Parenting Collective

Donna Moala

Hey beautiful parents, welcome to the Parenting Collective Podcast! I am your host, Donna Moala and around here we believe it takes a village, so I have brought to you a village of experts who give you all the tools around anything parenting and beyond. Each episode, I invite brilliant minds in parenting, health, relationships, and beyond to share their knowledge and support you in creating calmer homes, stronger connections and more rested nights. Think of this as your weekly coffee date with people who really get it and who can give you the tools to thrive, not just survive. I am Certified Secure Sleep and Conscious Parenting Coach, certified with the incredible Dr Shefali Institute, wife & mother of 3 teenage girls.  Empowering and supporting families throughout the WORLD with my 1:1 guidance,  via in home consults or zoom. Nurturing & supportive and NEVER Cry It Out.  Working with expectant parents through to children 10 years old.  I am the founder  @parentingcollective.au Reach out for your free 15 minute phone chat CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    A Real, Authentic Conversation With Mum and Daughter Part 1

    **Content note:** This episode includes discussions around ADHD, anxiety, mental health, and emetophobia. Please listen with care. This episode is deeply personal — and one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever recorded. In Through My Eyes, Through Yours, I sit down with my daughter for an honest mother–daughter conversation about growing up with ADHD, anxiety, and feeling different in a world that doesn’t always understand neurodivergent kids. We talk openly about the parts of childhood and adolescence that often go unseen: - Being labelled “the easy child” and the pressure that comes with it - Staying back in pre-primary and how that shaped confidence - Growing up neurodivergent and learning to mask to fit in - ADHD, anxiety, emetophobia, and mental health - High school, friendships, exclusion, and identity - Medication, self-advocacy, and removing shame - What helped, what hurt, and what we wish we’d known sooner ⏱️ Chapter Stamps 00:00 – Why this mother–daughter conversation matters 02:05 – Growing up “the easy child” and what went unseen 05:10 – Staying back in pre-primary and early feelings of being different 08:45 – When ADHD and anxiety started to show up 12:30 – Masking, fitting in, and learning how to cope 16:40 – School, friendships, and the pain of exclusion 21:15 – Emetophobia and anxiety explained 25:50 – Mental health, medication, and removing the shame 30:40 – What helped the most during the hardest years 35:20 – What we wish we had known sooner 39:10 – A message to parents in the thick of it 42:30 – A message to kids and teens who feel different 45:00 – Final reflections: love, resilience, and hope This isn’t a conversation about perfect parenting. It’s about listening, learning, repairing, and loving our kids exactly as they are. If you’re parenting a child who feels different… If you’re navigating ADHD or anxiety with your child or teen… Or if you’re a young person who needs to know they’re not broken — You are not alone. And neither is your child. 💛 There is another side — and this episode speaks to it honestly. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Parenting Collective Podcast  for more conversations on conscious parenting, emotional regulation, sleep, and wellbeing. I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    59 min
  2. 25 JAN

    Dr. Shefali on Conscious Parenting: Why Your Child’s Behaviour Is Not the Real Problem

    What if your child’s behaviour isn’t the real problem? In this powerful conversation, Donna Moala is joined by Dr. Shefali (@doctorshefali), clinical psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of the Conscious Parenting movement, to explain why behaviour management alone doesn’t work, and what actually creates lasting change in families. Together, they unpack: What conscious parenting really means (and what it doesn’t) Why behaviour is a signal, not the issue How parents unknowingly project their own childhood wounds Why connection, not control, builds resilient kids How to become your child’s outer nervous system Why it’s never too late to repair or strengthen your relationship with your child 📌 This episode is especially powerful for parents of strong-willed children, teens, and parents who feel like traditional parenting advice just isn’t working anymore. Dr. Shefali also shares insights from her upcoming work on raising Gen Z and Gen Alpha children in a digitally overwhelmed world, and what parents need to do differently now. 🎤 Dr. Shefali is coming to Australia (Sydney & Melbourne). Details, tickets, and resources are linked below. Follow Dr. Shefali: Website: https://www.drshefali.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctorshefali Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorshefali Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doctorshefali Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorshefali Check out Dr. Shefali’s books - https://www.drshefali.com/books/ Dr. Shefali Australia Tour 2026! Get Your Tickets Here: https://events.drshefali.com/australia/ Want to be a Certified Conscious Parenting & Life Coach? Get $500 OFF!  How? Just write "Donna" in the application, and use this code - DONNA500. To apply, visit https://coaching.drshefali.com/ I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    26 min
  3. 18 JAN

