Sense by Meg Faure

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the crucial topic of early development. Meg Faure welcomes Claire Stead, an educator and founder of Oliiki, to discuss the significance of the first 1000 days of life. The episode highlights the impact of early experiences, epigenetics, and the key developmental milestones that set the stage for a child’s future. The Importance of the First 1000 Days Claire Stead explains why the first 1000 days, from conception to age two, are foundational for a child’s development. These early years are when the brain undergoes rapid growth, laying the groundwork for all future learning and development. Stead emphasizes that this period not only shapes cognitive and academic outcomes but also emotional, social, and physical health. The environment and experiences during these critical years can influence factors like well-being, resilience, and stress responses later in life. Epigenetic's and Generational Impact A key theme of the episode is epigenetic's. The idea that environmental factors can switch genes on or off, influencing not just the individual but future generations. Stead shares fascinating research on how experiences during pregnancy and early childhood can affect gene expression, potentially impacting not only a child’s health and development but also that of their grandchildren. This underscores the importance of a nurturing and stress-free pregnancy, not just for the mother but for the baby’s future generations. Key Developmental Milestones The episode explores three pivotal developmental milestones: smiling, crawling, and pointing. Smiling is crucial for emotional connection, crawling is vital for physical and cognitive development, and pointing signifies communication readiness. Faure and Stead discuss why these milestones matter and how they contribute to a child’s broader developmental trajectory. Practical Parenting Tips Listeners are offered practical tips to nurture their child's development. Stead emphasizes the importance of eye contact, time spent on the floor for motor development, and limiting distractions like screens to foster engagement and connection. This episode is essential listening for any parent or caregiver who wants to give their child the best start in life. Claire Stead provides valuable insights on how simple, daily interactions can lay the foundation for lifelong success. If you want to understand how early childhood development shapes your child's future, this episode is a must-listen.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we dive into the milestones and challenges of parenting a six-week-old baby. Host Meg Faure, an experienced occupational therapist and author, is joined by Julia De Silva, mother of two, to discuss her experiences with her second child, Aurelia, at six weeks old. They explore the wins, struggles, and developmental milestones of this critical stage, while offering valuable advice to parents navigating similar challenges. This episode provides a blend of personal insights and expert recommendations that support parents through the early stages of motherhood. Milestone Achievements: The Joy of Six-Week Smiles In this episode, the significance of reaching six weeks is discussed, especially in relation to infant development. Meg explains how many babies begin to smile at this age, marking a key moment for parents. Julia shares how Aurelia is beginning to smile and interact, particularly when lying on her playmat. This milestone is not just an emotional highlight but also indicates important developmental progress. The episode dives into the science behind infant communication at six weeks, which evolves from crying and eye contact to smiling and mimicking facial expressions. Challenges: Sleep and Routine Struggles Julia opens up about her efforts to establish a routine, especially around bedtime. She describes trying new techniques based on Meg’s advice, including creating a calming bedtime routine with bath time, lullabies, and a nightlight. Despite her efforts, Julia faces challenges, particularly with false starts in Aurelia's sleep cycle. Meg provides practical solutions, such as using swaddling and white noise to help infants transition to longer, uninterrupted sleep. They also discuss the hypnagogic startle reflex, which causes babies to wake shortly after falling asleep, offering strategies for managing this common issue. Supporting Older Siblings Julia also reflects on her older son Santi's adjustment to having a new sibling. She shares how his behavior changed after Aurelia’s second hospital visit and how they managed his emotional reactions. Meg emphasizes the importance of intentional, one-on-one time with older children, including techniques like “Watch, Wait, and Wonder,” where parents observe their child’s play without intervention to foster emotional security. This episode offers a heartfelt and practical guide for new parents navigating the six-week milestone. With personal anecdotes and expert advice, Meg and Julia provide listeners with valuable insights into handling both the joys and challenges of parenting at this stage. Whether you're a first-time parent or managing multiple children, this episode offers actionable tips on establishing routines, managing sleep, and balancing sibling dynamics.