Building Executive Function Skills During Travel: Insights for International Parenting

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, discusses how travel can help develop children's executive function skills, including emotional regulation. As part of the summer shorts series, Clare provides practical tips for managing travel-related stress and supporting children's wellbeing during school holidays. She emphasizes the importance of co-regulation, naming emotions, incorporating movement breaks, offering choices, and expecting some level of dysregulation. Clare also invites listeners to connect with her on social media and consider parent coaching.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families
01:03 Summer Shorts Series Overview
01:34 Travel and Emotional Regulation
04:38 Supporting Executive Function Skills
04:51 Practical Tips for Co-Regulation
05:51 Name It to Tame It: Managing Big Feelings
06:39 Movement and Sensory Breaks
07:24 Empowering Kids with Choices
08:01 Expecting and Managing Dysregulation
08:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources mentioned in this episode: The Whole - Brain Child by Dr Daniel J. Siegal and Dr Tina Payne Bryson.

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Managing Sensory Regulation During International Travel

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, dives into practical strategies for international travel with children. Clare addresses the various sensory needs individuals face during travel and offers concrete advice on managing these challenges. From preparing sensory systems with 'heavy work' activities to handling emotional prep with social stories, Clare provides a comprehensive guide. She also shares personal experiences and reassurances for parents, emphasizing the importance of self-care and co-regulation during stressful travel situations.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families
01:09 Preparing for Travel with Sensory Supports
02:44 Understanding Sensory Systems
06:22 Pre-Trip Sensory Preparation
11:52 Travel Day Strategies
17:41 Managing Meltdowns and Co-Regulation
23:18 Arrival and Resetting
24:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
25:26 Outro and Contact Information

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Downloadable activities for kids: @keepusbuzymum (Instagram)

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Navigating the Uncertainty of International Family Transitions

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, addresses the challenges faced by international families during periods of potential transitions. She delves into the emotional impact of living in limbo, how uncertainty affects both parents and children, and the concept of uncertainty tolerance from a neuroscience perspective. Clare offers practical tips for managing stress, staying grounded, and supporting children's emotional well-being during such times. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, maintaining routines, and fostering resilience in kids. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies to navigate these uncertain periods with confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families
01:09 Understanding the Uncertainty of International Living
02:53 The Emotional Impact of Uncertainty
07:35 Children and Uncertainty
09:48 Strategies for Managing Uncertainty
14:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Uncertainty Effect: How to Survive and Thrive Through the Unexpected, Michelle D. Lazarus, PhD

Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds, David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Insights from a Globally Mobile Parent with Raffiah.

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne interviews Raffiah, a parent who has moved internationally nine times over the past 20 years. They discuss the challenges and strategies of raising children in different countries, maintaining cultural roots, and coping with repeated transitions. Raffiah shares her personal experiences, including her initial struggle with loss of independence, her journey in creating a supportive and creative environment for her children, and how she engaged them in the moving process. The episode also delves into the importance of investing in self-development amidst family responsibilities and offers practical advice for parents navigating international relocations.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families Podcast
01:07 Meet Raffiah: A Globally Mobile Parent
04:02 Challenges of Moving and Raising Kids Abroad
06:15 Finding Community and Coping with Loneliness
08:40 Creative Solutions for Parenting on the Move
12:27 Impact on Career and Personal Growth
17:29 Supporting Children Through Transitions
19:05 Involving Children in the Moving Process
20:29 Maintaining Cultural Heritage Abroad
24:05 Preparing Children for a Move
26:01 Managing Emotions and Friendships During Moves
29:06 Personal Reflections and Advice for Parents
36:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Raffiah on Instagram: @keepusbuzymum

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne delves into the challenges and strategies surrounding children's online content consumption. Clare emphasizes the importance of staying curious and connected with your child, discussing key areas such as content quality, safety, privacy, and emotional wellbeing. She offers practical tips on how parents can monitor and engage with their children's digital habits without resorting to fear or restriction. The episode also highlights the value of critical thinking skills and the benefits and drawbacks of screen time. Clare encourages open conversations and provides resources like commonsensemedia.org to help parents navigate the digital landscape. Additionally, Clare offers free 20-minute consultations for personalized support.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families

