The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast
Where big feelings are welcome, tricky behaviour isn’t shamed, and early childhood educators finally feel seen. Are you an educator, teacher, or school leader navigating the messy, beautiful world of guiding children’s behaviour, emotions, and sense of belonging? You’ve just found your people. I’m Danica - early childhood mentor and consultant, and your go-to gal for honest, heart-led conversations about what actually works when supporting young children. Inside The Bloom Room, we go beyond sticker charts and surface-level strategies. Each week, I bring you fresh episodes packed with: ✨ Real, evidence-informed tools you can use tomorrow . ✨ Thoughtful chats with experts and educators doing the work. ✨ Practical guidance for supporting behaviour without shame. ✨ A whole lot of validation, nuance, and “OMG SAME” moments. Whether you're a seasoned leader or fresh out of uni, this is your space to grow, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible for the children in your care - and for yourself. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Come on in and let’s bloom 🌼 Season 4 coming soon! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!
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EP 31 | Is Your Calm Corner Just Time-Out in Disguise?
07/28/2025
EP 31 | Is Your Calm Corner Just Time-Out in Disguise?
A beanbag and a poster do not make a calm corner. If your calm space is feeling more like a soft time-out than a supportive sanctuary, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew. I unpack why calm corners often miss the markand what to shift so they actually support emotional regulation. You’ll hear: 💫 Why many calm corners become time-out in disguise 💫 The role of co-regulation and adult presence in calm corners 💫 What calm corners truly need to be effective (hint: it's more than breathing posters) 💫 How to build a calm corner with children, not just for them 💫 What to do when a child resists the space, and how to preserve autonomy This one’s for educators and carers who are ready to rethink calm down strategies and build spaces that truly support emotional growth. Helpful Links Check out my behaviour bites guide Connect with me on Instagram Visit my website
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EP 30 | Supporting Behaviour Without Behaviour Charts
02/04/2025
EP 30 | Supporting Behaviour Without Behaviour Charts
Aaaaah, behaviour charts. Love them or hate them (I'm the latter), it feels like they're here to stay. I'm often met with exasperation - but HOW do we support behaviour without them? It feels impossible, but it isn't. I did it for most of my teaching career (bar one year). I cover: Why behaviour charts don’t actually teach behaviour and what they do instead. How children internalise their placement on behaviour charts, shaping their self-worth and peer relationships. The connection between behaviour charts and social bias, including their disproportionate impact on neurodivergent children and children of colour. Four alternative strategies to support behaviour - clear expectations, teaching missing skills, connection and problem-solving, and having a plan for tricky behaviours. How to shift from compliance to skill-building, fostering self-regulation, responsibility, and a positive classroom culture. There are ways to support behaviour while fostering connection, fostering skill building and helping children feel good about themselves - without the need for behaviour charts. Promise. 💫 Read through 💫 Download my free guide: 💫 If you'd like some 1:1 support, take a look at 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 29 | Overcoming Teacher Self-Doubt
01/31/2025
EP 29 | Overcoming Teacher Self-Doubt
Self-doubt creeps in when we least expect it. Whether it’s comparing yourself to other teachers, feeling like you’re not good enough, or questioning whether you really belong in this field - these thoughts can be exhausting. The thing is - you’re not alone. I'm convinced every teacher experiences self-doubt at some point. I cover: How social media, unrealistic expectations, and 'shoulds' impact teachers falling into the comparison trap. Looking at imposter syndrome and questioning where it might come from. How to challenge the thoughts that make you feel “not good enough” by reframing your limiting beliefs. How to recognise when you're overgeneralising, catastrophising, and speaking in absolutes. Embracing authenticity, leaning into strengths, and stepping into your true teacher self. If you've ever felt less-than in your work, this episode is for you. 💫 💫 Peep my post on 💫 If you'd like some 1:1 support, take a look at my 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 28 | Building Relationships With Families
01/25/2025
EP 28 | Building Relationships With Families
Building strong relationships with families at the start of the year is the foundation of a successful classroom. But let’s be real - it’s not always easy to navigate the nuances of communication, cultural differences, or setting boundaries. In this episode, I’m sharing the 'Ins' and 'Outs' of building meaningful connections with families. I’ll explore 8 things that are IN in order to foster trust, collaboration, and open dialogue, as well as 6 things that are OUT that can unintentionally act as roadblocks for your relationships. I cover: The importance of starting the year with strong family relationships. Ways to help families feel welcome and included from day one. Building trust through clear communication and proactive engagement. Why families should have a voice in their child’s classroom journey. Being intentional with information shared with families. Working with families isn't as scary as it seems, promise. 💫 Download a *free* copy of my transitions checklist: 💫 Purchase my comprehensive transitions roadmap: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 27 | The Learning Environment Through Children’s Eyes
01/21/2025
EP 27 | The Learning Environment Through Children’s Eyes
In today’s episode, I explore classroom design. However, this isn’t just another guide to setting up your classroom - it's an exploration of an amazing research article I came across: 'Children’s voices: Inclusive early childhood placemaking with children.' I cover: The importance of inclusive environments. Amplifying children's sense of belonging. Children as placemakers. Why children should have a voice in shaping their learning spaces. The role of authenticity in learning spaces. If you've never considered the learning environment through children's eyes before, this episode is going to leave you with a lot to reflect on - in the best possible way. 💫 Purchase the 💫 Read through 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 26 | Co-constructing a Classroom Agreement
01/16/2025
EP 26 | Co-constructing a Classroom Agreement
In today’s episode, I unpack classroom agreements and how we can co-construct these with the children in our class. I cover: Why classroom agreements are much more than a list of rules. The importance of balancing expectations to be firm, fair, flexible, and developmentally appropriate for children. Debunking myths about classroom agreements. A rant about the idea that we shouldn't co-construct expectations with children 'because they get too silly.' Some ideas for exploring rights and responsibilities and creating classroom agreements. If you've never created a co-constructed classroom agreement before, let me tell you - these are powerful! You won't look at rules the same. 💫 Purchase the 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 25 | Essential Tips for Day One of a New School Year
01/14/2025
EP 25 | Essential Tips for Day One of a New School Year
In today’s episode, we consider the elements needed for a calm and successful first day back. I cover: Planning for logistics and setup: How to organise booklist items. Delegating roles. Navigating tears when children separate from their caregivers. Structuring your first-day schedule. Ideas for simple relationship-building and name-learning activities. The importance of day one reflections. If day one feels mega daunting (so normal, btw), this episode will give you some solid pointers to turn that overwhelm into intention. 💫 💫 Purchase my comprehensive transitions roadmap for a smooth day one: 💫 Purchase the 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 24 | Nailing Your Classroom Routines From Day One
01/09/2025
EP 24 | Nailing Your Classroom Routines From Day One
In today’s episode, I walk you through how to establish routines that will transform your classroom into a calm, predictable, and thriving environment. I cover: What routines are and why they’re essential for classroom success. How routines build a sense of safety and belonging for children. Five key reasons routines are the foundation of every effective classroom. A 5-step framework for teaching routines. Why investing time in routines early in the year saves you a heap of time, energy and frustration in the long run. If routines have ever felt like an afterthought, this episode will show you why they’re the cornerstone of a smooth, successful school year. 💫 Purchase the 💫 💫 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram:
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EP 23 | Smooth Transitions: Welcoming Children + Families Into Your Classroom
01/07/2025
EP 23 | Smooth Transitions: Welcoming Children + Families Into Your Classroom
In today’s episode, I walk you through how to make transitions meaningful and effective with a well thought out plan for welcoming children and families into the classroom. I cover: What effective transitions are. Why transitions set the tone for a successful school year. Essential information to share with families to build trust and reduce anxiety. How to prepare children and families for day one. The importance of children's participation in the transition process. 💫 Download a *free* copy of my transitions checklist: 💫 Purchase my comprehensive transitions roadmap: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Check out the (affiliate link)
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EP 22 | Progressive Mealtimes: Yay or Nay?
12/02/2024
EP 22 | Progressive Mealtimes: Yay or Nay?
On today’s episode I speak with Elise Disher, early childhood consultant and advocate for thoughtful, child-centered practices. Elise dives into the concept of progressive mealtimes in early learning settings, breaking down how they work, why they matter, and how to implement them in ways that are both meaningful and practical. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to reimagine mealtime routines as opportunities for connection and learning. Elise and I speak about: 🌸 What progressive mealtimes are and how they differ from traditional group mealtimes. 🌸 How mealtimes can shift from being rushed routines to meaningful rituals that foster connection and learning. 🌸 The role of autonomy, choice, and agency in progressive mealtimes. 🌸 Practical strategies to make progressive mealtimes work. 🌸 Addressing common challenges such as food safety, chaotic transitions, and preparing children for structured school settings. 🌸 Why intentionality and context matter - ain't no one-size-fits-all approach around here. Elise is a mum of two and an Early Childhood Consultant and Teacher. Her mission is to create a movement in the way we educate and raise children so together we can improve the mental health outcomes of our next generation. Elise is passionate about promoting the importance of healthy attachment and developmentally responsive and attuned approaches in the first five years of life - she is BIG ON LITTLE PEOPLE! Word of caution - this episode contains very mild explicit language. Connect with Elise: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 21 | Supporting Challenging Behaviour With a Trauma Lens
11/25/2024
EP 21 | Supporting Challenging Behaviour With a Trauma Lens