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the vital topic of self-regulation in children. Joined by Tove Gant, we explore why self-regulation is essential for child development. Meg and Tove discuss various practical strategies to help parents navigate this crucial aspect of parenting. From temper tantrums to sensory overload, the episode covers the challenges and techniques parents can use to foster self-regulation in their children. Understanding self-regulation is key to raising resilient, emotionally balanced children, and this episode provides valuable insights for parents at any stage. What is Self-Regulation? Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behavior, and physiological responses. Meg explains that self-regulation begins early in life, even at 34 weeks gestation. It involves various developmental stages, from physiological regulation to emotional and behavioral regulation. Parents play a critical role in helping children learn to regulate their emotions and actions. Initially, parents must regulate for their babies, but gradually, children need to take on this responsibility. As children grow, parents must balance co-regulating with their child and teaching them to self-soothe. The Role of Parents in Self-Regulation Parents are instrumental in helping children develop self-regulation skills. Meg emphasizes the importance of guiding children through frustrations rather than eliminating them. Just as parents assist children in learning to walk by providing support, they must also help them develop self-regulation. This requires parents to strike a balance between soothing and encouraging independence. The episode highlights the importance of "co-regulation," a gradual process where parents help children take responsibility for managing their emotions. Challenges of Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Children often face sensory challenges, which can impact their ability to self-regulate. Tove shares personal experiences with her children, especially those with special needs, and how sensory overload can affect their behavior. Meg explains the relationship between sensory processing and self-regulation, offering practical strategies for parents. Parents must learn to adjust environments to their child's sensory needs while also slowly pushing them to handle more challenging situations. This "grading" helps children expand their comfort zones without overwhelming them. The Link Between Self-Regulation and Emotional Attachment Secure attachment between parents and children is essential for emotional regulation. Meg discusses the importance of emotional connections in developing self-regulation skills. Children who feel loved and secure are more likely to manage their emotions effectively. Meg refers to research showing that parents don't need to respond perfectly every time to create a secure attachment. Small failures, followed by repair, help children develop resilience and emotional regulation skills. Conclusion This episode provides parents with practical, research-backed advice on nurturing self-regulation in children. Meg and Tove emphasize the importance of balancing support and independence. By allowing children to face frustrations within a secure, loving environment, parents can help them develop essential life skills. Listeners will benefit from this episode by gaining valuable insights and strategies for raising emotionally resilient children. It’s a must-listen for parents seeking to understand and support their child’s emotional development through self-regulation.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the challenging world of picky eating with paediatric dietitian Kath Megaw. Picky eating is a common issue that many parents face, turning mealtimes into a battleground. Kath Megaw, a leading expert in pediatric nutrition, joins us to explore this topic in depth. Together, we discuss the underlying causes, effects, and practical strategies to manage these challenges. Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Picky Eating Kath highlights how different parenting styles can influence a child’s eating habits. She explains that modern parenting often swings between being overly permissive and too authoritarian. Permissive parenting can lead to children having too much control over their food choices. Conversely, overly strict parenting can create negative associations with food. Kath stresses the importance of finding a balanced approach. Parents should guide their children while also allowing them the autonomy to make healthy choices. The Role of Parental Anxiety Kath also discusses the role of parental anxiety in picky eating. Many parents today feel increased pressure to “get it right,” leading to anxiety. This anxiety can create a tense mealtime environment, which exacerbates this behaviors. Kath emphasizes the need for parents to manage their anxiety. A calm, supportive environment encourages children to explore different foods without pressure. Strategies for Managing Picky Eating Kath shares three key strategies for managing picky eating. First, she discusses the importance of using supplements to fill nutritional gaps. This is particularly helpful when a child’s diet is very limited. Second, Kath advises limiting “fun foods” during the first three years of life. This helps set the foundation for healthier eating habits. Third, she introduces the concept of the “treat box” to teach children delayed gratification and self-regulation. This method not only reduces the focus on unhealthy snacks but also empowers children to make better food choices. This episode is a must-listen for any parent dealing with picky eating. Kath Megaw’s expert advice provides practical, actionable steps to improve your child’s eating habits. By understanding the influences on picky eating and applying Kath’s strategies, parents can create a healthier, more positive mealtime experience. Tune in to gain insights that could transform your approach to feeding your child.