Karen Leigh founded Sensational Kids in 2007. Sensational Kids is a social enterprise and charity, dedicated to providing affordable and accessible developmental assessments and therapies to children and adolescents with additional needs. The organisation currently operates Child Development Centres in Kildare, Cork, Mayo, and Monaghan. Sensational Kids has directly supported over 11,000 children from all over Ireland through their child development centres.

Here Karen tells Stef about how she came to set up this amazing organisation and why doing your Christmas shopping at www.sensationalkids.ie could make the world of difference to a family.

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.Stef is also the creator of the award-winning, multi-activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler check out www.kinderama.com.

And if you want to spark some imaginative play at home why not take a look at https://irishfairytails.com/

Become a curious mermaid or a brave dragon with these beautiful book and tail sets!

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way. Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Emailthemummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:Stef: @kinderama@irishfairytails

@themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you heard of the Playdayz App? This week Stef talks to the creator of this genius idea, Mia Shepherd.

When Mia became a Mum she realised how isolating it can be and also how expensive childcare was so she set about solving those issues with the Playdayz App. Meet up with parents, host play dates or even share childcare - all from the safety of the app. You have to submit verified ID to join and all communication can take place in the app until you feel confident to share contact information - all for under €2 a month.

You can find out more about the app by downloading from the app store or take a look on Insta @playdayz_playdates

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler check out www.kinderama.com.

And if you want to spark some imaginative play at home why not take a look at https://irishfairytails.com/

Become a curious mermaid or a brave dragon with these beautiful book and tail sets!

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama @irishfairytails

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking to Stef this week is Aisleen Harte - the author of My Voice, My Choice. Aisleen is an early years educator and a mum, who wrote this thought provoking book about allowing children to use their voice and make their own choices. It sounds so simple but as the conversation progresses, Stef and Aisleen start to unravel all the conditioning we are taught along the way. Especially those of us that spent years being 'good girls'.

You can buy Aisleen's book here: https://www.buythebook.ie/product/my-voice-my-choice/ and you can follow Aisleen on Instagram @a_r_words

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Padraig Danaher aka The OT Coach joins Stef this week to talk all things teenagers. They cover everything from devices to school avoidance, connecting and reconnecting. And most importantly how to turn the battlegrounds back into a fun space.

You can find out more about Padraig and his work as a clinical specialist OT and positive psychology coach at www.theotcoach.ie and connect with Padraig on LinkedIn.

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hayley Rice is a child and adolescent psychotherapist specializing in play therapy courses and parent-child relationship coaching, She is also a former teacher and a mum and her instagram @hayley_rice__ is full of useful info and tips.

Hayley told Stef that if we look at our teenagers with a developmental lens, it can help change our mindset when dealing with their risk-taking brains! They discussed how certain things can have natural consequences, where perhaps parents don't need to add a 'punishment' and how connection is vital at this stage of development.

Hayley also touched on bedtimes and how challenging they can be.

If you would like to work with Hayley you can find her at https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Shafqat aka @dietitian.withadifference joins Stef today to chat about your fussy eaters! Emma is a paedeatric dietician and a fussy eating expert so she has loads of great advice for children going through a phase or those struggling a bit more. She also shares some great insights as to why kids do certain things and that we can look to evolution for the reason as opposed to our cooking!!

If you would like to work with Emma check out her website www.dietitianwithadifference.co.uk

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Make Love Not P*rn creator Cindy Gallop joins Stef this week to talk about how porn affects our kids and all about her new sexual education platform the MLNP academy.

Cindy is honest and open and advises us parents to be the same with our kids - clear communication means we maintain an honest dialogue when they want information but also when they are uncomfortable with something that they have seen or been shown

MakeLoveNotPorn Academy is an aggregator hub for the best of the world's sex education content all in one place, searchable by age appropriateness. It will launch before the end of 2025 and will help parents all over the world.

You can follow Cindy on Instagram for honest conversation and more info on launch date.

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Orla, from Emotion Skills Ireland, was full of so much valuable information about boundary setting. Have you ever thought about what type of parent you are or why a boundary is important to you? If you struggle with setting boundaries have you ever considered why? Then this episode is for you! Orla is full of wisdom with zero judgement!

If you would like to find out more about Emotion Skills Training visit www.emotionskillsireland.com or check them out on Instagram @emotionskillsireland

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Season 8 and for many of us it is back to school time again. Aoife Lee from ParentSupport.ie is here to talk us through all the emotions we might be experiencing during these couple of weeks!

You can find Aoife and all the resources she mentioned at www.parentsupport.ie and on Insta @parentsupport

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of this season, Stef talks to Deirdre Holland Hannon - a leading expert in paediatric continence care and a qualified Urotherapist.

With over 20 years of experience working with children and families Deirdre supports children and families with issues such as poo problems, urine postponing, and bedwetting.

Deirdre is the creator of the “Toilet Training: Less Stress, More Success” approach, a proven method that helps parents navigate potty training with confidence. She also proudly offers Ireland’s first parent-focused support for bedwetting, through her Urotherapy Bedwetting and Night Dryness Workshop.