On today’s episode I speak with Kathy Warwick, the Head of the TraCS Trauma Consultancy Program at the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. Kathy brings deep compassion and expertise to her work and, in our conversation, she shares powerful insights on viewing children’s behaviour through a trauma lens. This is a rich discussion for anyone supporting children in early childhood settings. Kathy and I discuss: 🌸 The importance of adopting a trauma lens when working with children. 🌸 Recognising that challenging behaviour often signals a child’s experience of fear or stress. 🌸 The critical role of safe, supportive relationships in helping children with trauma. 🌸 How trauma can disrupt children’s developmental milestones and attachment. 🌸 The unique challenges educators face when supporting children impacted by trauma. 🌸 The value of curiosity in interpreting behaviours as potential trauma responses. Kathy Warwick is the Head of Trauma Consulting (TraCS) at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Kathy is a qualified Social Worker who has worked with vulnerable children and families in the statutory and non-government sectors over the past 28 years. This has included working in Child Protection for 18 years in Australia and the UK and prior to her current role at AMF, managing an Early Childhood Parenting Centre delivering numerous community and family services’ programs aimed at supporting highly vulnerable infants, children and their families. Having worked her entire career with children and families who have experienced significant trauma in their lives, Kathy has a strong understanding of the impact of trauma on the development and attachment experiences of children and values the role TraCS is able to play in supporting children to reach their potential in their crucial early years. This work has also made Kathy very passionate about recognising the impact trauma can have on professionals working closely with vulnerable children and families. It is important that the wellbeing needs of professionals and staff providing invaluable support to these children is given the attention it deserves. If we recognise that “it can take a village to raise a child” then we must do our best to ”nurture the villagers so they can keep doing their wonderful work.” Helpful links: 💫 Explore the 💫 Download their guide - Connect with Kathy: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find the Alannah + Madeline Foundation on Instagram: 💫 Visit their website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 20 | Fostering Children’s Resilience
11/18/2024
EP 20 | Fostering Children’s Resilience
On today’s episode, I speak with Jess, founder of Raising Resilience. Jess brings a wealth of insight and compassion as we explore what resilience really means for young children. Together, we dive into how educators and parents can support children through adversity, build emotional strength, and foster a growth mindset. Jess’s expertise is a gift for anyone passionate about nurturing resilience in little ones. Jess and I discuss: 🌸What resilience truly means and how misconceptions about "toughening up" can harm children. 🌸The role of the window of tolerance in resilience. 🌸How temperament influences a child’s capacity for resilience. 🌸The importance of emotion coaching to help children process and learn from their feelings. 🌸Why failure is essential for growth and how adults can create safe spaces for children to experience and navigate failure. 🌸The significance of risky play in teaching children to assess challenges and build autonomy. Jess has a Bachelor of Social Science (amongst other training) and a background working in Case Management, Counselling and Student Wellbeing and is on a mission to support families to build resilience and emotional intelligence so that they feel empowered & equipped to face life's inevitable curveballs with confidence. Currently, Jess supports parents and any professionals working with families through psychoeducational workshops and also works as a Parenting Consultant at Childhood Rising where she provides 1:1 nuanced support for each unique family she meets with. Jess is a mum to two wonderful little people and deeply understands both the beauty and the heartache that can be felt as a parent which is why all of her services are jam-packed with compassion. Helpful Links: Explore Jess' workshop for educators and teachers: Connect with Jess: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 19 | Exploring the PDA Profile
11/11/2024
EP 19 | Exploring the PDA Profile
On today’s episode I speak with Claire Britton, a neuro-affirming occupational therapist and Director of Neuroinclusion. Claire brings incredible insight into PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) and how a neuro-affirming lens can help us support neurodivergent children better. She explains why PDA often requires a different approach to typical behaviour strategies and shares practical ways to help children feel safe and understood. Claire and I discuss: 🌸 What the PDA profile (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is. 🌸 The significance of understanding PDA through a neuro-affirming approach and why the term "Pervasive Drive for Autonomy" is preferred. 🌸 Understanding the difference between PDA and typical demand avoidance. 🌸 Common behaviours associated with PDA, including the different "fight, flight, freeze, fawn" responses. 🌸 Supports for PDAers, including the critical role of reducing and adapting demands to support regulation. 🌸 We also talk a load about neuro-affirming practice and supports in general. Claire Britton is the Director and Principal Occupational Therapist at Neuroinclusion. She is passionate about educating, inspiring and empowering Australian clients and therapists to optimise best practice to facilitate their success doing their daily activities. She works with neurodivergent clients across the lifespan and also runs The Neurodivergent Occupational Therapist instagram with over 27,000 followers. She is a speaker, podcast guest, neurodiversity advocate and clinical mentor to therapists across Australia. She brings her own personal experiences being neurodivergent with over 9 years of clinical experiences to consistently provide the highest quality neurodiversity-affirming practice. Her extensive experience as an occupational therapist includes schools, not-for-profits, private practice and in community settings in Perth, Melbourne and Cape Town. Connect with Claire: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Find her on Facebook: 💫 Connect with her on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 18 | Honouring Children’s Agency
11/04/2024
