The Parenting Couch

In the latest episode of The Parenting Couch podcast, Rachel and Sarah talk to Phillip Heath, Head of Barker College, about how to choose a school for your child and why Barker made the transition to fully co-educational in 2022.

Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. There are many factors to consider… practical considerations like how close it is to where you live, public transport options, cost, where friends might be going, and before & after school care. There are also school factors to consider – the size of the school, facilities, religious affiliation, teaching philosophy, academic results, their approach to behaviour management, support for children with additional needs. You’ll also be wanting to consider how different schools might suit children’s personalities, strengths, needs and interests.

Another thing to think about is whether you choose a co-educational or a single sex school. For some, this can be one of the most important factors.

Phillip Heath achieved a First Class Honours degree in Reformation History and taught at Trinity Grammar School Sydney and King’s School Ely (UK), before becoming Deputy Head of The William Clarke College in Kellyville, and then Headmaster of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Sydney, where he formed the Gawura Campus for Indigenous inner city children. Author of “Trinity, the Daring of Your Name”, and numerous journal articles, Mr Heath became fifth Principal of Radford College ACT in 2009 and the school received the Order of Australia Association (ACT) Award for Community Service twice under his leadership. He was made a Fellow of the ACT Branch ACEL in 2011 and in 2018 was awarded as a Member in the general division of the Order of Australia for his service to education and his commitment to creating greater opportunities for Indigenous students.

He was appointed as the Head of Barker College in 2014. In 2016 it was announced that the School would transition to be fully coeducational by 2022 with female students commencing in Years Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten in 2018, Year 3 in 2019 and Year 7 in 2020. In 2016 he formed the Darkinjung Barker Campus for Indigenous children on the Central Coast of New South Wales and in 2020 the Ngarralingayil Barker Campus for Indigenous children in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. In 2021, following the signing of an MOU with the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Dhupuma Barker commenced as a school for Indigenous children On Country in North East Arnhem Land.

Phillip has served on the NSW Board of Studies representing the Independent Sector (2000-2009) and is also a past National Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (2013-2015). He is currently working on an unpublished manuscript titled “One Life at a Time”, exploring his journey and work to create greater educational opportunities for Australia’s First Nations people.

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In the latest episode of The Parenting Couch podcast, Rachel and Sarah talk to Alison Brahe Daddo about her incredible journey. For Gen X women, Alison has been a big part of our lives... on the cover of Dolly as we were going through puberty and teen years... and now she is back to support us through that next big life stage of life, Menopause.

Once a household name, Alison was much loved nationally and grew up alongside a generation of Australians. Now, just like the rest of us, she’s all grown up and is now in her fifties. She’s also gone through menopause, an experience that she shares in her new book Queen Menopause: Finding your majesty in the mayhem.

Menopause changed Ali’s perspective on life, relationships and body image. It made her truly realise the implications of being silent, of speaking up, of consent, of boundaries and the importance of feeling, of being and of anger. She reveals how all the shifting and changing that menopause brings she found a new emerging sense of self and her life.

Buy Queen Menopause
Follow Ali Daddo on Instagram

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Got a daughter? Kaz Cooke, Author of Girl Stuff 8-12 years (and many other amazing life-stage books) shares her tips about how to guide your tween girl through body changes, periods as well as inappropriate comments from relatives. Throughout the episode, she emphasises the importance of normalising puberty, and that the experience and timing is different for all girls. And it's all normal. 

Kaz says: "Do not let anyone in the family comment on your child's body changes. Do not let brothers and sisters tease each other. You need to have a very strong hard rule. Often family members who feel like they have a right to comment of girls bodies - Uncles, Aunts and often grandparents. They'll say 'oh you've put on weight', or there's a judgement built into "Oh you've shot up". It's astonishing that people in extended families might make comments like 'Oh, you're growing out the front now'. "

About Kaz Cooke
Kaz is your friend for life, her books helping generations of girls and women with their health and life stages. She constantly updates her books which have become classics, reassuring and entertaining more than two generations of Australians.

She began her career as a cadet journalist at The Age newspaper, and soon lurched into other areas, producing her cartoon strip Hermoine the Modern Girl; and the first of many columns and books. She still writes things, and talks in public and on the radio. And on the phone.

Kaz lives in Melbourne and often works in her pyjamas (usually without leaving the house). Her hobbies include reading, sewing in a straight line and shouting at the television news.

Kaz recommends
In this episode, Kaz recommends the following documentary about body image:
Embrace is a social impact documentary by Taryn Brumfitt that explores the serious issue of body loathing, inspiring us to change the way we feel about ourselves and think about our bodies.