A mum of three herself, Deirdre combines professional expertise with real-life parenting experience to deliver compassionate, practical, and effective support for families.

Books we mentioned: Princess Polly and Pirate Pete Potty books. Everybody Poos. Who did this poo? game

Instagram @deehollhan

www.deirdrehollandhannon.com

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Anxious Children in an Anxious World' is the new, award-winning book from Dr. Mary O'Kane. Dr. Mary is a Lecturer in Psychology, Early Childhood Studies and Education as well as one of the most well-respected parenting experts in Irish Media, contributing to a range of features in television and radio.

In this episode we delve into all aspects of anxiety from school anxiety to separation anxiety as well as the anxiety of parents.

You can find Mary's books and more at www.drmaryokane.ie or follow on Instagram @drmaryokane

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The TV drama 'Adolescence' created a lot of discussion and probably fear amongst parents of teenagers. This week Stef McSherry talks to two psychotherapists about some of the topics the series raised. An essential listen for parents of teenagers.

Carol Duffy is a psychotherapist who has worked with TUSLA for 20 years and the Children's Therapy for 16 years. Carol is a senior play therapist specialising in complex trauma and attachment dynamics.

@carolduffy2023

Cathy O'Brien from The Swallows Trail Parent Support is also a psychotherapist specialising in parents support.

@theswallowstrailparentsupport

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathie Stritch is a PT who created Griefireland.com - a place to help people navigate their grief and tell their stories. The retreats and workshops allow people to come together and share their grief journey. Her podcast, Family Flowers Only, gives people space to share their stories in a gentle and beautiful way.

Tragedy struck Kathie's family when she lost her brother-in-law in a tragic accident and then his wife, her sister, a year later. Kathie realised there was an online space for nearly everything else except grief and so she created one. You can find more info on Insta @griefireland or visit the website www.griefireland.com

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciara McDonnell is an intuitive and somatic practioner who helps women lead a soul led life and connect to themselves again. This episode is full of wisdom and joy and I hope you get as much from it as we did!

You can find Ciara on Instagram @and_so_we_rise

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joanna Fortune says that play is a state of mind and a way of being. Do we adults tend to think our children have outgrown play? When was the last time WE played?

This episode is full of so much learning about when and how we can use play with our children and teenagers. Grab a pen and paper!

Dr. Joanna is a psychotherapist with over 20 years clinical experience. She has a regular parenting slot on Newstalk's Sean Moncrieff show. Joanna also has a series of books '15 Minute Parenting' and 'Why We Play' which are really accessible ways to encourage play into our daily lives.

You can find Joanna on Instagram @drjoannafortune

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevina Reel is a female health physio who knows all there is to know about the pelvic floor. In this honest conversation she talks to Stef about what the pelvic floor is and what it does, issues we can have with it and what we can do about it. Kevina has no-nonsense approach and leaves us with so many great tips, imagery and sayings!

Kevina Reel owns Every Body Physio and you can find all her info there http://www.everybodyphysio.ie/

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Fiona Barry is a Chinese health practitioner specialising in fertility, hormonal issues, trauma and pain. Fiona is often on TV, radio or National Press talking about the menopause and she was an integral part of the formulation of Menoactive - part of the Revive Active family of supplements.

This is a fascinating chat about this relatively new phenomenon of the 'sandwiched' generation, where women can often have young kids, whilst going through the menopause, and potentially minding elderly parents and working! No wonder women arrive at her clinic exhausted!

If that resonates with you you can find Fiona at https://fionabarry.ie/ or on Instagram at @dr_fionabarry

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eileen Keane Haly has been working with children, teens and parents for over 15 years. Her book 'The Parent' is a really easy to read, comprehensive look at what it is to be a parent. Eileen's parenting and mentoring service is based in Cork and her vast experience both there and as a Mum of 4, is an invaluable insight. This was a fascinating conversation about raising kids in this day and age.

You can find Eileen at https://jumpstart-your-confidence.squarespace.com/

and on Instagram @jumpstartyourconfidencecork

The app Stef mentioned in this episode is Kidslox

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brenda Cormican is a business coach but also someone that is very passionate about women finding their purpose. Having a child can often be the catalyst for women finding more flexibility and freedom and this was true for Brenda too.

If you would like to talk to Brenda her website is www.brendacormicanbusinesscoach.com and her Instagram is @brendacormicanbusinesscoach

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louise George is an holistic psychotherapist and yoga instructor , who integrates yoga as part of her eating disorder recovery coaching. Louise herself suffered with anorexia and has spent the last 25 years working with people who have an eating disorder. This experience helps clients, and compliments their treatment along side the clinical and psychology teams.

Louise runs the Douglas Yoga Centre and www.yogaconnected.ie. Her beautiful style of teaching and genuine interest in the well-being of her students makes her offering unique and a lovely place to be.

You can find Louise on Instagram @iamlouisegeorge

Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity and behaviour specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.

Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler in school, at events or online, check out Kinderama here www.kinderama.com.

Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way.

 Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.

Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.com

Join us on Instagram:

Stef: @kinderama

The Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.