In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Beth Tyson, an expert trauma therapist, to demystify some common myths about mental health and child psychology. Taking a four-second pause when you start to feel angry is a simple but effective strategy to create emotional distance from a triggering situation. It allows you a brief moment to gain better control over your emotions, providing a break for your brain to shift from a reactive state to a more reasoned one. This pause can be the first step in engaging the frontal lobe—the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking—enabling you to assess the situation more calmly and make a more informed choice about how to respond. It can also help you avoid saying or doing something in the heat of the moment that you might later regret. The practice aligns well with various cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices that aim to improve emotional regulation.Myth #1: Neglecting the Emotional Lives of Infants and ToddlersThe critical role that early life experiences play in long-term mental health. She sheds light on the significance of implicit and emotional memories stored during these formative years and the importance of proactive care over reactive treatment.Myth #2: Labeling Natural Reactions to Trauma as 'Disorders'The pros and cons of psychiatric diagnoses, particularly their role in facilitating insurance coverage versus their potential to stigmatize and limit people. She advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the human experience, especially when it comes to survivors of childhood trauma.Myth #3: The Burden of Individual Responsibility for Systemic ProblemsThe limitations of self-care and skill development in the face of systemic and intergenerational trauma. She calls for an approach that addresses societal root causes rather than solely focusing on the individual.Myth #4: Expecting High Achievement in Psychologically Unsafe EnvironmentsTouching on the intersection of basic neuroscience and human potential, Beth argues that the expectation for children to excel in unsafe environments is both unrealistic and damaging to their mental well-being.Myth #5: Associating Shame with Anxiety and Panic AttacksThe common misconception that experiencing anxiety or panic attacks is somehow a sign of weakness or moral failing. She emphasizes their role as natural responses to stress and how, surprisingly, they can also serve positive functions.Myth #6: The Overlooked Importance of Caregiver Support in Childhood TherapyThe vital need for holistic approaches that involve caregivers in a child's therapy journey, arguing that without this support, sustainable progress is unlikely.ConclusionBeth Tyson helps us unravel these myths, empowering us to make informed and compassionate decisions for our mental well-being and that of our children.Join the ConversationFor an ongoing discussion on children’s mental health and childhood trauma, Beth invites you to join her private Facebook group, Emotiminds, a growing community of over 4,600 parents and mental health professionals.Beth Tyson, MA, is a childhood trauma consultant, a 3x best-selling author, and a tireless advocate for the mental health of children and families. She founded Beth Tyson Trauma Consulting to provide trauma-responsive training and resources to organizations committed to supporting the emotional well-being of families.https://www.bethtyson.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethtyson/Here’s the Emotiminds link: Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Are you struggling with your children screentime, messaging apps and devices? You are not alone, there is help, and expertise to help you navigate parenting in the tech age.  Enter Parent TV.I recently heard a rather striking story from a teacher who was engaging her primary school students in a discussion about ‘what they would like to be when they grow up?’, she received an unexpected response from one of the children. She raised her hand and replied, 'An iPhone.' 'Why do you want to become an iPhone?' ‘Mum and Dad love their iPhone.' Fortunately, platforms like ParentTV are here to bridge the gap between what parents know and what they need to know. With a wide range of expert-led content on subjects ranging from cyberbullying to screen time management. ParentTV's mission is its emphasis on "getting on the kids' team." Listen to Sam Jockel on episode #145 of the Thriving Minds podcast who discusses the most important solution is your ATTENTION. She talks about how tech is the smoking and asbestos of 2023. ParentTV serves as a centralized resource for parents who want to become proficient in raising children in the tech age. No brands or advertising that will contaminate the knowledge to help parents. We encourage all parents to take advantage of these wonderful resources. Let's work together to ensure that our children are not just surviving but thriving in the digital world. While it's easy to assume that today's digital-native children are inherently savvy and resilient in navigating the complexities of technology, research and experience tell a different story. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the surprising risks and challenges that children face in our hyper-connected world.  