THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

• Episode #193 Off limits, Body Safety Rules, Prevention Team, Feather Berkower, Parenting Safe Children Expert

  ‘Parents who are so worried about offending others by setting boundaries for their kids make it so easy for me to offend” :  Relayed from repeat offender to Feather Berkower, expert in parenting safe children. In an era where information is at our fingertips, one of the most critical skills for parents and educators in 2024 is empowering our children to navigate their world safely, especially when it comes to protecting them from sexual abuse. "Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse" is a groundbreaking resource that has become indispensable in achieving this goal.Crafted by  Feather Berkower, MSW, and Sandy K. Wurtele, Ph.D., two leading sexual assault prevention specialists, and featuring a foreword by Marilyn Van Derbur, former Miss America 1957, incest survivor, and motivational speaker, this book is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It equips us with the necessary tools and knowledge to act as the first line of defense in our children's safety."Off Limits" offers invaluable insights into:Age-appropriate sexual development,Body-safety rules,Effective communication strategies for discussing body safety,Screening questions for caregivers,Handling disclosures of sexual assault.Parents who have embraced these strategies share transformative stories of improved communication and safety within their families. This guide is more than a book; it's a movement towards empowering our children with the understanding of their rights, the ability to recognize their instincts, and the courage to advocate for their privacy and safety.To further facilitate these crucial conversations, the Parenting Safe Children "Conversation-Starter Cards" are an innovative tool, making it easier to discuss body safety with all caregivers involved in your child's life.As we navigate the complexities of parenting and education in 2024, let's prioritize equipping our children with the skills to protect themselves. "Off Limits" and the accompanying conversation cards are essential tools in this mission, reminding us that prevention begins with education and that safeguarding our children is a collective effort.👉 Check out the visuals for a sneak peek at the book and some of the powerful conversation cards!Interested in making a difference in the lives of the children you care for? Click the link in bio to learn more about how you can integrate these critical resources into your family or classroom safety plan.Together, we can ensure that all children are off-limits to sexual predators.#ParentingSafeChildren #ChildSafety #OffLimits #PreventionIsPossible #EmpowermentThroughEducation #FamilySafetyhttps://parentingsafechildren.com/about/Please join the #BEINGSEEN movement to safeguard children on-line.Buy the book www.profselenabartlett.com and pass the word to as many parents as possible.https://www.amazon.com/Being-Seen-Master-Parenting-Digital/dp/0999099736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PZH7KRLUDEPY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CICkiFwRMe-5m1Zp0oWoR5Ln50Fl7i0ZQIgGDxKiUF8.pl_L_7uy2rp8KOfJpxEBEzvU5PfqTEQRg3O1zDe4Y_Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=being+seen+selena+bartlett&qid=1709953306&sprefix=being+seen%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-1Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #192. Free to Learn: How Embracing Play Makes Children Happier, Self-Reliant, and Lifelong Learners. Professor Peter Gray, Boston College

  In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary ideas of developmental psychologist Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray challenges conventional education by making a bold case for self-directed, play-based learning – or "unschooling" – as the best path to prepare kids for a rapidly changing world.Drawing on insights from anthropology, psychology, and history, Gray argues that unstructured play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social competence. We’ll explore how freeing children from rigid educational systems can unlock their potential, foster independence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.Join us as we question the traditional schooling model and discover why trusting children to take charge of their learning could be the key to their happiness and success. Learn about Dr Peter Gray herehttps://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/affiliated-and-emeritus/peter-gray.htmlLearn about Sudbury Valley free to learn school here.https://sudburyvalley.org/Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #191 Stop Stuffing the Duck, Unlocking Childhood, Why Educators Need Support, ACES too High and More, Mary Hewitt, CEO of Unlocking Childhood.

  Stop Stuffing the Duck with Mary HewittIn this insightful episode of Unlocking Childhood, Mary Hewitt unpacks the idea of "Stop Stuffing the Duck"—a powerful metaphor for how we often overload children with expectations, information, and stress. Mary explores how society's approach to childhood can inadvertently suffocate natural curiosity and resilience, rather than nurturing it.Drawing on the groundbreaking ACEs Too High study, Mary highlights how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly impact long-term health and well-being. Conducted by Dr. Robert Anda, the CDC, and Kaiser Permanente, this study examined how traumatic events in childhood lead to serious health challenges in adulthood, such as heart disease, depression, addiction, and even autoimmune diseases like mastocytosis. Mary bravely shares her own story as a “textbook case” of the effects of trauma and how understanding her ACE score opened the door to personal healing.Through her journey of self-discovery and transformation, Mary found hope in the science of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself and break the cycle of stress and trauma. She shares how practices like meditation, yoga, and the teachings of Byron Katie helped her overcome bulimia, anxiety, depression, and the debilitating symptoms of mastocytosis. This episode offers listeners practical strategies to move from survival mode to thriving, breaking free from the toxic stress response ingrained by childhood trauma.Tune in to learn how we can stop overloading children and ourselves, and instead focus on building resilient, peaceful minds. Join Mary Hewitt as she inspires us to reimagine childhood and create nurturing environments that honor the uniqueness and natural growth of every child.Listen now to discover how to let go of the pressure, embrace healing, and truly unlock childhood.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #190 Wired for Good. The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection and Success. Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025

  “Wired for Good: The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection, and Success” 🎙️ Live from the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025This special International Women’s Day episode explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, connection, and success—how our brains are wired for good and what that means for leadership, resilience, and well-being.Recorded live at the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025, this episode unpacks the science of connection, the power of inter-brain synchrony, and how we can harness neuroplasticity to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.Professor Selena Bartlett shares cutting-edge insights into the field of neuroscience and the brain, how our emotions and interactions shape our neural networks, and practical strategies to rewire stress into strength.Whether you're a leader, a professional, or simply passionate about thriving in the digital age, this episode will inspire you to leverage the brain’s untapped potential for personal and professional success.🔹 How connection fuels resilience and leadership 🔹 The neuroscience behind influence and decision-making 🔹 Practical ways to rewire stress into strengthThank you for the invitation at Shand Taylor Lawyers for bringing a fantastic group of powerful women together to celebrate them.https://www.shandtaylor.com.au/Listen now and get ready to transform the way you think, lead, and connect. #IWD2025 #ThrivingMinds #Neuroscience #WomenInLeadershipSupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #189. Celebrating Early Educators on IWD: Empower, Nurture, Flourish – ECLD Conference 2025 Hosted by Child Australia, Perth.

  Empower, Nurture, Flourish – ECLD 2025 KeynoteStanding on the stage at Optus Stadium, in Perth looking out at 700 passionate educators, leaders, and changemakers, there was an undeniable energy in the room, with a shared commitment to shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. This was more than a conference; it was a movement.Delivering the ECLD 2025 keynote was a privilege. The impact of early childhood educators cannot be overstated—every interaction, moment of care, and lesson taught ripples through time, shaping a child’s life trajectory. My presentation focused on the neuroscience of being seen, learning, resilience, and emotional well-being, unpacking the latest research on how early experiences shape the developing brain. Beyond science, it was about the power of human connection, the inter-brain synchrony between educator and child, moments of kindness, curiosity, and joy, which build the foundation for thriving minds.In that room were trailblazers who advocate for change, challenge outdated systems, and pour their heart and soul into giving every child the best start in life. Today was not just about sharing knowledge but igniting a shared mission.We laughed, we reflected, and we explored what it truly means to empower, nurture, and flourish. The message was clear: when we prioritise connection, well-being, and brain health, we don’t just improve individual lives, we transform entire communities, we prevent mental illness.This is also the driving force behind my book, Being Seen, and the SEEN documentary, which explore the science of how early experiences shape the brain, the impact of the digital age on childhood, and the role of connection in healing and growth. Our work together in education is central to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and supported.As I closed, I celebrated the 700 minds and hearts in that room, and their dedication to coming on a Saturday to connect, to learn and make the lives of others 1% better tomorrow. You inspired me and we are ready to take action. This is how real change happens.Because when educators thrive, children thrive, and when children thrive, the future is limitless.#ECLD2025 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Neuroscience #BrainDevelopment #ThrivingMinds #EmpowerNurtureFlourish #BeingSeen #SEENdocumentarySupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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