Raising children is not something families should have to do alone. It takes a village: parents, grandparents, educators, health professionals, community workers, neighbours and friends who can offer practical help, calm advice and a reminder that no one needs to have all the answers.

In Episode #5 of Big Feelings Growing Brains, we explore the everyday moments that can feel big for families: supporting children in building early reading skills, navigating toileting, asking for help, and finding the community support that makes life more manageable.

This episode is about practical ideas, not perfection. It is about helping children feel capable, helping parents feel less alone, and recognising that small acts of support can make a real difference.

To celebrate the ideas shared in this episode, we are creating simple resources for families, including:

Building Reading Brains
Easy ways to grow language, connection and early reading skills through talking, singing, storytelling, looking at books together and making everyday moments a chance to learn.

Toileting Tips
Gentle, practical support for families navigating toilet learning, accidents, routines, resistance and the big feelings that can come with this important stage of development.

Community Support
Ideas for finding and accepting help through early learning services, playgroups, schools, health professionals, family support organisations and the people around you who care.

A Small Reminder

Children grow through relationships. They learn through repetition, play, language, encouragement and the feeling that someone is beside them when things are hard.

Families do not need to do everything on their own. Asking for help is a strength. Offering help matters too.

It takes a village — and we want to help.

With Thanks to Our Contributors

This episode and its resources have been shaped by the knowledge, care and lived experience of the same community.

• Sue, Speech and Language Pathologist
• Jodie, Little Scholars
• Bec and Carmen, Bayview Kindy
• Liz and Lisa, C&K Kindy at Deception Bay North
• Alana and Chloe, Gardenia Early Learning
• Alana and Nikki, Early Learning
• Ashleigh Stephens, Facilitator Early Years
• Ruth, Senior Project Officer First Nations
• Parents and families who shared their experiences, questions and practical wisdom

Thank you for helping us build a stronger village around children and the people who love them.

https://bigfeelingsgrowingbrains.com/

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Simple food and lunchbox ideas for big feelings, growing brains

Feeding children is rarely just about food. It can be about time, cost, tiredness, sensory needs, routine, allergies, lunchboxes that come home untouched, and the pressure families can feel to get every meal right.

In Episode #4 of Big Feelings Growing Brains, we heard many thoughtful, practical ideas from educators, health professionals and families who understand these everyday challenges. Their conversations reminded us that food does not need to be perfect to be nourishing. Small, familiar meals, a safe food on the plate, ingredients served separately, and a little more connection can make a real difference.

To celebrate the episode and make these ideas useful in everyday life, we created a collection of simple, low-cost recipes, food-on-the-run ideas and lunchbox suggestions for busy families. These resources are designed to support children who are learning to eat, families doing it tough, and anyone looking for realistic ways to make food feel easier.

Explore the ideas

Food for All Recipe Book
Simple, affordable meals made with everyday ingredients, including Cloud Bowl, Toasty Dippers, Tree Twirls, Eggy Bites, Volcano Mash, Treasure Bowl and Smiley Carrot Crunch. Each recipe can be adapted to different dietary needs and served together, side by side, or separately.

Food on the Run
Quick ideas for busy mornings, after-kindy hunger, appointments, sport, work and tired afternoons. Think yoghurt and fruit bowls, toast with beans, egg bites, carrot sticks with dip, bananas, rice bowls and leftovers packed into small containers.

Lunchbox Ideas
Realistic lunchbox options that are affordable, easy to open and familiar for children. Start with a safe food, add small portions, and keep foods separate where that helps. Lunchboxes can include toast fingers, Eggy Bites, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, carrot sticks, rice, peas, corn and leftovers from dinner.

You can find all the recipes and ideas here:

https://bigfeelingsgrowingbrains.com/

With thanks to the Episode #4 contributors

This collection grew from the knowledge, care and lived experience shared by:

• Sue, Speech and Language Pathologist,
• Jodie, early educator
• Bec and Carmen, Bayview Kindy
• Liz and Lisa, C&K Kindy at Deception Bay North
• Alana and Chloe, Gardenia Early Learning
• Alana and Nikki, Early educators
• Ashleigh Stephens, Facilitator Early Years
• Ruth, Senior Project Officer First Nations
• Parents and families who shared their experiences, questions and practical wisdom

Thank you for helping us create practical ideas grounded in care, connection and the everyday realities of family life.

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

School avoidance is becoming an increasingly common challenge for families, schools, and communities.

For some children, walking through the school gates can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, bullying, social pressures, learning difficulties, emotional distress, and feeling unsafe can all contribute to school refusal and disengagement.

In Episode 3 of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, we explore what may sit beneath school avoidance and what families, educators, and communities can do to help children reconnect with learning.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why some children struggle to attend school
• What fear and anxiety can look like in the classroom
• The importance of emotional safety and belonging
• How schools and families can work together
• Practical strategies to support attendance and confidence

Featuring educators, parents, wellbeing leaders, and community voices, this conversation focuses on understanding rather than judgment and support rather than blame.

Because children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and seen.

Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds podcast series helping parents, educators, and communities navigate the challenges of modern childhood together.

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com