    Breaking the Burnout Cycle: The Truth About Saying No

    Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or guilty every time you try to say “NO”? Burnout does not happen overnight,  it is built through years of people pleasing, overgiving and ignoring our own needs. In this powerful episode of the Parenting Collective Podcast, host Donna Moala sits down with mindset coach @annmanifis to unpack the real reason so many women struggle to set boundaries and why learning to say “NO” is essential for emotional wellbeing, leadership and sustainable success. With over 25 years in the corporate world, Ann shares practical insights on burnout recovery, self worth  and how women can stop running on empty without feeling selfish or guilty. This conversation is for working mums, leaders and women who are ready to protect their energy and reclaim their peace. ✨ In this episode, we explore: Why burnout is so common among women The emotional roots of people pleasing How to say “NO” without guilt or fear Boundaries at work, home and in relationships Why rest is productive, not lazy Work-life balance vs. work-life integration 🎧 Whether you are navigating motherhood, leadership, or personal overwhelm, this episode will help you slow down, reconnect to your worth and break the burnout cycle for good. 💡 Learn more about the Leadership Reset Call with Ann Manifis: https://calendly.com/manifisann/leadership_reset_call_with_ann_manifis?month=2025-12 💬 Comment below, what’s one thing you need to say “no” to right now? I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    26 min
  4. 07/12/2025

    Parenting Children with Anxiety or Big Emotions: Here’s the Hope You have Been Searching For

    In this episode, I am thrilled to speak to Jenny Brown from the Parent Hope Project @parenthopeproject about why “fixing” our kids doesn’t work and the powerful shift that actually brings calm, connection and hope back into the home.  Working with Parents closely to change generational patterns that just are not working.   Parenting a pre-teen / teen with anxiety, big emotions or constant overwhelm can feel frightening, confusing and incredibly lonely. Together, they unpack: ✨ Why teens spiral into anxiety or big reactions ✨ The hidden patterns that keep families stuck ✨ How parents can support without overcontrolling or rescuing ✨ What to do when your teen shuts down or blows up ✨ The simple changes that help teens grow confidence + resilience ✨ How you can stay grounded when everything feels chaotic This is the conversation every overwhelmed or worried parent needs. You are not alone. You are not failing. And there is a way forward. Listen now and take the first step toward a calmer, more connected home. 🤍 You can work 1:1 with Jenny and her team with parent therapy The Family Systems Institute or purchase her books or workshops. I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    35 min
  5. 30/11/2025

    School Refusal, Neurodivergent Kiddos - How To Get Them To Love Reading

    In this heartfelt chat, Donna sits down with learning specialist Emily Fogg from Wise Owl Education to unpack what life is really like raising and supporting our beautiful neuro-spicy kiddos. From ADHD and dyslexia to school refusal, big emotions, and the endless battle of bedtime  we dive into why our kids struggle, how their brains work, and what actually helps them thrive. Emily shares her experience as a former teacher who now supports children with reading difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD and more. We talk about the power of decodable books, routine, movement, emotional regulation and how sleep (yes, even for ADHD kids!) affects behaviour, learning and school success. If you're a tired mum trying to hold it all together, this episode will make you feel seen, supported and a little less alone. ✨ What we cover: • Neurodivergent kids & big feelings • ADHD in children (and mums!) • Dyslexia, reading struggles & learning confidence • School refusal and emotional overwhelm • Why sleep changes EVERYTHING • Practical tools for calmer mornings & smoother bedtimes • The truth about early learning and foundational skills • How to support your child without burning yourself out ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:32 Emily's Journey: From Teacher to Business Owner 01:08 Understanding Learning Difficulties 01:42 The Importance of Decodable Books 02:22 Personal Experiences with ADHD 03:49 Challenges and Strategies for Neurodiverse Kids 10:28 Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling 11:45 The Critical Early Years of Education 15:46 Parenting Neurodiverse Children 22:07 Morning Routine and TV Rules 22:17 Understanding ADHD and Parenting Strategies 23:14 Reward Charts and Routine for ADHD Kids 24:33 Decodable Books for Learning 27:28 Healthy Eating and Sleep for ADHD 31:39 Tutoring and Educational Support 33:08 Summer Classes and Preventing Learning Loss 35:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Learn more about Wise Owl Education and buy the Decodable Books here. ✨ Listen, learn and feel understood — you’re doing better than you think, mumma. I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    41 min
  6. 16/11/2025

    Real Talk on Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids & How To Parent Them

    In this heartfelt conversation, Donna Moala - @parentingcollective, sits down with family psychologist Ashleigh Warner - @raisinghumanskind, to unpack one of the biggest struggles for parents today, what to do in the heat of the moment when our kids lash out, melt down, fight with siblings, or show aggression and how to understand where the source of the matter underneath it all is. Together, we explore: ✨ Why big emotions show up as aggression or anxiety ✨ How to stop behaviour firmly but compassionately ✨ The importance of leadership, boundaries, and connection ✨ Why modern pressures, screens, separation, busy schedules, overwhelm our kids ✨ Breaking generational patterns without guilt or shame ✨ How parents can shift from “fixing” to truly supporting their child ✨ The real life struggles mums face in a fast, modern world If you are a mum who wants to feel more confident, calm and connected in your parenting, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Ashleigh 01:00 – Ashleigh’s story: from behaviourist training to conscious parenting 03:30 – Anxiety, aggression & “big behaviours” 05:10 – The role of parental reflection (without guilt or shame) 08:00 – Sleep, overwhelm & the whole-child approach 10:45 – Separation, daycare & why little brains struggle 13:30 – Why simplicity is powerful for anxious children 15:00 – Heat of the moment: what parents should actually do 17:20 – Getting to the “heart of the matter” 20:00 – Sibling fighting, rivalry & deeper roots 22:15 – Parenting fears & future worries 25:00 – Screens, dopamine & why behaviour intensifies 27:45 – Adjusting parenting styles without judgement 30:00 – Leadership vs gentle scripts: why kids need strong anchors 33:00 – Conscious parenting in different ages & stages 36:00 – School refusal, anxiety & overwhelm 38:30 – Understanding your child’s temperament 40:00 – How parents can work with Ashleigh 41:00 – Closing words I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    43 min
  7. 10/11/2025