01:05 Understanding Screen Time Content

03:24 Evaluating Online Safety and Privacy

03:55 Emotional Wellbeing and Online Habits

05:10 Collaborative Parenting Strategies

09:40 Critical Thinking and Online Value

12:44 Balancing Online and Offline Experiences

14:15 Conclusion and Support Resources

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Parental Guides: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-parental-controls

Book a 20 minute free consultation with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, explores the multifaceted topic of screen time in parenting. Clare discusses the evolution of guidelines from health organizations, the implications of screen use on children's physical and emotional well-being, and provides practical strategies for managing screen habits within the family. She emphasizes the nuanced nature of screen use, especially for families living internationally or with neurodivergent children, and shares her own experiences and research insights. Clare also offers recommendations for setting boundaries, developing a family media plan, and reflecting on parental screen use to establish healthier habits. Lastly, she highlights the importance of unstructured play for children's development and advises parents not to be too hard on themselves as they navigate this complex issue.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families
01:04 The Screen Time Dilemma
01:34 Evaluating Family Screen Habits
02:06 Personal Experiences and Challenges
03:03 Screen Time in Different Contexts
04:38 Physical Use vs. Content Consumption
05:15 Guidelines and Recommendations
06:47 Reported Effects of Screen Time
11:28 Neurodiversity and Screen Use
13:25 Emotional Regulation and Screen Time
16:42 Setting Boundaries and Family Media Plans
20:22 Parental Screen Habits and Their Impact
23:55 Summary and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

Children & Screens ; https://www.childrenandscreens.org/

Book - How To Raise A Healthy Gamer, Dr Alok Kanojia: https://www.healthygamer.gg/how-to-raise-a-healthy-gamer

Book- The Phone Fix, Dr Faye Begeti: https://www.drfayebegeti.com/thephonefix

Family Media Plan: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx

Technoference: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/technical-interference-screens-and-the-parent-child-relationship/

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, delves into the topic of after school behaviours, often referred to as 'after school restraint collapse.' Clare explains the various factors that can contribute to this phenomenon, including the mental and sensory demands of the school day that lead to emotional outbursts once children are in their safe home environment. She provides practical strategies for parents to support their children, from offering crunchy or chewy snacks and allowing some quiet time to incorporating movement activities and fostering connection. Clare also addresses the importance of seeking support from school staff and professionals if the behaviours are persistent and intense. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their child’s afterschool behaviour and consider the outlined tips to help their children manage their emotions and thrive.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families Podcast
01:00 Understanding After School Behaviours
02:00 Causes of After School Restraint Collapse
05:23 Brain Science Behind Emotional Regulation
07:14 Supporting Your Child: Practical Tips
14:20 Connecting with Your Child After School
16:09 Screen Time and Homework Considerations
19:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources mentioned:

Dinner Time Conversation starters: https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/family-dinner/

Animal Moves: https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2021/08/26/animal-walks/

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, explores the essential role of play in child development and its significance for adults. Clare discusses the science behind how play builds neural pathways in the brain, supports cognitive, physical, and social skills, and enhances executive function. She also highlights the benefits of unstructured play and imaginative play for children, and the positive impact of play on adult mental and physical health. Clare emphasizes the importance of making time for play and offers practical suggestions for incorporating playful activities into everyday life.

00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families Podcast
01:03 The Importance of Play in Child Development
03:54 Neuroplasticity and Learning Through Play
08:44 Supporting Your Child's Development Through Play
11:33 The Value of Play for Adults
15:18 Practical Tips for Incorporating Play
17:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

Find Your Play Personality: https://nifplay.org/what-is-play/play-personalities/

Connect with Clare: globally.thriving@gmail.com

Website: https://www.globallythriving.com

Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving

Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting