Childhood Matters by Bower Education
Welcome to Bower Education's Childhood Matters podcast, presented by hosts Jane Parolin, Sam Payze, and Chelsea Oliver as they delve into the complexities of childcare and child development—covering all the topics that matter to you as a parent. At Childhood Matters, we provide you with the essential tools for parenting, celebrating the wonderful surprises and joys that children bring into our lives.
Episodes
44 episodes
Sleep: A Pillar of Wellbeing
Sleep plays a vital role in every aspect of a child's growth, development, learning, and emotional wellbeing. Yet for many families, navigating sleep challenges can feel overwhelming and exhausting.In this episode of Childhood Matters, w...
Flying Start: 3 Year Old Preschool Program
In this episode of Childhood Matters, Chelsea is joined by cohosts Sam and Jane to discuss the Flying Start Preschool Program for 3-year-olds. Together, they explore what the program means for children and families, why these early years are so...
Good Mood Food: Rethinking School Canteens
In this episode, we chat with two mums behind the Good Mood Food Project, an initiative designed to support schools in rethinking what’s on offer in the canteen. Their goal is simple but powerful to make healthier, more balanced choices more ac...
Lunchbox Pressure: Support from Supermarket Swap
In this episode of Childhood Matters, we’re joined by Nabula from Supermarket Swap to talk all things lunchboxes and the pressure that so many parents feel each morning when trying to get it “right.”We explore simple, realistic ways to s...
The Power of Secure Attachment with Nicola Vozzo
In this episode, child development practitioner, Nicola Vozzo explains the concept of secure attachment and why it plays such a crucial role in a child’s development. She explains how strong, responsive relationships help children feel safe, bu...
Press Pause: The Movement to Delay Smartphones
In this episode, we’re joined by Emily from Wait Mate, an inspiring initiative helping families rethink when children should get their first smartphone. Built around a simple but powerful idea strength in numbers, Wait Mate encourages parents w...
Child Development Practitioner, Nicola Vozzo: Supporting Big Emotions
In this episode, child development practitioner, Nicola Vozzo unpacks what’s really going on beneath children’s big emotions and challenging behaviours. With a warm and practical approach, she helps us understand why children react the way they...
Start the Conversation: Tools from Kristi McVee
In this practical follow-up episode, Kristi McVee shares simple, effective tools to help children find their voice and build confidence in communication. From easy conversation starters to everyday strategies, Kristi guides parents and caregive...
EmmaMemma’s Musical Language: Bringing Auslan to Life
In this joyful and inspiring episode, we’re joined by EmmaMemma to explore the beautiful world of Auslan and the power of music and movement in children’s learning. Emma shares her passion for making communication inclusive, showing how signing...
Kristi McVee: Former Detective and Child Safety Expert
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we speak with a former detective who spent years interviewing children affected by abuse and who now dedicates her life to helping families keep children safe.Drawing from real experiences on the...
Season 4: The Next Generation, It's Our Responsibility
Welcome to Season 4: The Next Generation, It’s Our Responsibility.In this opening episode, we share what’s ahead for the season as we dive into the realities of raising children in a rapidly changing world. From online safety to broader ...
A Deeper Understanding Of Play With Marc Armitage
In this episode, “A Deeper Understanding of Play,” we sit down with renowned play consultant Marc Armitage to explore what play really means for children’s development and well-being.Marc shares powerful insights from decades of observin...
Balancing Babies and Business
In this episode of Childhood Matters, we sit down with powerhouse mums Georgie and Alex, the inspiring duo behind Bubish Fashion label. The girls open up about their real experiences of returning to work as new mums, the juggle, the identity sh...
Inside The Spectrum: What's behind the behaviours?
In this episode we explore one of the most important topics for parents and caregivers: the early signs of autism in children and how to know when it may be time to seek a formal diagnosis.Our guest from Autism SA discuss what ear...
Beyond The Story: Writing For Childrens Mental Health And Wellbeing
In this inspiring episode of Childhood Matters, we are joined by the wonderful team behind The Dreamweavers Collective, a creative team who are dedicated to nurturing children’s emotional wellbeing through storytelling. Together, we explore how...
Childcare Decisions: Where do you start?
Choosing the right childcare centre can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we break down what families should really be looking for when touring childcare centres and the key questions to ask along the way.Fro...
Philosophy with Purpose: Why Reggio Shapes Our Practice
In this important episode, we’re addressing a topic that’s at the forefront of every parent and educator’s mind, child safety and protection in early learning settings.With rising concerns in the media and community, we want to offer cla...
Bedtime Battles with Burgo
In this lighthearted chat with my good friend Ryan Bugress, we dive into one of the great universal parenting challenges, getting children to sleep. We share stories, laugh about the ridiculous lengths parents will go to for just a few extra mi...
Bite Sized Emotions: Speech Pathologist Breaks Down Toddler Communication
Why do toddlers bite, and what are they really trying to say? In this episode, we’re joined by Georgia, a speech pathologist from Sunny Days Speech, to unpack the biting phase and what it reveals about early communication, emotional regulation,...
Occupational Therapy Explained: Early Intervention and Support with Dino from OTFC
In this episode, we’re joined by Dino from Occupational Therapy for Children (OTFC) to explore what occupational therapy is and how it supports children’s development in the early years. Dino shares practical insights on when families might con...
Welcome to Season 3: Understanding What Really Matters
In Season 3 of Childhood Matters, we're diving deeper into the heart of early childhood and we’re bringing new voices with us. This season, we welcome a range of guest speakers and allied health professionals to help parents, caregivers, and lo...
Parenting Through a Dad’s Eyes – A Conversation with Burgo
In this heartfelt and honest chat, Chelsea sits down with good friend Burgo to explore what parenting looks like from a father's perspective. From the joys and challenges to the evolving role of modern dads, Burgo shares his personal experience...
Pathways to Progress and your Child's Milestones
Meg has extensive qualifications, including a Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diplomas in Neonatal Care and Clinical Teaching, and is a certified Bayley Scales Assessor. She’s a clinical researcher, published author, and expert in child developme...
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