EP 18 | Honouring Children’s Agency
On today’s episode I speak with Lisa Burman - an author, speaker, professional learning facilitator and every-day researcher of childhood and learning. Lisa has strong roots in true early childhood pedagogy whose work is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and guided by honouring children’s rights. This discussion is a deep exploration of early childhood values and principles. Lisa and I discuss: 🌸 What is meant by a ‘culture of agency.’ 🌸 Shared power and democratic classrooms. 🌸 Common misconceptions of agency (hint: it’s not something that we ‘give’ children and it extends far beyond offering simple choices). 🌸 The critical connection between teacher agency and child agency. 🌸 The teacher’s role as a facilitator of agency. 🌸 Critical reflections on educational values. 🌸 The importance of finding your teacher tribe and the role that community plays in teacher agency. 🌸 Lisa’s framework for working towards a culture of agency and its five core elements. Lisa Burman is firstly a teacher, which means she sees herself as a constant learner, fascinated with childhood and the power and joy of learning. She is the Director and Principal Consultant for Lisa Burman Consultants, based in Adelaide, South Australia. Lisa is the author of “Are You Listening? Fostering Conversations that Help Young Children Learn” and the recently published, “Culture of Agency - Fostering Engagement, Empowerment, Identity, and Belonging in the Early Years”. Her favourite times are side-by-side with educators and children as a pedagogical partner in preschools and primary/elementary schools. Helpful Links: Engage with one of Lisa's eCourses at Buy Lisa’s book: ‘A Culture of Agency’ or Connect with Lisa: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 17 | Rethinking Readiness in Early Childhood
10/28/2024
EP 17 | Rethinking Readiness in Early Childhood
On today’s episode I speak with Nathan Wallis, a neuroscience educator on a mission to share the value of brain development in early childhood to the masses. In this discussion, Nathan challenges the concept of "readiness" and advocates for focussing on the present moment rather than preparing them for future academic demands. Earlier and faster isn’t better. Nathan and I discuss: 🌸Readiness and developmental needs. 🌸Sequential brain development. 🌸The impact of cultural norms on education. 🌸The role of play in early childhood. 🌸Dangers of early academic pressure. 🌸The value of dispositions over academic skills. 🌸Balancing extracurricular activities and uninterrupted play. Nathan Wallis is a father of three & foster parent with a professional background in child counselling, teaching and social service management. He has lectured in Human Development at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and was also a board member and senior trainer with the national body responsible for the dissemination of neuroscientific research to professionals. He has developed a reputation as a lively and engaging speaker who uses humour and plain language to make this complex topic come to life. Nathan’s presentations explore how the brain works and how neuroscience can better inform our day to day interactions with children and young people. Information about the human brain (and how it grows to reach full potential) has exploded into our awareness over the past twenty years. The 1990’s were called the ‘decade of the brain’ and advances in scanning technologies allowed us to understand the workings of the brain like never before, showing us the huge significance of the early years and the critical role this period plays in defining later outcomes. These new findings often contradict many of the practices that parents, teachers, and other helping professionals have utilised in the belief that they are helping children. Nathan presents the practical implications of this research with a focus on how to use this knowledge to create better outcomes. Connect with Nathan: 💫 Find him on Instagram: 💫 Visit his website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫Download a *free* copy of 💫Send me an email: 💫Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 16 | Supporting Children With ADHD
10/21/2024
EP 16 | Supporting Children With ADHD
On today’s episode I speak with Andy Hayes - an accredited ADHD coach with an epic sense of humour. Andy is a dedicated Perth dad, teacher and educational leader with lived experience of ADHD who represents the ideal mentor for children and adults everywhere. Andy and I discuss: 🌸 The four pillars of ADHD and their impact on learning and behaviour. 🌸 Executive functions and their role in daily life. 🌸 The role of dopamine. 🌸 How labels can act as roadblocks to true support. 🌸 Why emotional intelligence is critical. 🌸 Cognitive load and how we can reduce it. 🌸 Balancing the need for predictability and consistency with the need for novelty and fun. 🌸 A tonne of tangible strategies for supporting children with ADHD! Word of caution - this episode contains very mild explicit language. Please also note that I am someone who considers myself an ally for neurodivergent folk and I am constantly learning about how to action this. If any ND folk have feedback around the language I’ve used in this interview, please do reach out - constructive feedback is always welcomed. Andy Hayes is an accredited ADHD Coach and educational leader with lived experience of ADHD. He combines his extensive educational experience with a deep understanding of the nuances of ADHD and uses this to support his clients in meaningful ways. With a background as Director of Teaching and Learning at an all-boys private school in Perth, Andy is an expert in boys’ education and neurodivergent learning strategies, empowering families, teachers, and newly diagnosed adults through tailored, evidence-based approaches. Helpful links: Read Andy’s article - Connect with Andy: 💫 Send him an email: 💫 Find him on Instagram: 💫 Find him on Facebook: 💫 Visit his website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 15 | A New Lens for Challenging Behaviours
10/14/2024
EP 15 | A New Lens for Challenging Behaviours
On today’s episode I speak with Dave Jereb - an OT and co-founder of Move About Therapy Services. Dave is a gem - he’s relatable, funny, personable and compassionate. He’s got a knack for seeing the bigger picture of behaviour and walks us through how he does this in out chat. Dave and I discuss: 🌸What we mean when we use the term ‘challenging behaviour.’ 🌸The fundamental need for connection when working with challenging behaviours. 🌸Ideas on ways to connect and the importance of micro-moments. 🌸Why we need to remain objective when we speak about challenging behaviour. 🌸The idea that there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ behaviour - behaviour is simply behaviour. 🌸The role of unconditional positive regard. 🌸Why educators and teachers need support (and unconditional positive regard!). 🌸Supporting behaviour with Dave’s framework ABC-IDEAS. With over 20 years of experience as a paediatric occupational therapist, Dave Jereb has made a significant impact in the Allied Health field. As co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services with his wife Kathy, Dave’s vision is to create a world where all children lead meaningful lives and are valued within their communities. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Dave offers expertise on regulation, resilience, beating burnout, and his innovative '3S Approach to Achieving Authentic Confidence as an Allied Health Professional'. He is the author of "Challenging The Story: A Surprisingly Simple Approach to Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviours," an Amazon international bestseller, and the creator and presenter of the 'Challenging the Story of Behaviour' workshop. Dave’s guiding principle is to "support the people who support the kids," a philosophy that drives his commitment to both his team at MoveAbout and the broader Allied Health community. Helpful links: Kim’s Instagram - Buy Dave’s book - Dave’s pdf download Connect with Dave: 💫 Send him an email: 💫 Find him on Instagram: and 💫 Find him on Facebook: 💫 Find him on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit his website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download a *free* copy of 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 14 | Coming Together to Support Children Experiencing Anxiety
08/19/2024
EP 14 | Coming Together to Support Children Experiencing Anxiety
On today’s episode I speak with Kathryn Hackman, founder of the Courageous Kids app. Kathryn is a doctor but, first and foremost, a mama to two children and knows firsthand the challenge in supporting children through anxiety. Her app, Courageous Kids, is a one-stop shop for both parents and educators alike to create individualised social stories - a proven method that supports children through those trickier times. Kathryn and I discuss: 🌸 The prevalence of anxiety for young children. 🌸 The distinction between anxiety + separation anxiety. 🌸 How caregivers and educators can come together to support children with anxiety (hint: the magic is in the communication + relationship!). 🌸 Why the approach of 'ripping the bandaid off' isn't always the most effective strategy for support. 🌸 The magic of utlising visuals. 🌸 Introducing social stories: What are they? How to use them with individuals and groups of children. What to include in a social story. Dr Kathryn Hackman is a medical doctor and the founder of Courageous Kids. With two worry-prone kids of her own, she takes a practical, positive approach to preparing children for change. Alongside providing practical, evidence-based resources for educators and parents, she’s also passionate about improving communication and collaboration between home and (pre)school. The Courageous Kids app, created in collaboration with a child psychologist and OT, provides a library of fully customisable stories to prepare children for new experiences (including starting preschool and school) and visual plans to provide predictability and routine, and promote autonomy. It’s a valuable time-saver for educators and parents alike. Connect with Kathryn: 💫 Visit the Courageous Kids 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Download her app Courageous Kids on (please note - this is an affiliate link) or Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download my free (yep, free!) video series exploring 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 13 | Nature Play + Regulation in the Outdoors
08/12/2024
EP 13 | Nature Play + Regulation in the Outdoors
On today’s episode, I speak with Cath Fitzhardinge, an OT who is a strong advocate of nature play and children spending time outdoors so much so that she is currently completing a Masters of Philosophy (Arts & Sciences) at Notre Dame University Australia where she is researching play opportunities and the utilization of an intentionally designed nature play space in a primary school to support children’s health, wellbeing and learning. Cath and I discuss: 🌸 What nature play, messy play and sensory mean for children's well-being. 🌸 How nature play benefits sensory integration and regulation. 🌸 Low-cost options for providing nature play experiences. 🌸 Is there a difference in play quality on traditional playgrounds compared to nature play settings? 🌸 Moving past perceived constraints for getting outside and looking for those pockets of opportunity. 🌸 Considering the critical role of accessibility for play spaces. Here are the resources shared in our discussion: Take a peak at the Cath has created in her front yard. Download her booklet - Cath is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working in rural, remote, and urban settings. She understands that meaningful access to nature is essential for humans to thrive and critical to health and well-being. Cath supports children, families, and organizations to embrace nature connection, health, and well-being through meaningful occupation (e.g. nature play) to foster resilience, confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Having grown up in small West Australian country towns, Cath deeply values the richness and connection that being, and playing outdoors brings to children, particularly to those living in busy urban environments. Cath shares this passion with her children, their friends, and all the children and families she works with, and is so grateful to be living, playing, and learning on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja (Perth, WA). Connect with Cath: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Download my free (yep, free!) video series exploring 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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Ep 12 | Deconstructing Childhood Anger