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Meet Sarah Levett, co-host of The Parenting Couch podcast. Sarah is a single Mum to her 9-year-old daughter. Sarah has spent much of her life treading the boards in many of Australia’s comedy clubs as a stand-up comic. She's hosted breakfast radio shows in Geelong and Newcastle, and also been on air for Nova 96.9 in Sydney. Recently, she's added marriage celebrant & wedding MC to her list of career credits.

FIND OUT MORE

• https://sarahmonialservices.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/Sarahmonial-Services-105321041268205/
• https://www.instagram.com/sarah_monial_services/

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Meet Rachel Chappell, co-host of The Parenting Couch podcast. Rachel lives on Sydney's upper north shore with her husband and three daughters (aged 7, 10 & 12). She started North Shore Mums Facebook group in 2012, when she moved to the area with lots of questions, but not many local friends to ask. A year later, she decided to take the Facebook group to the next level by launching the North Shore Mums website.

In this episode, Rachel shares the story about how North Shore Mums was created... as well as how she juggles work and family, dealing with sibling rivalry and the transition from primary school to Year 7.

FIND OUT MORE: 

• Visit the North Shore Mums website
• Follow North Shore Mums on Facebook
• Follow North Shore Mums on Instagram

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'A short, wonderfully readable and timely plunge into the ailments of the modern world, salved by deep insights into ancient wisdoms.' - David Leser, Author of Women, Men and the Whole Damn Thing

'A great read... will be warmly welcomed for the insights it offers.' - Abbie Cornish, Actor
'Healing, calming and empowering. Rachael and her work in this world are such a gift.' - Cassie Mendoza-Jones, Author of You Are Enough

Sometimes there is no other option than to fight. But where do we find the courage when we haven't any left?
Find Your Strength is a guide to becoming a warrior and thriving on the battlefield of life by actor, Play School presenter and award-winning writer Rachael Coopes. Introducing ancient wisdom in a fun and modern way, as well as sharing some inspiring personal survival stories, this witty, wise and practical manual will help you feel stronger and more invincible than you ever thought possible.

https://rachaelcoopes.com/
Insta: @rachaelcoopes

https://www.booktopia.com.au/find-your-strength-sensible-advice-to-prepare-yourself-for-life-s-battlefield-rachael-coopes/book/9781922626523.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy7esqcPi9AIVmFVgCh2TxQ3cEAAYASAAEgIQ8PD_BwE

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/find-your-strength-sensible-advice-to-prepare-yourself-for-lifes-battlefield-by-rachael-coopes-9781922626523

#findyourstrength # lifetips #yoga #meditation #bestlife #newbook #Rachaelcoopes

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Website: www.theparentingcouch.com.au

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Website: talkingalltopics.com
Email: [email protected]

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Kabba (Comedian) is a Dad to 4 kids. He tells his story of what happened when he had no choice but to deliver his own baby at home! Captivating and hilarious! You can follow Kabba using the below socials and find out where his next stand up gig is.

Facebook: KABBA MK
Insta @kabba_mk

Insta: @theparentingcouch
Facebook: The Parenting Couch
Website: www.theparentingcouch.com.au

Insta: @talkingalltopics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/talkingalltopics/
Website: talkingalltopics.com
Email: [email protected]

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This week I am introducing you to the new podcast I have launched with my friend and former radio co-host, Jonno Lis. It is called Talking All Topics. This episode is on homeschooling. The pros, the cons, our thoughts, and everything in between. So many people have had a taste of what it could or would look like after months of online learning! See below for information on both podcasts. Thanks for listening, liking, and sharing!!

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Facebook: The Parenting Couch
Website: www.theparentingcouch.com.au

Insta: @talkingalltopics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/talkingalltopics/
Website: talkingalltopics.com
Email: [email protected]

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Having her first baby just before the pandemic began, Actress Belinda Gosbee joins The Parenting Couch to talk about making her own movie and parenting. And then catching covid after being vaccinated. Very open and candid chat. #covid19#vaccine#hollywood#Mumlife

To check out Belinda's work www.belindagosbee.com

*HELPLINES*

Parentline in your state

Always ring 000 if in immediate danger or emergencies.

Support services have been listed below:

- Lifeline (Crisis support and suicide prevention): 13 11 14

-Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36

-Mensline: 1300 78 99 78

- Suicide call back Service:  1300 659 467

-National Indigenous Critical Response Service: 1800 805 801

- 1800RESPECT: (National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling) 
1800 737 732

- SAMSN:  Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN):
1800 472 676

Kids Helpline : 1800 55 1800

Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277

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Sally Hawach joined The Parenting Couch in 2020 to talk about her experience of being pregnant with COVID 19. One of the first people in Australia to contract the virus. She went on to deliver her baby and he is healthy. In fact, he was born with the antibodies. In a very open and honest chat, Sally shares the realities of living with LONG COVID. 

Visit Sally and enjoy her business and career as an Art Therapist here.
www.sunshineco.com.au

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