In Part 2 of our sleep series, Althea and Nadia explore the many different approaches families take when it comes to supporting sleep in young children. Drawing on both research and their experiences as a paediatric OT, psychologist and mums, they discuss why sleep is not one-size-fits-all and how factors such as age, temperament, sensory needs and family values can influence sleep.

This episode explores co-regulation, connection before sleep, responsive caregiving and the importance of finding an approach that aligns with both your child's needs and your family's wellbeing. Taking a neuroaffirming and evidence-based perspective, Althea and Nadia share practical insights to help parents navigate sleep with confidence and compassion.

Tried & True
Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life.

Nadia's recommendation:
Nadia's tried and true recommendation is sharing bedtime responsibilities by alternating nights between parents, giving each parent dedicated one-on-one connection time with their child while also creating a more sustainable and balanced routine for the whole family.

Althea's recommendation:
Althea's tried and true recommendation is intentionally creating small moments for yourself throughout the week. She shares how something as simple as making a coffee and stepping into another room for a few minutes while her children are safely engaged in independent play helps her recharge, reset and show up more present for her family.

Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice ) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea ) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between.

Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode.

If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes.

Disclaimer

The views and information shared in this podcast are general in nature and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not intended as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician-client relationship. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Navigating Sleep in the Early Years

Sleep is one of the most common topics parents ask us about, and for good reason.

In this episode, Nadia and Althea unpack the science of sleep in the early years, exploring everything from circadian rhythms and melatonin to bedtime routines and sleep hygiene. They discuss why sleep needs vary from child to child, practical strategies that may support better sleep, and the importance of finding an approach that works for your family.

Whether you're navigating bedtime battles, frequent night wakes or simply wondering if your child's sleep is "normal", this conversation offers evidence-informed insights and reassurance that sleep challenges are incredibly common.

Tried & True

Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life.

Nadia's recommendation:

Brio trains paired with IKEA train tracks

Althea's recommendation:

A flower mindfulness walk

Links mentioned in the episode:

Sleep Health Foundation Australia

https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au

Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between.

Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode.

If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes

Disclaimer

The views and information shared in this podcast are general in nature and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not intended as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician-client relationship. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

This segment is all about travel tips when travelling with young children.

After recently returning from her family's first international holiday with two little ones, Althea joins Nadia to share the highs, the challenges and the lessons they learnt along the way. Together, they chat about what helped make travelling with kids more enjoyable, including expecting change, making the most of overnight flights, packing lots of snacks and having a few tricks up your sleeve for those tougher moments.

Whether you have a trip coming up or are simply dreaming of one, this conversation is packed with practical tips and honest reflections from two mums who know that travelling with kids isn't always easy, but the memories made along the way are so worth it.

Tried & True

Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life.

Nadia's recommendation:
Travel Pram from Facebook Marketplace

Althea's recommendation:
Kmart inflatable seat extender
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-seat-extender-grey-43403806/?sku=43403806

Links mentioned in the episode:

Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between.

Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode.

If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes.

How Do We Help Kids Thrive in Sport Without Burning Out? | With Lara Perret, Founder of MaxFit

What does it look like to support children in high-level sport while protecting their wellbeing, confidence and love of movement?

In this episode of Practicing Mums, we sit down with Lara Perret, founder of MaxFit and mum of four, to talk about the realities of raising children involved in competitive sport. Lara shares her family's personal journey, the lessons she's learned as both a parent and coach, and why movement can have such a powerful impact on children's physical and mental wellbeing.

This is an honest and thoughtful conversation about balancing ambition, enjoyment and family life, while helping children develop confidence, resilience and healthy relationships with sport.

We discuss…

• Lara's experience raising children involved in high-level sport
• The benefits of movement for children's mental health and wellbeing
• How sport can build confidence, resilience and life skills
• Supporting children through setbacks, disappointments and challenges
• Finding the balance between encouraging and pushing
• When competitive sport becomes too much
• Helping children stay connected to the joy of movement
• The role parents play on the sidelines
• Navigating family life around training schedules and competitions
• What children really need from us when they're striving for big goals
• Why every child deserves opportunities to move their body
• Creating environments where children can thrive, regardless of ability or performance

Tried & True

Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life.

Nadia's recommendation:
YOTO Player https://au.yotoplay.com

Althea's recommendation:
Scoot & Ride
https://discounttoyco.com.au/scoot-ride-highwaykick-1-ash/?srsltid=AfmBOor18Q0eS1qElRrSSZA2X2KQlH5fJFJ1Pqnz7k7YtRgHC764nJm7hhI

Links mentioned in the episode:

MaxFit The Hills:
https://maxfitthehills.com

Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between.

Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode.

If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes.

In this episode, Nadia shares the story of becoming a mum through two homebirths. From preparing for birth and navigating the unknowns of labour to welcoming her babies into the world and adjusting to life postpartum, this is an honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, identity, and the early years of parenting.

We’re kicking off Practicing Mums by sharing a little about who we are, how we got here, and what inspired this podcast. From motherhood and business to friendship, chaos, and lessons learned along the way, this episode is a relaxed conversation to help you get to know us.