Thriving Parent-ing

Welcome back to another fortnightly Baby Bite Size episode – where your questions get answered with heart, humour, and heaps of practical support.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most common (and confusing!) parenting challenges: nap transitions. Specifically sparked by a listener's question about the 3-to-2 nap change, we cover all major nap transitions – from three naps to none – helping you understand what’s happening at each stage and how to manage it with confidence.

You'll learn:

• The science behind why naps are essential for learning, memory, and regulation
• The average ages when nap transitions typically occur
• The 5 key signs it might be time to drop a nap
• Common pitfalls when transitioning too early
• Why developmental stages like 12 months and 2 years can temporarily throw nap routines out of whack
• Real-life insights from hundreds of clients supported through nap transitions

Resources:

Nap-Transition Guide - https://learn.sleepthrivegrow.com/nap-transition-guide

For other sleep guides check out here: https://sleepthrivegrow.com/essential-sleep-guides

To learn more about Jen and her services: https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 57 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re joined by Dr Carrie Rigoni - a chiropractor who works with mums and children, to optimise their child’s brain development, and set them up for lifelong health. She loves talking about all things vagus nerve, and all the factors that can influence brain development and function. She has a busy practice in Perth WA and is passionate about optimising the vagus nerve, supporting mums through periods of dysregulation, and helping mums understand what they can do to support their child’s vagal tone too. As a busy mum of 3, she understands how hard the juggle can be!

Together, we explore how understanding your nervous system (and your child’s) can completely shift the way you approach parenting.

Dr Carrie explains the subconscious patterns we develop from birth, the power of the vagus nerve, why familiar feels safer than regulated, and how simple daily habits can help parents and children thrive emotionally and physically.

Dr Carrie is passionate about using the online world to educate mothers on the power of the vagus nerve, and also offers group coaching, 1:1 online consultancy, and a membership all about nervous system regulation. 

What we cover:

• What the nervous system actually is – and how it affects your daily parenting
• Why 90% of our behaviours are subconscious and shaped in early life
• How the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in stress regulation
• The myth of “fixing” yourself with meditation or yoga
• Why control is often a sign of dysregulation
• Small, practical tools to build emotional resilience for you and your child
• The importance of pausing, co-regulation, and curiosity over reaction
• How each child has a unique nervous system and how to parent accordingly
• The truth about healing – it’s slow, individual, and deeply connected to your lived experiences

Key message: You’re not failing — you’re likely just working with the nervous system you were wired with. With support, self-compassion and consistency, your window of tolerance can grow.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who might need a reminder that thriving starts with understanding ourselves.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 56 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

Introducing Baby Bite-Size, your go-to fortnightly segment for quick, actionable insights into baby sleep and behaviour! Whether it’s answering your burning questions or tackling the most common sleep struggles, this series is all about making parenting a little easier, one bite-sized episode at a time.

In this first episode of this new series, we’re diving into early rising, why your baby is up before dawn and the key step most parents skip when trying to fix it. If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, Jen will take you through a step you cannot overlook!

In this episode, I talked about:

• Why not to follow an early rise with an early nap
• How to gradually stretch wake windows (without meltdowns)
• Why boredom might be tricking you into thinking your baby’s tired
• What overstimulation and true overtiredness really look like
• How to hold space for your baby during these transitional stretches
• And how little wins every day can create big shifts over time

If you’ve been feeling stuck in the early-to-rise, early-to-bed cycle — this one’s for you. And if you know a parent who’s struggling with those pre-dawn wake-ups, please share this episode with them. It might be just the thing they need to feel a bit more clarity and a lot more empowered.

💬 Got a question for Baby Bitesize? Send me a DM on Instagram or email [email protected] — I’d love to feature your question in a future episode!

Have a question you would like featured? Drop it here at [email protected]

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 55 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

Parenting is tough—but when one parent is flying in and out for work, the challenges multiply. This week on Thriving Parenting, I’m joined by Vicky Pellowe, founder and CEO of The FIFO Family Project, to talk about the realities of FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) parenting and how families can find the support they need.

Vicky, a former FIFO worker herself, understands both sides of the FIFO lifestyle—the highs, the lows, and the unexpected hurdles that come with raising a family when one parent is away for extended periods.

