PiP Cast: Perspectives in Paeds

In this episode, Caitlin, Alyssa and Danni extend their conversation on puberty, moving beyond the developmental landscape and into one of the most practical questions clinicians face: how do we actually support parents/caregivers to become confident puberty educators for their own child?
Together they discuss what gets in the way of parents and caregivers having these conversations at home, what unhelpful puberty education looks like, and how clinicians can gently and effectively bring this topic into their sessions. Whether you have families who are already in the thick of puberty or those who are just approaching it, this episode offers a clear framework and concrete language to help parents move from avoidant to approachable, because an open door, however imperfect, will always beat the conversation that never happens.
Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 
This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.
Music by Daniel Pavey 
Produced by Michael Daniels 
Relevant Episode Links:
Link to Pipcast Puberty Pt 1 Episode (Ep 18): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GO5Yey3ADP4QFxNAVm4kn?si=8e0316e01bc544a6
Amaze: Age-appropriate videos and resources covering puberty, sexual health, healthy relationships, pregnancy, online safety, and STDs
https://amaze.org/
Sex Ed Rescue: Puberty Books for Neurodivergent Preteens 
Instagram: @sexedrescue
https://sexedrescue.com/puberty-sex-education-books-for-neurodiverse-kids-with-autism/

In this episode, Caitlin, Jackie and Caitlyn share their current thoughts on Thriving Kids - the Australian Government’s proposed early intervention model that has generated concern across the paediatric community. With details still emerging and a lot still to be finalised, they unpack what we know so far, what the transition period means for families and clinicians on the ground, and what isn’t being said loudly enough in the conversation. From workforce readiness and clinical governance, to the real risk of children falling through the cracks before new services are rolled out, this episode is an honest discussion about what families deserve and what is needed for best practice from the perspective of 3 experienced OTs passionate about delivering early intervention services.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 
This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.
Music by Daniel Pavey 
Produced by Michael Daniels 
Relevant Episode Links:
Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report (Feb 2026): https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report?language=en
OT Unplugged podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/38U487pQI0MRanss2Z91w1?si=c134d5bc572f48b2
National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention: 
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention?language=en
No child left behind Report into the Thriving Kids initiative (Dec 2025): https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportrep/RB000704/toc_pdf/Nochildleftbehind.pdf
Transcript of Minister Butler's press conference on the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s report (3rd Feb, 2026) .https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/press-conference-with-minister-butler-canberra-3-february-2026?language=en

In this episode, Jackie, Caity and Mikayla discuss the often overlooked occupation of sleep. They explore considerations across different ages and discussed the common misconceptions and pitfalls when it comes to addressing sleep difficulties. They share their thoughts on where to start when supporting families who are experiencing challenges related to their child’s sleep and how to build your confidence as a treating clinician.
Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 
This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.
Music by Daniel Pavey 
Produced by Michael Daniels 
Relevant Episode Links:
Sleep Health Foundation: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-categories/basics-of-sleep
Infant Sleep Australia: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/
Infant Sleep Australia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infant.sleep.australia?igsh=MWp4cmJmdmZhZHg0NQ==
Royal Children’s Hospital Sleep Information: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Bedtime_problems/

In this episode, Jackie, Caitlyn and Mikayla explore how clinicians can work collaboratively with families to unpack their priorities and define what meaningful progress looks like for them. They discuss the importance of having a clear therapy plan while maintaining flexibility to pivot when needed, the risks of therapy progressing without a clear direction, and how short-term goals can be structured within a broader therapy framework.
The conversation also reflects on real examples from practice, how their service’s approach to therapy planning has evolved, and key insights about goal setting that families may not always realise.
Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 
This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.
Music by Daniel Pavey 
Produced by Michael Daniels 
Relevant Episode Links:
Kid Link PD Booster - Goal Setting & Helping Families Stay Accountable
https://www.kidlinkeducation.com.au/courses/goal-setting

In this episode, Caitlin, Jackie and Caitlyn share their current thoughts on Thriving Kids - the Australian Government’s proposed early intervention model that has generated concern across the paediatric community. With details still emerging and a lot still to be finalised, they unpack what we know so far, what the transition period means for families and clinicians on the ground, and what isn’t being said loudly enough in the conversation. From workforce readiness and clinical governance, to the real risk of children falling through the cracks before new services are rolled out, this episode is an honest discussion about what families deserve and what is needed for best practice from the perspective of 3 experienced OTs passionate about delivering early intervention services.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast 
This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. 
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations.
Music by Daniel Pavey 
Produced by Michael Daniels 
Relevant Episode Links:
Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report (Feb 2026): https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report?language=en
OT Unplugged podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/38U487pQI0MRanss2Z91w1?si=c134d5bc572f48b2
National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention: 
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention?language=en
No child left behind Report into the Thriving Kids initiative (Dec 2025): https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportrep/RB000704/toc_pdf/Nochildleftbehind.pdf
Transcript of Minister Butler's press conference on the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s report (3rd Feb, 2026) .https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/press-conference-with-minister-butler-canberra-3-february-2026?language=en