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we dive deep into the joys and challenges of the newborn life. Meg is joined by Julia, a mother of a four-week-old baby, Aurelia. Together, they explore the universal experiences of new parenthood. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights or celebrating first smiles, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. If you’re a new parent, this conversation is a must-listen. Understanding Newborn Development Julia and Meg discuss the importance of monitoring newborn weight gain. They explain that while growth curves are useful, they shouldn't become an obsession. Julia shares her experience with Aurelia’s weight fluctuations and how she learned to appreciate healthy, steady growth. Meg emphasizes that engagement, like making eye contact, is more crucial than the numbers on the scale. Establishing Feeding and Sleep Routines Meg and Julia explore the intricacies of feeding schedules, particularly at night. They discuss the transition from structured to more flexible feeding routines. Julia shares her decision to let Aurelia wake naturally for feeds, resulting in longer stretches of sleep. Meg advises on managing daytime feeds and the importance of not letting babies go too long between them during the day. Managing Evening and Bedtime Routines The podcast delves into the challenges of evening routines. Julia reflects on the difficulties of managing Aurelia’s sleep as the day winds down. Meg offers practical tips, such as stretching the last wake window to help ease the transition into bedtime. She explains the importance of flexibility and adapting to the baby’s changing needs. Coping with Fussiness and Crying Julia mentions Aurelia’s recent bouts of fussiness, which led to discussions on how to handle these moments. Meg reassures listeners that some crying before sleep is normal and part of newborn development. She emphasizes the value of sensory strategies like white noise, swaddling, and babywearing to soothe fussy babies. This episode is packed with relatable experiences and expert advice for new parents. Meg Faure’s guidance provides comfort and reassurance during this beautiful yet challenging phase. If you’re looking for practical tips and a sense of camaraderie, this episode is for you. Tune in to gain valuable insights and feel more confident in your parenting journey.

On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we delve into the fascinating world of infant development and nurturing secure attachment with Professor Mark Tomlinson. Professor Tomlinson is a leading researcher from Stellenbosch University with over three decades of experience. Understanding Secure Attachment Professor Tomlinson emphasizes the importance of secure attachment in an infant's early life. Professor Tomlinson highlights that attachment begins even before birth, during pregnancy, as parents start imagining and bonding with their unborn child. After birth, this attachment continues to develop through the caregiver's consistent and responsive care. Secure attachment lays the foundation for a child's emotional and social health, influencing their ability to regulate form healthy relationships. The Role of Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation A major theme discussed is the concept of co-regulation and its evolution into self-regulation. In the early months, parents play a crucial role in regulating their infant's emotions and needs. Over time, as infants grow, they gradually learn to self-soothe and manage their emotions, a process that continues well into adolescence. Professor Tomlinson highlights the importance of allowing children to experience failures and learn from them, fostering resilience and self-regulation skills. Navigating Parenting Challenges We explore the challenges parents face in deciding how much responsibility to take versus allowing their child to self-regulate. Professor Tomlinson discusses various parenting approaches, including controlled crying and attachment parenting, advising that no single method is correct. Instead, parents should trust their instincts and adapt their approach based on their child's needs and their unique relationship. Long-Term Impact of Secure Attachment Professor Tomlinson shares insights from his longitudinal research, showing the long-term benefits of secure attachment. He explains how securely attached children are better equipped to handle social interactions, manage emotions, and succeed academically. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who want to understand the crucial role of secure attachment in their child's development. Professor Tomlinson’s insights offer practical advice on fostering a healthy parent-child relationship, managing the challenges of early parenting, and supporting long-term emotional well-being. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge that can help you navigate the complexities of raising a resilient and well-adjusted child.