In this conversation, we explore:

• What FIFO parenting really looks like beyond the stereotypes
• The biggest struggles for FIFO parents, partners at home, and kids
• Why isolation is the number one challenge for families and how to combat it
• The importance of community, education, and wellbeing for FIFO families
• Practical strategies to make FIFO work for your unique family situation

Vicky shares the incredible work she’s doing with The FIFO Family Project—from community meetups to educational resources and upcoming support programs. Whether you’re a FIFO family, know someone who is, or just want to understand the complexities of this lifestyle, this episode is packed with insights and solutions.

Want more support? I offer free sleep clarity sessions to help parents navigate stress, sleep, and connection-based changes. Reach out to see how we can work together!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 54 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers!

Welcome to another episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, we're diving into a critical yet often overlooked challenge in parenting—stress and how it affects your ability to truly connect and attune to your baby’s needs.

Parenting is overwhelming, and stress is inevitable. But what happens when stress takes over? It clouds our judgment, pushes us into survival mode, and makes it nearly impossible to attune to the subtle cues our baby gives us. In this episode, we unpack:

• What attunement really means and why it's the key to understanding your baby beyond their basic needs
• How stress literally rewires your brain, shutting down logical thinking and problem-solving
• The hidden sources of parenting stress—from sleep deprivation and emotional overload to the mental load of managing a household
• How to break the stress cycle, regulate your emotions, and create an environment where both you and your baby thrive

The truth? You know your baby best—but only when you have the capacity to tune in. And that starts with reducing stress, tuning into your own needs, and trusting yourself.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, constantly second-guessing your parenting, or simply running on empty, this episode is for you.

Want more support? I offer free sleep clarity sessions to help parents navigate stress, sleep, and connection-based changes. Reach out to see how we can work together!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 53 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers—give yourself grace.

Welcome back, Thrivers! In this episode, we're tackling a topic that so many parents struggle with—perfectionism in parenting. If you've ever felt like you're failing because things didn’t go as planned, this one’s for you.

I get it. I’ve been there. Whether it’s worrying about sleep routines, questioning if we’ve “ruined” everything by comforting our child a certain way, or feeling like we need to get it all right, perfectionism sneaks up on us in ways we don’t even realise. But the truth is, parenting isn’t meant to be perfect—it’s meant to be human.

In this episode, I dive into:

• How perfectionism shows up in parenting (and why we don’t even realise it).
• The hidden pressure we put on ourselves to control the uncontrollable.
• Why comparison (especially with other parents) fuels our self-doubt.
• How to shift from control to connection and let go of the guilt.
• Practical ways to pause, reset, and remind ourselves that we are enough.

Parenting is messy. It’s unpredictable. And that’s okay. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short, this episode is your reminder that you are doing better than you think.

If this resonates with you, share this episode with a fellow parent who needs to hear it! And if you love this podcast, please leave a review or subscribe—it truly helps us keep bringing you the content that supports your parenting journey.

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 52 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers—give yourself grace.

Welcome to the 51st episode of Thriving Parenting. I’m truly grateful to be part of your journey and to share the parenting wisdom I’ve gathered over nearly 13 years. In today’s episode, I’m diving into three quick win areas that can dramatically improve your baby’s sleep with minimal extra effort. These areas are:

I’ve found that setting up the right sleep environment is an absolute game changer. I chat about how darkening your baby’s room—even just about 80% during day sleeps—can help them transition through their sleep cycles more easily.

The natural biological drive that tells our little ones it’s time to sleep. I share insights from my free sleep cheat guide, which gives average awake times as a guide to help avoid having either overtired or under-tired babies.

It might sound simple, but ensuring your baby is well fed is a crucial part of the sleep equation. I discuss how distracted feeding can lead to reduced calorie intake during the day, which might then lead to more frequent wake-ups at night.

I also share some very personal moments from my parenting journey. From recording my son’s transitioning voice to delicately helping my daughter let go of her treasured teddies, I reveal the bittersweet realities of watching our children grow. It’s a reminder that even on the tough days, every little win adds up, and we’re all just doing our best to thrive as a family.

“Children do not experience our intentions, no matter how heartfelt. Instead, they experience our tone, behaviour, and actions.”

A less stressed parent is truly the best parent, and by making these small changes, we can all feel a bit more at ease.

