Ever found yourself pleading “Pleeease, come on!” or threatening consequences?

In this episode, we’re diving into a simple, eye-opening framework that reveals why we slip into those moments, and how tiny shifts in our tone and presence can completely transform everyday conversations into parenting battles. From school-run stand-offs to bedtime drama, you’ll start to see these patterns everywhere and laugh at how human we all are.

Join me as we explore the three ego states of transactional analysis (Parent, Child, and Adult) and learn how to stay in that grounded, calm, connected space - even when your child is doing everything they can to pull you into the pit.

If you want clearer communication, fewer power struggles, and a home where boundaries and kindness co-exist, this episode hands you the tools to get there - starting today.

📬 Contact Madeleine:

Resources & Links:

📖 Get Madeleine's parenting book:

🗓️ Book a session with Madeleine:

Connect with me on Instagram: @thecourageousmumma

Do you ever find yourself in an argument or debate with your child?

Do you wonder how you got so engaged and how to get out of it?

Are you made to feel guilty for holding a boundary, then frustrated when it slips?

You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll unpack why these patterns keep repeating and how to step out of the emotional back-and-forth that leaves everyone drained.

You’ll learn what’s really happening beneath the surface when you feel blamed, bad, or backed into a corner — and how to bring calm, clarity, and courage back into the moment.

If you’re ready to stop reacting and start leading with confidence, this one’s for you.

I'd love you to leave a review 😀

Contact Madeleine: [email protected]

Order the book: https://www.thecourageousmumma.com/parenting

Read the script from this episode: https://www.thecourageousmumma.com

How do you tether a child with an insatiable appetite for adventure without curbing their enthusiasm?

In this last of our season on Parenting through the different character types of the Enneagram, we're looking at that child who is always chasing the next thrill, activity, adventure....they love the dazzle of life and seem to have boundless enthusiasm. But facing the minor keys of life is a gift too!

I'm talking today about how to help them to embrace emotions, disappointments and acknowledge their feelings so they can truly connect with people, but without losing that zest for life.

If you have a child who fits this description, or a partner or friend, or even if it's you - this podcast is for you...

Resources & Links:

📖 Get Madeleine's parenting book:

🗓️ Book a session with Madeleine:

📬 Contact Madeleine:

Connect with me on Instagram: @thecourageousmumma

Sweet Dreams, No Drama

Michelle is a qualified sleep coach who has supported hundreds of families to peaceful nights through 1-1 and group coaching.

She is also Mum to three football-mad boys and understands the challenges of parenting, especially the toll of sleep deprivation and the juggle of trying to return to work on sleepless nights.

Michelle’s approach equips mothers with the knowledge and confidence needed to transform their little one's sleep— all without leaving your child to cry.

Resources & Links:

📖 Get Madeleine's parenting book:

🗓️ Book a session with Madeleine:

📬 Contact Madeleine:

Connect with me on Instagram: @thecourageousmumma

Michelle's Website: https://www.thebabysleepexperts.co.uk/

Michelle's Free Guide and average sleep needs chart: https://www.thebabysleepexperts.co.uk/free-resources/

I’m joined by my friend David for an honest conversation about something so many of us wrestle with: letting our kids struggle. From the urge to fix everything to the challenge of holding boundaries, we explore why stepping back is often the most loving thing we can do. Whether it’s toddler tantrums or teen defiance, we talk about what it really means to support rather than rescue — and how those moments of struggle can lead to growth, resilience, and deeper connection. If you’ve ever felt torn between helping and holding back, this one’s for you.

Resources & Links:

📖 Get the book:

🗓️ Book a session:

📬 Contact me:

Connect with me on Instagram: @thecourageousmumma

The Enneagram Type Six is a wonderful character type, a great friend, a competent, compassionate disciplined achiever, but they can get themselves in an anxious muddle which stops them from progressing with confidence. 

Come and hear five ways that you can help them to flourish

- to keep those strong, healthy character traits without tipping into overdrive.

Pop here for the book Parenting For Life

Pop here for a consultation

Pop here for the blog

Pop here to email Madeleine: [email protected]

I'm back!

I hope you've had a fun summer. 

I'm launching this term with a fun book, perfect for your friends for Christmas. It's snippets of overheard conversations to make you titter, raise your eyebrows, question yourself and/or the quotee. How would you respond to this one? 

"Why does everyone suddenly need a second screen? It's a post-Covid thing...You know, we're not all operating air traffic control from home!"

Open to conjecture on that one. 

We also chat about the anxious side of early motherhood and how Natasha coped.

Snippets of conversation from Emphatic Middle-Class Women, by Natasha May can be found at Waterstones.com, Amazon and for a signed copy, message Natasha.t.may on Instagram.

Today we talk about pooh and wee and what happens for children emotionally and physically when there are difficulties.

Rachel Thomas is the lead specialist nurse for Children's Bladder and Bowel Team for Gloucestershire.  She talks us through the early and late interventions. There are lots of laughs but lots of great info too.

She recommends:

https://eric.org.uk to answer all your questions.

and

the book, Amy Gets Eaten, by Adam Kay

Email me if you're thinking about the day or evening course: [email protected]

For your copy of Parenting For Life, pop here

For a parenting chat/consultation, pop here

Find me on IG @thecourageousmumma

What should you close before you doze?

Do your kids know what to do if there's a fire?

What are a credit card and cling film doing in with your Meds?

A gripping tour of first aid and how to support your children (or anyone) in common difficulties. Come and learn new things and examine your existing perspectives.

To Contact Meg Sawford: [email protected]

Meg signposts to these two 

Choking Jelly babies

How to use a Defibrillator

For your copy of Parenting For Life, pop here

For a consultation, or a chat about a consultation, pop here

Find me on IG @thecourageousmumma

or pop me an email... [email protected]

 Coming to you from my convalescence after an op  - with the Enneagram type 5.

The fives have some great strengths;

Firstly, their intellectual capacity and their ability to think deeply and critically are admirable. They are excellent researchers and often good problem solvers. They are naturally curious and have a thirst for knowledge. They can often see connections and patterns that others miss.

They’re fabulous in a pub quiz, though sometimes their knowledge is specialised, so then they’re just fabulous in certain rounds.

See if you recognise yourself, your child or your friends or partner...

Introspective

Analytical

Curious

Independent

Thoughtful

Reserved

Cerebral

Detached

Perceptive

Objective

Focused

Reclusive