As a parent, you may find yourself questioning, "Who's really looking after my children in this tech age?" The message and boundaries have become blurred between home and school. Parents are working and have become isolated from the community, and this is why we need an approach in the tech age. To navigate this brave new world, upskilling has emerged as an essential part of modern parenting. Gone are the days when a parent could afford to be uninformed about the latest trends in technology, social media platforms, or online safety protocols. Understanding the nuances of the digital age is vital for safeguarding children's well-being, fostering positive development, and equipping them with the life skills they'll need in a 21st-century landscape. Get involved, stay informed, and become the tech-savvy parent your kids need you to be. Sam Jockel Founder at ParentTV, Former EIR at UQ, Author, Speaker, Influencer at School Mum and ALDI Mum. #Upskilling #ParentingInTheTechAge #ParentTV #ThrivingMinds #DigitalLiteracy #ChildDevelopmentSupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Call to ActionWe live in an era where 18-month-old infants can now navigate YouTube, and the digital landscape has become a playground as well as perilous for our children. In 2023, children as young as 6 years old are now viewing adult material, are being asked to share inappropriate material with each other and to strangers.  Australia is a leading country in child exploitation because we think children are safe on-line, that it is happening overseas or to other people’s children. We need to arm ourselves with the knowledge and strategies to navigate this complex landscape. The stakes have never been higher, and the struggle is indeed real. Conrad Townson, an expert in online child exploitation once said that it’s more likely your child has encountered inappropriate content than not. The best defence, then, is a good offense. Operate under the assumption that exposure is inevitable and take proactive steps to educate and safeguard. He emphasized that our understanding of child maltreatment needs to be updated to the current digital context.  We discuss family tech plans, digital literacy bootcamps and tech zones to support parents. Exploitation is not just physical; it often occurs in the very devices we hand to our children. The Unpleasant Reality: Online Child ExploitationThe topic of online child exploitation is undeniably unsettling, and we want to turn away. Unfortunately, we can’t as its urgency cannot be swept under the rug any longer. We're at a historical juncture where the risks for our children have been exponentially escalated. Digital platforms provide exploiters with unprecedented access to children, while parents are not aware. Being on-line is as dangerous as being off-line for young children. Conrad says: would you let your 8 yr old child walk in the city without a map? Become aware that smart phones, apps, games, all have messaging apps and children now know how to change timezones and passcodes.The Stakes: Your Child's Brain and Well-beingRemember, the brain is malleable and is significantly shaped by experiences, particularly between the ages of 0-3 and 10-14. Excessive screen and inappropriate adult material during this time of brain development is changing the hormones in the brain and affecting their behaviour. Smoking cigarettes is safer for children. If the threat to emotional and cognitive development isn't alarming enough, consider the dark underbelly of the internet, filled with sextortion, pornography, and grooming, often unbeknownst to parents. Time for Collective ActionSo why are we, as a society, handing this Pandora's box to our children who are not yet equipped to deal with its ramifications? It's time for collective action. Childhood is fleeting; why are we so eager to accelerate it rather than savor its innocence and joys? Ancient Wisdom Let's look back to the wisdom of the ages for timeless advice that applies even in this digital world. Many ancient philosophies and cultural proverbs speak to the essence of guardianship—concepts that are incredibly relevant as we navigate the challenges of modern parenting.  "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." If you feel like you've been late in setting digital boundaries, remember that it's never too late to start. Take control now, establish the rules, and be consistent in enforcing them."It takes a village to raise a child. Don't underestimate the power of community. Connect with other parents, educators, and experts to share advice and strategies. There's strength in numbers, and collective wisdom can be your strongest ally.In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "Do the best you can Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

We welcome Dr. Mariam Tokhi, a pioneering general practitioner from Melbourne, who has introduced the first course of its kind in Australia on narrative medicine. Storytelling has long been a powerful tool for communication, education, and relationship-building. In the context of healthcare, upskilling clinical skills through storytelling, also known as narrative medicine, and the practice of "clinical yarning" as used by Aboriginal communities, provide unique and transformative approaches to patient care.Narrative medicine encourages medical professionals to engage more profoundly with themselves and then their patients by listening to their stories. Dr. Tokhi, along with her colleague, Senior Paediatric Emergency physician Fiona Reilly, believe in facing the haunting memories and "ghosts" that many doctors carry with them. These memories often stem from interactions with "difficult" patients or situations where outcomes were less than ideal.Join us as Dr. Tokhi delves into her groundbreaking course, shares her insights on how narrative medicine is transforming health care in Australia, and explores the profound impact that stories can have on both patients and medical professionals.In a world where the medical field can often feel detached and clinical, Dr. Tokhi's work reminds us that at the heart of healing is the human story. Listen, learn, and be inspired by this unique approach to medicine.Upskilling Clinical Skills Through Storytelling:1. Building Empathy and Understanding:Storytelling