08/05/2024
Ep 12 | Deconstructing Childhood Anger
On today’s episode I speak with Jacquie Ward, a psychologist and all round beautiful soul. Jacquie has such a gift in looking beneath the surface of big behaviours and moving beyond the discomfort that anger can bring to us in order to truly support children. Jacquie and I discuss: 🌸Internalised + externalised anger and the fight + flight response. 🌸Removing the stigma surrounding anger. 🌸Anger as a secondary emotion. 🌸When we join the child in their chaos. 🌸Navigating aggressive behaviours. 🌸When to seek specialist support. 🌸When families + caregivers also need support. 🌸The concept of teaching children to be ‘angry with responsibility.’ 🌸What happens when children don’t want to talk about their feelings. Here are the resources shared in our discussion: Robyn Gobbel’s podcast ‘The Baffling Behavior Show’ on or Jacquie Ward is a Psychologist who looks after children, adolescents and their families. She works with a wide range of presentations and is dedicated to recognising and valuing the diverse ways in which brains can function. Jacquie had her first ever children’s book, an exploration of the trait of high sensitivity in young children, published this year. When not working, you’ll likely find Jacquie at the beach, chasing her three young children around, or daydreaming with her husband about moving out of Sydney to live on a hobby farm. Connect with Jacquie: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: 💫 Pre-order Jacquie’s book Join the Little Bloom community: 💫Send me an email: 💫Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 11 | Children’s Council + Honouring Children’s Voices
07/29/2024
EP 11 | Children’s Council + Honouring Children’s Voices
On today’s episode I speak with Renee Mitchell (Director) and Charmaine Greenwood (Assistant Director) of Goodstart Early Learning in Red Hill, Queensland. I am in awe of Renee, Charmaine and their team as their dedication to honouring children’s rights in their practice is overwhelmingly inspiring. Renee, Charmaine and I discuss: 🌸 Respecting + advocating for children’s rights. 🌸 What is a children’s council and how have they brought it to life? 🌸 The idea of slow pedagogy. 🌸 Supporting transitions with a Children’s Handbook. 🌸 Looking at a child’s complaints process. 🌸 Sharing the importance of rights with families and grown-ups. 🌸 Transforming practice and embracing the messy middle. 🌸 Making space for children’s voices to lead your work. 🌸 The importance of returning to your ‘why’. As the Centre Director of Goodstart Red Hill for 21 years, Renee has attracted a team of like-minded thinkers. With the changing and evolving landscape of the world and our Sector, Renee’s Adaptive Leadership has led to the Centre’s Distributed Leadership model; creating a collaboratively rich professional space. Embedding the WNDER project spanning 10 years to date, the Red Hill team and children have been Wandering and Wondering beyond their gates to engage with their local community, explore their surrounding wild spaces, and learning how to care for Country. Connecting with each other, and the community, Renee advocates for the needs of Educators, children, and implementing Change. Find out more about Goodstart in Red Hill: 💫 Send them an email: 💫 Find them on Instagram: 💫 Find them on Facebook: 💫 Watch a short clip about their Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 10 | A Conversation on Rethinking Dominant Education Practices
07/22/2024
EP 10 | A Conversation on Rethinking Dominant Education Practices
On today’s episode I speak with Simon Airey, who you may know from instagram as Simon Inclusion Teacher (formerly known as Sassy Supply). I was really drawn to Simon as his passion for inclusion and neuro-affirming practice comes through so loudly. Not always serious, though; Simon sprinkles humour into much of what he does and is sure to bring you a smile or two. In our conversation, we tackle many big questions when it comes to rethinking traditional practices in education. Simon and I discuss: 🌸 Reframing behaviour as something to managed or supported. 🌸 How has inclusion in classrooms changed and how can we foster inclusive spaces? 🌸 Meeting the need for movement + the outside classroom. 🌸 Burnout and the importance of self care and self-compassion. 🌸 Why does education suddenly veer away from early years practice in year one? 🌸 Being a brave educator and resisting dominant educational practices. These are the books that Simon referred to in our discussion: With 24 years of teaching experience, Simon is passionate about ensuring all children have access to the curriculum. His strong interest in EYFS, SEND, and neurodiversity has driven him to develop provisions for open-ended play and essential life skills. Throughout his career, he has been a class teacher, subject lead, phase leader, and a member of SLT. He is currently a visiting teacher, working in schools across London. Connect with Simon: 💫 Send him an email: 💫 Find him on Instagram: 💫 Tune into Simon's podcast Social Anxiety Life on or (these links will take you to his episode on children with social anxiety) Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 9 | Sensory Processing + the Sensory Lens
07/15/2024
EP 9 | Sensory Processing + the Sensory Lens
On today’s episode, I speak with Michaelene Kearney from The Teachers OT about an incredibly powerful and transformational lens that we can adopt when it comes to supporting children’s behaviour - the sensory processing lens. Michaelene shares so much of her wisdom with us around not only what sensory processing is but the many ways that it can impact behaviour. Michaelene and I discuss: 🌸What is the role of an Occupational Therapist? 🌸The three step framework that is sensory processing. 🌸The difference between understanding versus judgement when it comes to behaviour. 🌸What are the eight sensory systems (including the three lesser known sensory systems - proprioception, vestibular input and interoception)? 🌸What happens when one of these systems isn’t doing their job and how does this contribute to behaviour? 🌸The importance of working with OTs and knowing when to seek out their support. 🌸Considerations for sensory friendly classroom environments. 🌸Movement as up-regulating and movement as down-regulating. Michaelene Kearney is a paediatric occupational therapist with specialised training in the diagnosis & treatment of sensory processing disorder. As an occupational therapist, she collaborates with teachers & school staff on care for her clients in the school setting. After years of providing OT consultative services for schools in the Atlanta area, she created The Teachers OT - an online educational platform where she provides education on all things sensory in the classroom. Connect with Michaelene: 💫Send her an email: & 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: 💫 View her course: 💫 Check our her Join the Little Bloom community: 💫Send me an email: 💫Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 8 | Neuro-Affirming Practice + the Lived Experience
07/09/2024
EP 8 | Neuro-Affirming Practice + the Lived Experience
On today’s episode I speak with Annabel Tannenbaum from Thriving Minds Education about her advocacy of neuro-affirming practice in education. More than this, Annabel shares her lived experience of being late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD in her early 30s and how her experiences have shaped the powerful work that she does. Annabel and I discuss: 🌸The difference between the terms neurodiverse, neurodivergent and neurotype. 🌸The importance of listening to people with lived experience with neurodivergence. 🌸How some practices commonly used with neurodivergent children can be causing more harm than good. 🌸Exploring the need to practice with both a neuro-inclusive and neuro-affirming lens. 🌸Some small tweaks you can make towards being more neuro-affirming in your practice (hint: it’s not as big a task as you think!). Annabel is the founder of Thriving Minds Education and is a neuro-inclusion advocate who’s supporting and empowering young members of the neurodivergent community. For most of her life, Annabel didn’t know why she was different. Growing up, she says she always felt like an outsider, struggling to get a grasp on learning and socialising while grappling with anxieties that couldn’t be explained. That is, until she began teaching in early education settings – and seeing similar traits show up in the children she was supporting. Annabel was diagnosed with autism at 30 and ADHD at 31. But even before then, she knew there was a desperate need for more awareness and support around kids with developmental differences. A need that she was already working to meet through her business, Thriving Minds Education, where she offers workshops, resources and a vast array of books celebrating neurodivergence. Connect with Annabel: 💫Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫Send me an email: 💫Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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Ep 7 | Child Safety & Abuse Prevention Education
07/02/2024
Ep 7 | Child Safety & Abuse Prevention Education
On today’s episode, I speak with Kristi McVee, the founder of Child Abuse Prevention + Education Australia (CAPE), about child safety and abuse prevention education. Drawing from her experience working in the police force, as well as a child abuse detective, Kristi unpacks the importance of preventative measures in childhood abuse and the role that educators play in this. Kristi and I discuss: 🌸Myths around childhood abuse and the prevalence of abuse in Australia. 🌸The critical role of prevention. 🌸Grooming and signs to look out for. 🌸The importance of a protective behaviour curriculum that is developmentally appropriate. 🌸Child protective behaviours such as tricky people and tricky behaviours, safe and unsafe touch, safety networks, consent, early warning signs and saying no. 🌸Mandatory reporting and signs/behaviours we can look out for. Kristi McVee has spent over 14 years fighting child sexual abuse from the front lines and now utilises her experiences as a police officer and child abuse detective to teach all she knows about child abuse prevention to parents, caregivers, educators and the community. Connect with Kristi: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: 💫 Visit her TikTok: 💫 Listen to The CAPE Podcast: or on Join the Little Bloom community: 💫Send me an email: 💫Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 6 | Becoming Early Years Champions: Leadership in the Early Years
06/25/2024
EP 6 | Becoming Early Years Champions: Leadership in the Early Years
On today’s episode I speak with Amie Fabry from The Learning Future about her work and advocacy in early years leadership. More than this, Amie goes deep into discussing how we can each become a champion in the early years. Amie and I discuss: 🌸What led Amie to her interest in early years leadership? 🌸What makes for an effective leader (hint: it’s more than a checklist!)? 🌸Amie’s advice for navigating unsupportive leadership as well as tips for aspiring early years champions. 🌸Feelings of disconnect, tension and dichotomy - it’s not us vs. them. 🌸The role of values, belonging, agency, community and being heard. 🌸What to do when passion isn’t quite enough. Dr Amie Fabry is a passionate early childhood educator, facilitator and researcher who is committed to empowering leaders to transform pedagogical practice. A rising star in the education sector, Amie uses a strengths-based approach to build the confidence, knowledge and skills of early childhood educators, teachers and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures in which educators and children thrive. Connect with Amie: 💫Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Connect with her on LinkedIn: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫Send me an email: 💫Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 5 | Do We Need a Behaviour Curriculum?
06/18/2024
EP 5 | Do We Need a Behaviour Curriculum?
On today’s episode I speak with Em Gentle from The Grad Guide. Em and I joke that we’re the same person as we so often share the same views, values, beliefs and frustrations as one another. This conversation came about through our shared frustration in the way that the media has currently been sensationalising classroom behaviour with headlines targeted at placing blame on whoever they can (teachers, children, parents.. nobody is immune) as well as the hype they’ve created around what’s being called a behaviour curriculum, referring to it as old school discipline. Join Em and I as we share our opinions and frustrations not only on this media hype but about the real question - do we actually need a behaviour curriculum? Em and I discuss: 🌸 The media’s sensationalism of a behaviour curriculum and its potential harm to effective education. 🌸 The implications of a behaviour curriculum and what it really means for teachers and students. 🌸 The importance of holistic child development and proactive teaching methods. 🌸 The need for a shift towards relationship-based approaches in education that challenge punitive disciplinary measures. 🌸 Strategies for effectively supporting children's emotional and behavioural development without resorting to outdated punitive measures. Em is doing powerful things in the space of supporting graduate teachers with her membership and courses offered through The Grad Guide. I am led to believe, however, that some incredibly exciting changes are close on the horizon as Em is preparing to shift gears and set her sights on world domination (ok, I joke, but it’s close). If you’re keen to watch it all unfold, connect with her via Insta. Word of caution - this episode contains very mild explicit language. Connect with Em: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Connect with her on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 4 | Attachment in the Early Years
06/13/2024
EP 4 | Attachment in the Early Years
On today’s episode I speak with Elise Disher - an early childhood consultant and teacher with oodles of experience in supporting not only young children but the families and educators that support them. Today we’re delving into a concept that not only provides a critical lens through which we view and support behavior but also holds lifelong implications for children’s holistic wellbeing - attachment. Elise and I discuss: 🌸 Which happy accident led to Elise falling into early childhood education? 🌸 What is attachment and why is it crucial for young children? 🌸 How can we become attuned and responsive educators and navigate the delicate balance between being a do-er and a be-er. 🌸 Tangible ways to bridge the divide between home and care spaces. 🌸 How we can support children transition into new spaces through the lens of attachment. 🌸 Leaning into trusting the process of attachment. Elise is a mum of two and an Early Childhood Consultant and Teacher. Her mission is to create a movement in the way we educate and raise children so together we can improve the mental health outcomes of our next generation. Elise is passionate about promoting the importance of healthy attachment and developmentally responsive and attuned approaches in the first five years of life - she is BIG ON LITTLE PEOPLE! Connect with Elise: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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EP 3 | Unpacking Separation Anxiety
06/12/2024
EP 3 | Unpacking Separation Anxiety
On today’s episode I speak with Jess Demetrious, the founder of Raising Resilience Mornington Peninsula. So often I’m asked about how we can best support young children experiencing separation anxiety, so I’ve taken the question to a child mental health advocate and expert! Jess and I discuss: 🌸 What separation anxiety feels like for a child and what’s going on inside the brain of a child experiencing it. 🌸 Language we can use to support children that’s helpful (and unhelpful). 🌸 Why it’s important to provide space for all emotions - even the big ones. 🌸 How separation anxiety can manifest for children (hint: it’s not always retreating like we’re led to believe!). 🌸 The role (and power) of play and movement in moving through feelings of separation anxiety. For our chat, Jess had actually created a wonderful resource to support those of you suppporting children experiencing separation anxiety - but we got so carried away withour discussion that we forgot to touch on it! You can download it via the link below. Jess has a Bachelor of Social Science (amongst other training) and a background working in Case Management, Counselling, and Student Wellbeing and is on a mission to support families to build resilience and emotional intelligence so that they feel empowered & equipped to face life's inevitable curveballs with confidence. Currently, Jess supports parents and any professionals working with families through psychoeducational workshops and also works as a Parenting Consultant at Childhood Rising where she provides 1:1 nuanced support for each unique family she meets with. Jess is a mum to two wonderful little people and deeply understands both the beauty and the heartache that can be felt as a parent which is why all of her services are jam-packed with compassion. Connect with Jess: 💫 Send her an email: 💫 Find her on Instagram: 💫 Visit her website: 💫 Download a copy of Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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Ep 2 | 9 ½ Pivotal Moments That Changed How I Support Behaviour
06/11/2024
Ep 2 | 9 ½ Pivotal Moments That Changed How I Support Behaviour
In this episode we’re going to get to know each other - very well! Prepare for vulnerability, warm fuzzies and challenging moments. I’ve broken this episode into two sections: the pathway that has led me to where I am now, and the pivotal moments that have truly defined who I am as an educator. In discussing this pathway and the moments, I’ll touch on: 🌸 What primary school was like for me (hint: not great). 🌸 Why I left the classroom - and will I ever go back? 🌸 How I navigated working in a school that almost broke me, and how I found the school that put my broken teacher parts back together. 🌸 How I responded when another teacher threatened to call the police on one of my children for being sent to buddy class. 🌸 The future of Little Bloom. Word of caution - this episode contains very mild explicit language. Join the Little Bloom community: 💫 Send me an email: 💫 Find me on Instagram: 💫 Connect with me on LinkedIn: 💫 Visit my website:
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