Meg Faure introduces Gessica, who is a mother of two, including her newborn daughter Rachel. Gessica recounts her family's journey and the early weeks of adjusting to life with a second child. Meg emphasizes that this podcast is for parents with newborns or those expecting one soon. Joys of Parenting a Newborn Gessica shares the joy of Rachel's first smiles at six weeks. She describes the wholesome feeling of her growing family. Gessica appreciates feeling more confident as a second-time mom. She highlights the importance of having a supportive partner. This confidence allows her to enjoy the small, rewarding moments with her newborn. Challenges of Breastfeeding Gessica discusses the challenges she faces with breastfeeding. Despite using a nipple shield, she finds breastfeeding difficult. Gessica talks about the conflicting advice she received regarding Rachel's suspected lip tie. Meg advises consulting specialized lactation consultants for such issues. Gessica's experience reflects many mothers' struggles with breastfeeding. Dealing with Newborn Fussiness Gessica mentions the common struggle of newborn wind and colic. She shares her approach to managing Rachel's fussiness and wind. Meg discusses research suggesting that winding a baby may not always help. Instead, she advises keeping winding sessions brief and calming. Meg highlights that many issues, like wind and teething, are developmental stages that will pass. Support Systems and Parental Confidence Gessica emphasizes the role of her husband in easing the parenting load. She explains how his support helps her manage stress and make better decisions. Meg agrees, noting that having a supportive partner can significantly impact the parenting experience. She also encourages parents to trust their instincts and give themselves time to see if an issue resolves on its own. This episode offers valuable insights into the early weeks of parenting, highlighting both joys and challenges. Gessica's experiences provide relatable and practical advice for new parents. Meg's expertise adds depth to the discussion, offering research-based tips and reassurance. Listeners will benefit from understanding that many early parenting challenges are normal and temporary. They will also learn the importance of support systems and trusting their instincts. This episode is a must-listen for new and expecting parents seeking guidance and reassurance in their parenting journey.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into understanding and managing sensory seekers in children. Meg Faure, an OT infant specialist and author, hosts the episode, offering valuable insights for new parents. The podcast is brought to you by ParentSense, the app that takes the guesswork out of parenting. This episode focuses on the unique challenges and strengths of sensory seekers. Meg is joined by Tove Gant, who represents parents with many questions about raising sensory seekers. What is a Sensory Seeker? Sensory seekers are children who crave sensory and social stimulation. These children are often very active, socially engaged, and constantly seeking new sensory experiences. They are undersensitive, meaning they need more stimulation to perceive their environment fully. This behavior can be exhausting for parents but is a natural part of these children's development. Understanding Sensory Seeking Behavior Meg explains that sensory seeking is not naughtiness or hyperactivity. Sensory seekers have a higher need for sensory input, which can sometimes appear chaotic. Parents need to understand this behavior to respond empathetically and effectively. Providing appropriate sensory activities can help manage their need for stimulation. Daily Routines and Activities Meg emphasizes the importance of integrating sensory activities into daily routines. Activities like jumping on trampolines, swinging, and climbing monkey bars provide essential proprioceptive input. Proprioception involves input into muscles and joints, which is both stimulating and regulating. These activities help sensory seekers manage their need for movement and sensory input. Managing Screen Time Screens provide only visual and auditory stimulation, lacking proprioceptive input. Excessive screen time can overstimulate and dysregulate sensory seekers. Meg advises parents to limit screen time and focus on activities that provide physical and sensory engagement. This approach helps maintain a balance between stimulation and regulation. Creating Calming Spaces Meg suggests setting up a calming space or "timeout" area in the home. This space should include calming items like bean bags, vibrating toys, and sensory jars. Having a designated area for downtime helps sensory seekers regulate themselves when overstimulated. This space is crucial for preventing sensory overload and meltdowns. Recognizing Overstimulation and Responding Parents should watch for signs of overstimulation, such as increased fidgeting and irritability. Introducing proprioceptive activities can help calm sensory seekers when they are overstimulated. Understanding these cues and responding appropriately is key to managing sensory seeking behavior. When to Seek Professional Help Meg advises against early diagnoses for busy children under three. However, if a child's busyness is always destructive and unconstructive, professional advice may be necessary. Occupational therapists can provide sensory diets to help regulate sensory input. For older children, if sensory seeking interferes with learning and relationships, professional help should be sought. Listeners should tune into this podcast to gain a deeper understanding of sensory seekers and how to manage their unique needs. Meg Faure provides practical advice and empathetic insights, helping parents support their sensory seeking children. This episode offers valuable strategies to balance stimulation and regulation, ensuring a harmonious home environment.