If you’re looking for some extra support or want to chat about your unique baby sleep challenges, do check out my free sleep clarity session. All the links and details are in the show notes below.

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 51 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, keep thriving and remember—you’re doing an amazing job.

Welcome to the 50th episode of Thriving Parenting! First off, a huge thank you for being part of this journey. Releasing this podcast was once a fear, but now, it’s something I look forward to every week—connecting, supporting, and helping you embrace a thriving life in parenting.

To celebrate this milestone, I have a FREE masterclass for you! It’s all about understanding and responding to your baby’s cries, helping you become their emotional coach during sleep changes. Visit my new website, https://sleepthrivegrow.com.

Crying. It’s something all parents struggle with, and yet, society has conditioned us to fear it. We’re told a “good” baby is a quiet baby, and when our little one cries, we start questioning everything: Am I doing it wrong? Am I breaking trust? Should I stop this immediately?

But what if we rewrote this story? Instead of seeing crying as a problem, what if we recognized it as a form of communication—not something to fix, but something to support?

Today, we’re unpacking:

• Why society has trained us to fear crying
• How crying is essential for emotional development
• The shift from “stop the crying” to “support the feeling”
• Why embracing emotions at bedtime can actually make sleep easier
• How to attune to your baby’s needs without feeling overwhelmed

When we learn to hold space for our baby’s emotions without panic, everything changes. Parenting becomes less about “fixing” and more about guiding, supporting, and responding with confidence.

If today’s episode resonated with you, I have free masterclass!

EMOTIONAL COACHING FOR NEW PARENTS: UNDERSTANDING & RESPONDING TO YOUR BABY'S CRIES. Instant download at https://learn.sleepthrivegrow.com/understanding-baby-cries-masterclass

Remember, you are not failing when your baby cries. You are teaching them that emotions are safe to feel. And that is one of the greatest gifts we can give as parents.

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 50 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers! ✨

Welcome back, Thrivers, to another episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, we’re diving into something that can truly transform your stress levels, mental well-being, and overall day-to-day experience as a parent—small, meaningful rituals.

Life is busier than ever, and as parents, we’re often juggling a million things at once. But what if I told you that incorporating simple, intentional pauses throughout your day could make all the difference? These moments won’t take up much of your time, but they have the power to ground you, reset your nervous system, and bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

From morning gratitude practices to bedtime rituals with our children, I discuss practical ways to integrate these small yet powerful pauses into your daily routine. You’ll learn how simple moments—like a deep breath before getting out of bed, noticing nature on a morning walk, or sharing a meaningful bedtime gesture with your child—can significantly shift your energy and improve your connection with your family.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of small rituals in reducing stress and fostering mindfulness
• How rituals provide structure, emotional security, and a sense of control
• Practical, easy-to-implement ideas for morning, daytime, and bedtime rituals
• The science behind how these pauses activate our parasympathetic nervous system
• How to create meaningful connection points with your children through simple gestures

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow parent who might be running on stress and cortisol. Let’s spread the message of mindful parenting together! I’d also love to hear about your own rituals—send me a message or tag me on social media!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 48 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers! ✨

Welcome back, Thrivers! Today, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools in parenting—understanding temperament. Temperament is the foundation of who we are, shaping how our children experience and react to the world. And the more we understand it, the better we can support them in ways that truly meet their needs.

In this episode, I break down the nine temperament traits identified by researchers Thomas and Chess, including adaptability, persistence, sensitivity, and intensity of reaction. I’ll also share real-life stories from clients and my own parenting journey to illustrate how temperament influences everything from transitions to sleep.

Plus, we’ll explore how your own temperament as a parent affects the way you interact with your child—because parenting is a two-way street! Whether you’re raising an easygoing dandelion, a sensitive orchid, or a slow-to-warm tulip, this episode will help you navigate the unique needs of your child without limiting their potential.

I talked about:

• What is temperament and why does it matter?
• The 9 key temperament traits and how they show up in daily life
• How to work with your child’s temperament instead of against it
• Why understanding your own temperament is just as important
• Practical strategies to nurture your child’s growth without boxing them in

Tune in, take notes, and get curious about your child’s temperament. Share your reflections with me—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Resources: Temparatement Scale

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 48 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.