    Empowering New Mums: Finding Sleep Solutions

    Hey beautiful Newborn mummas 👋💛 Do you feel like your newborn will never sleep unless they are on you? 😅 You are not alone. In this heartfelt chat, I sit down with beautiful new mum Dani (@danielle_jenkinson17), who went from contact naps, reflux, and sleepless nights, to calm, connected, and blissful sleep, all with nurturing, supportive & gentle support. 🌙 We unpack what is really going on in those early weeks, how to trust your mumma instincts, and why Google is NOT  always your best friend at 3am 😉 ✨ Watch this episode to learn: How to help your baby sleep better with refluxWhat gentle newborn sleep looks like (no harsh methods!)How to build secure, connected sleep foundationsTips to help YOU rest and feel confident again⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & Dani’s story  1:32 – The sleepless nights: reflux, crying, and contact naps  4:15 – Why Googling at 3am makes it harder (and what to do instead)  6:40 – The moment things started to change  9:22 – Gentle, responsive sleep support explained  12:05 – Tips for new mums feeling overwhelmed  14:45 – How to build calm, secure sleep foundations  17:10 – Dani’s advice to other new mums  19:00 – Donna’s closing thoughts: you’re not alone 💛 Let’s get you enjoying motherhood (and a hot cuppa ☕) again. I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    28 min
  8. 09/11/2025

    Raising Girls And Boys Who Like Themselves l Kasey Edwards, Bestselling Author

    Donna Moala and bestselling author Kasey Edwards (@kaseyedwardswriter) unpack why your relationship with yourself is the foundation for calm, connected parenting. 💛 Together, they dive deep into how self-love builds confidence, connection, and calm, not just for mums, but for the whole family. You will hear real, evidence-based insights on raising children who genuinely like themselves, and why letting go of perfectionism and people pleasing is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids. 💛 💬 In this episode: ✨ How your self-worth influences your parenting style ✨ The link between confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being in kids ✨ Moving from control to connection ✨ Letting go of “good girl” conditioning and reclaiming your power ✨ Practical ways to model self-love every day If you’ve ever felt like you are doing all the right things but still doubt yourself as a mum,  this conversation will remind you that being kind to yourself is the most powerful parenting tool you have. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and rediscover the peace that comes when you parent from self-love, not self-judgment. ✨ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:33 Kasey's Parenting Journey 03:02 Raising Girls Who Like Themselves 04:32 Raising Boys Who Like Themselves 06:24 Conscious Parenting and Personal Growth 10:33 Challenges of Parenting Different Personalities 18:55 Social Media and Mental Health 25:16 Social Media Rules for Kids 25:55 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 26:45 Parental Guidance and Social Media 30:05 The Pressure of Academic Achievement 31:12 Conscious Parenting and Discipline 42:16 Emotional Bravery in Boys 44:54 Conclusion and Resources Learn more about Kasey at kaseyedwards.com. Interested in buying her books? Visit kidswholikethemselves.com. I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au. I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala Parenting Collective SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS 🩷 For your daily walks, coffee's & travel CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE COZIGO 🩷 Favourite room darkening product CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SLEEPY SUNDAYS 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE LITTLE OAK FORMULA. 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ...

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hey beautiful parents, welcome to the Parenting Collective Podcast! I am your host, Donna Moala and around here we believe it takes a village, so I have brought to you a village of experts who give you all the tools around anything parenting and beyond. Each episode, I invite brilliant minds in parenting, health, relationships, and beyond to share their knowledge and support you in creating calmer homes, stronger connections and more rested nights. Think of this as your weekly coffee date with people who really get it and who can give you the tools to thrive, not just survive. I am Certified Secure Sleep and Conscious Parenting Coach, certified with the incredible Dr Shefali Institute, wife & mother of 3 teenage girls.  Empowering and supporting families throughout the WORLD with my 1:1 guidance,  via in home consults or zoom. Nurturing & supportive and NEVER Cry It Out.  Working with expectant parents through to children 10 years old.  I am the founder  @parentingcollective.au Reach out for your free 15 minute phone chat CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat