This episode explores how parents can become confident, empowered partners in their child’s education. Through insights from an educator and head of student wellbeing, we unpack the real challenges both parents and teachers face when trying to connect—and what helps bridge the gap. You'll hear practical strategies for building trust, improving communication, and creating a shared sense of purpose between home and school as part of a broader commitment to student wellbeing.

Jenny Brown in conversation with Lisa Chalmers : Director of Health & Wellbeing at Barker College. 

Lisa Chalmers is the Director of Health & Wellbeing at Barker College. Lisa’s role involves cultivating a whole-school approach to student and staff wellbeing, fostering a holistic, supportive and healthy School environment. Developing and implementing comprehensive health and wellbeing programs that cater to the diverse needs of students, staff, and the broader school community and serve to enable excellence, an environment where students and staff thrive, and families are engaged to work in partnership with the School. 

See Barker’s Parent Institute, which is for any parent, not just those in their school community. All are welcome.

Parent Institute - The Barker Institute

Home - The Barker Institute

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(02) 9904 5600

How do you help teens to raise their own awareness to the impacts of their screen addictions and to motivate them to stop doing it if they're refusing or denying that the phone's the problem?

In this follow up episode (see Episode 5), Vicki Wilkins and Jenny Brown respond to questions sent in at the end of a recent webinar.

They offer practical advice, urging listeners to consider a shift from reactivity to presence - focussing on setting digital boundaries, rooted in values and not panic.

If you're a parent, teacher or caregiver, this short episode will help round out the session from earlier this month, offering wisdom and healthier digital habits, through relationship-first leadership.

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

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In this timely episode,  facilitator Vicki Wilkins interviews Dr. Jenny Brown — founder of the Parent Hope Project — to explore how parents and educators can reclaim calm, confident leadership amidst the chaos of the digital age.

Rather than focusing on fear-based data that leaves parents feeling overwhelmed or caught in  rigid control efforts, Dr. Brown offers a refreshing perspective: real influence starts with self-management, not child-management. Through insights and practical examples from Differentiation-Based Parenting, she guides listeners in considering a  shift from reactivity to presence—learning how to set digital boundaries rooted in values, not panic.

Listeners will learn:

• Why awareness, reality, and agency build clarity more than fear.
• How to act from the “I position” to model emotional maturity.
• Why starting where your family actually is creates more meaningful change.
• How to reclaim leadership even if you feel "late to the game."
• The critical role of consistency, curiosity, and connection—at home and in classrooms.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers grounded wisdom for nurturing healthier digital habits through relationship-first leadership.

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

Youtube-http://www.youtube.com/@ParentHopeProject

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

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[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600

Bridging the Gap: Parents Relating Positively to their Child’s  Mental Health Service

In this episode, Jenny Brown and Dr Annemaree Bickerton explore how parents can effectively engage with mental health clinicians supporting their children. We discuss what parents can expect in terms of involvement, the different types of involvement that empower parents as key contributors to their child’s recovery, and how shared information builds trust. The episode also addresses the challenges parents may face, such as feeling intimidated by expert authority, and offers practical tips on how to ask for meaningful collaboration. Finally, we touch on the limitations of the medical model in mental health care and why a more relational, inclusive approach benefits families.

Dr Bickerton is the co-developer of the training: STAYING CONNECTED WHEN EMOTIONS RUN HIGH.

Listen to a previous episode with Dr Annemaree https://parenthopeproject.com.au/podcasts/staying-connected-when-emotions-run-high/

And read this blog: https://parenthopeproject.com.au/time-to-de-medicalise-childrens-mental-health-2023/

For professional training, go to:
https://parenthopeproject.com.au/training-for-professionals/

Train to use the Parent Hope Manualised Program, a research-based clinical intervention for those working with parents, families and in children’s mental health. Support overwhelmed parents to address their own self-regulation, to support their children’s wellbeing.

The manualised program provides a map for parents to discover ways they can change their part in dynamics to support their young person’s development of self-regulation, balanced relationship connection and independence.

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

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In this episode, we explore a modern parenting paradox: how to be a supportive parent without overdoing it. Joining us again is researcher and family systems therapist Phil Kelver from Kansas, USA, sharing insights from his 20-year study of 50 families.

Together, we unpack his fascinating research about the effects of over-investing in our children, how parents can spot the subtle signs of doing too much, and what it takes to find a healthier balance in today's high-pressure parenting culture.

A thoughtful, eye-opening conversation for anyone navigating the fine line between care and control.

We explore:

What the data reveals about over-investment and its impact on both kids and parents

Subtle signs that you might be overdoing it—and how to spot them in your daily life

Practical insights to help you stay engaged without becoming enmeshed

The real-world pressures making it hard for parents to step back, and how to navigate them with confidence

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about the changing dynamics of modern family life, this episode offers thoughtful reflection and guidance on finding that elusive middle ground.

Tune in for a conversation that’s honest, research-informed, and full of takeaways to help you parent with clarity—not anxiety.

Phillip Klever has conducted a remarkable 20-year study of 50 couples and their multigenerational families and has written 7 peer-reviewed journal articles about the study. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-klever-8b360927/

Research

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Phillip-Klever

Key article

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00120.x

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600

Discovering that your child is self-harming is understandably fear- inducing for any parent. Drawing on Bowen family systems theory, PHP invites parents to consider first how they are responding when safety fears are raised – rather than focusing on the details of the self-harm and diagnoses.

In this podcast Jenny Brown interviews leading Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Annemaree Bickerton about parenting when a child is self-harming. They cover some of these questions:

What are the different ways parents might respond to a child’s cutting?

How can we make sense of young people’s self-harm? 

What do you think it helps for parents to be aware of?

How can parents contribute to a child's safety without removing their child’s agency?

What are your thoughts on helpful parent and young person conversations about suicide risks?

Previous podcast with Annemaree Bickerton:

https://parenthopeproject.com.au/podcasts/staying-connected-when-emotions-run-high/

To watch the video mentioned – This is an excellent resource!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_B61YifyrM

To read about the safety first model 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anzf.1055

for more papers: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Annemaree-Bickerton-28411169

Dr Bickerton is the co-developer of the training: STAYING CONNECTED WHEN EMOTIONS RUN HIGH.

Upcoming Workshops:

https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/family-and-carer-mental-health-program-0/staying-connected-when-emotions-run-high

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

Youtube-http://www.youtube.com/@ParentHopeProject

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/coachingparents

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LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/79093727/admin/feed/posts/

Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600

Goal setting – how parents setting applicable goals helps a family to function

In this first episode of 2025, Jenny Brown interviews Philip Klever, a clinician and researcher from Kansas City in the USA. 

Philip describes his research and what it reveals about the variations in what goals parents set and together they explore how goal settings and principles are connected for parents. 

In the Parent Hope programs, parents are asked to consider their principles when deciding on their position. Jenny asks the question: how are principles and goals related and are applicable goals related to parents being aware of their job description? 

Philip Klever has conducted a remarkable 20-year study of 50 couples and their multigenerational families and has written 7 peer-reviewed journal articles about the study. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-klever-8b360927/

Research

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Phillip-Klever

Key article

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2009.00120.x

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

Youtube-http://www.youtube.com/@ParentHopeProject

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/coachingparents

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600

In this rebroadcasted episode, from Season 2 Episode 7, Jenny is back in the hosting seat with guest Dan Papero.

Dr Jenny Brown draws on Dan’s rich experience as a Bowen family systems scholar, teacher and clinician. They explore how our families are both the seedbed for symptoms and a garden of recovery. They explore how parents can contribute to their family becoming a garden for the sustainable growth and flourishing of its members – including its children.

This conversation builds on Dr Papero’s keynote addresses at the 21st Family Systems Institute Conference. https://www.thefsi.com.au/

About the Guest:

Dan Papero is a senior faculty member from the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, DC. Learn more about Dan’s and his work here:
https://www.thebowencenter.org/
https://www.thebowencenter.org/faculty-bios/daniel-papero 

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600

In this Rebroadcast of Season 2, Episode 5, the tables are turned! Michelle Varcoe, interviews Dr Jenny Brown to discuss:

• The importance of co-regulation in parenting.
• What is co-regulation?
• Are there potential pitfalls of focusing too much on co-regulation?
• Consider the role of self-regulation in parenting.
• Differentiation in Parenting: meaningful connection without invasion.

To hear more about Michelle go to Season 2 Episode 4 or see links below.

About Dr Jenny Brown:
Dr Jenny Brown has over 35 years of clinical experience in child, couple, and family health. Her primary clinical and research interest has been in Child and adolescent mental health and parent’s involvement in treatment. This has been reflected in her publications, conference and workshop presentations and her PhD research on parents’ experience of their child’s mental health treatment. The Parent Hope project has been developed from this critical research.

Jenny’s most recent book is Facilitating Parents’ Agency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Helplessness to Hope – published by Cambridge Scholars.

https://parenthopeproject.com.au/about-jenny-brown

About Michelle Varcoe:
Michelle is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has worked across various Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams within NSW Health, and has extensive experience in supporting families who have a child/adolescent presenting with moderate-severe mental health issues 

https://thefsp.com.au/parent-programs

https://thefsp.com.au/michelle-varcoe/

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Recent studies have found that several of these programs not only failed to help young people but also made their mental health problems worse. Jenny shares some thoughts about this and links it to the Bowen family system ideas of how focusing on a problem in a person can actually project or amplify that problem. 

Note: some of the research quoted is discussed in this NY Time article by Darby Saxbe professor of psychology at the University of Southern California

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/18/opinion/teenagers-mental-health-treatment.html#

Here is an example of a study that Jenny refers to in this episode. The journal Behaviour Research and Therapy: Behaviour Research and Therapy  Volume 169, October 2023,  a study of 1,071 Australian teenagers who were observed from 2017 to 2018.

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Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600

Newsletter-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/#newsletter

Youtube-http://www.youtube.com/@ParentHopeProject

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/coachingparents

Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/parenthopeproject/

LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/79093727/admin/feed/posts/

Website-https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

Contact us:

[email protected]

(02) 9904 5600