women experiencing discrimination upon returning from parental leave, and 48% of companies in Australia not embracing flexible working practices, Flexism shows itself as a very real and extremely determinantal issue within the workplace.

This month, Emma Walsh interviews Vanessa Vanderhoek, founder of Flexible Working Day, and discusses Vanessa’s journey to how she started her advocacy project and why.

Emma and Vanessa consider the benefits of flexible working for both individuals and companies, and explore the impact Flexible Working Day has had on overcoming Flexism in the working environment.