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the transition period for new parents as the newborn honeymoon phase ends. Our guest, Julia, shares her personal journey and offers valuable insights on handling the challenges of bedtime and feeding routines with her newborn, Aurelia. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help new parents navigate this critical stage. Effective Bedtime Strategies Meg and Julia discuss the importance of establishing effective bedtime routines. They delve into concepts like dream feeds and cluster feeds, explaining how these can help extend the baby’s sleep periods. Julia shares her experiences with these methods and their impact on her baby's sleep patterns. Understanding Hunger and Sleep Cues The conversation highlights the significance of understanding a baby's hunger and sleep cues. Julia talks about how recognizing these cues has helped her manage her baby’s needs better. Meg provides additional insights on how parents can identify and respond to these cues effectively. Engaging Older Siblings in the Routine Julia discusses the role of her older child, Santi, in caring for the newborn. She emphasizes the importance of involving older siblings in the baby’s routine to ease the transition for the entire family. Meg agrees, highlighting the benefits of sibling involvement in fostering a supportive family environment. Handling the Evening Juggle Julia recounts the challenges of juggling the needs of her newborn and her older child. She shares practical tips on managing this evening juggle, such as involving Santi in activities like reading stories to Aurelia during feeding times. Meg supports these strategies and offers additional advice on how to keep older siblings engaged. Dealing with False Starts and Evening Fussiness The episode addresses common issues like false starts and evening fussiness. Julia talks about her experiences with Aurelia’s evening crying spells and how cluster feeding has helped manage these episodes. Faure explains the concept of false starts and provides tips on handling them effectively. This episode is a must-listen for new parents navigating the end of the honeymoon period with their newborn. Meg and Julia provide practical advice and personal experiences that offer valuable insights. By the end of the episode, listeners will feel more confident in their ability to manage bedtime and feeding routines. They will also gain a better understanding of their baby’s needs and how to create a supportive family environment. Tune in to learn effective strategies and feel empowered in your parenting journey.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we explore the complex topic of milk feeding for babies. Meg Faure, an OT infant specialist and author, invites Kath McGaw, a pediatric dietician, to discuss the various methods of feeding babies milk. This episode aims to help parents navigate the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding, formula feeding, and combination feeding. Breastfeeding Benefits and Tips Breastfeeding is presented as the preferred method for feeding babies. Kath emphasizes that breast milk is dynamic, changing daily to meet the baby's needs. It provides essential immune benefits, with antibodies transferring from mother to baby. Breast milk also offers the right balance of nutrients, including high-fat content necessary for energy. Kath advises moms to ensure proper hydration, nutrition, and rest to maintain a good milk supply. She stresses the importance of a proper latch to ensure effective breastfeeding. Moms are encouraged to seek help from lactation consultants if they encounter difficulties. Formula Feeding Insights The podcast delves into formula feeding as an alternative or supplement to breastfeeding. Kath explains that formula milk is designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible. There are different types of formula, including cow's milk protein-based, soy-based, and specialized formulas. Kath highlights the importance of looking for formulas with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and added omega-3s. She advises parents to avoid frequent formula changes and to give each new formula at least two weeks before deciding its suitability. Combination Feeding Considerations Combination feeding, which involves both breastfeeding and formula feeding, is another option discussed. Kath mentions that some moms might need to supplement breastfeeding with formula due to various reasons. She advises starting with breastfeeding and then topping up with formula if necessary. This method can help moms determine if their baby is getting enough milk. Kath also suggests maintaining a small dose of cow's milk protein weekly to prevent future allergies. Practical Tips and Challenges The episode covers practical tips for transitioning between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Parents should be aware of potential gut changes and stool variations when introducing formula. Kath emphasizes the importance of observing the baby's reactions and consulting a healthcare provider if issues arise. She discourages formula hopping and recommends seeking professional advice to ensure the baby's gut health. Listeners should tune into this episode for valuable insights into milk feeding options. Kath McGaw provides research-based advice, helping parents make informed decisions about feeding their babies. Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination feeding, this episode offers practical tips and expert guidance. Download the ParentSense app for more resources and to take the guesswork out of parenting. This episode is essential for new parents navigating the early stages of their baby's life.