allows healthcare professionals to connect with patients on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding. By listening to patients' stories, doctors can gain insights into the individual's experiences, values, and concerns, leading to more personalized and compassionate care.2. Enhancing Communication:Effective storytelling promotes clear and concise communication. By learning to articulate complex medical concepts through stories, healthcare providers can make information more accessible to patients, facilitating informed decision-making.3. Reflective Practice:Narrative medicine encourages healthcare professionals to reflect on their experiences and interactions. This reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, professional growth, and improved patient outcomes.Clinical Yarning in Aboriginal Communities"Clinical yarning" is a term used within Aboriginal communities in Australia to describe a form of storytelling that has therapeutic benefits. It offers valuable lessons for transforming healthcare.1. Cultural Respect and Sensitivity:Clinical yarning respects the cultural traditions and values of Aboriginal people. It acknowledges the importance of relationships, trust, and community in healing.2. Holistic Approach to Health:This practice recognizes that health is not merely the absence of disease but a complex interplay of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Clinical yarning allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health.3. Community Engagement:Clinical yarning fosters a sense of community and connection. It engages not only the individual patient but also the wider community, reinforcing the communal aspect of health and well-being.ConclusionThe integration of storytelling into healthcare, whether through narrative medicine's upskilling of clinical skills or the practice of clinical yarning, represents a significant shift towards more human-centered care.By embracing the power of stories, healthcare providers can forge deeper connections with patients, enhance communication, foster empathy, and promote a more hSupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Autism spectrum disorders once affected 1 in 2000 individuals, now touches the lives of 1 in 50. This remarkable change underscores the urgency to understand this complex neurodevelopmental disorder and the ways it intertwines with the universal journey of parenting.In this episode we explore the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and delve into the broader landscape of parent-child interactions, their profound impact on brain development. Joining us is the esteemed Professor Andrew Whitehouse, who guides us through the intricate science of ASD and the delicate ways that parent-child connections shape the mind, especially in children with autism. He also delves into the essential truth that parenting is not merely an instinctive act but a skill that must be learned, nurtured, and refined. His wisdom extends beyond autism, offering valuable lessons and practical guidance for all parents. Professor Whitehouse emphasizes the importance of time, space, and attention in the parenting process. He shares insightful strategies for creating a nurturing environment, fostering positive interactions, and enhancing both cognitive and emotional development. His wisdom extends beyond autism, offering valuable lessons and practical guidance for all parents, regardless of their child's neurodevelopmental status.We explore how dedicating time to understand a child's unique needs, creating space for growth and exploration, and paying attention to the subtle cues of development can unlock the doors to thriving minds.This inspiring episode is a journey through the science of connection, love, and the incredible potential of the human brain. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply interested in the transformative power of relationships, tune in to discover how to cultivate the art of parenting and shape the minds of the next generation.Professor Andrew Whitehouse is the Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at the Telethon Kids Institute and Professor of Autism Research at The University of Western Australia. He is also Director of CliniKids, Research Strategy Director of the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC) and Adjunct Professor at Curtin University and Edith Cowan University. Andrew is the current President of the Australasian Society for Autism Research.At the Telethon Kids Institute he leads a large team of clinicians and researchers whose goal is to support young children and their families to reach their full potential through the development and translation of cutting-edge evidence-based practice. Andrew has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and attracted over $60 million in competitive research grants. He currently presents an internationally syndicated video series called ’60 Second Science”, which has had over 2 million views. He is an advisor to State and Commonwealth Governments on policies relating to children on the autism spectrum, and he chaired the committee that generated Australia’s first national guideline for autism diagnosis.Andrew has published one edited book with his twin-brother (Ben), and a popular science book that examined the science behind some of the myths of pregnancy and child development (Will Mozart Make My Baby Smart?). He has also been awarded one of Australia’s most prestigious scientific awards, the Eureka Prize. Prior to coming to the Telethon Kids Institute, Andrew was a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.In addition to his advocacy and research efforts, Professor Whitehouse is highly regarded for his science communication. His Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com