Parent Teacher Interview

Joshua MacWilliams
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Monthly

Parent Teacher Interview explores the educational journey of our children and the successes and challenges that they will inevitably experience along the way. We delve into ways we can support our children throughout their schooling and discuss the transition to school, child development, building independence and resilience and a wealth of other topics that you may experience both for you as a parent and for your child in the amazing world of education.

  1. 2 days ago

    The Human Behind the Educator: Emotions, Burnout & Showing Up for Children

    What happens when the person responsible for helping children regulate is struggling to regulate themselves? In this episode, I sit down with Danica See from Little Bloom Consultancy for a conversation about one of the parts of education we don't always talk about enough — the emotional weight carried by the educators doing the work. Danica shares her journey through early childhood education, from a difficult first year of teaching to discovering behaviour guidance and eventually creating Little Bloom Consultancy, where she supports educators to bridge the gap between what we know about children and what that can actually look like in practice. We talk about educator burnout, emotional regulation, the pressure to be the “perfect” teacher, and why creating safe spaces for children also means creating safe spaces for the adults who care for them. Little Bloom ConsultancyA space supporting early childhood educators and leaders with children's behaviour, big feelings, emotional development and educator wellbeing. Little Bloom Consultancy 📱 Instagram — @littlebloom.consultancyFollow Little Bloom Consultancy on Instagram 🎙️ The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood PodcastDanica's podcast exploring behaviour, emotions, relationships and the realities of working with young children. Listen to The Bloom Room on Apple Podcasts Music “Ember” — The Lakes“Green Leaves” — The Lakes Music sourced from Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/ Connect with the Parent Teacher Interview Podcast 🎙️ Parent Teacher Interview Podcast 📱 Instagram: @parent_teacher_interview_pod If you've enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to follow the podcast, share it with another educator or parent who might find it useful, and leave us a review wherever you listen.

    The Human Behind the Educator: Emotions, Burnout & Showing Up for Children

  2. 29 Aug

    A Parent, An Educator and Still Learning | Solo Episode

    For the first time on Parent Teacher Interview, Joshua is stepping out from behind the questions and sitting down for a solo episode. In this episode, Joshua shares a little about his own journey as both an educator and a parent, and the questions that led him to start Parent Teacher Interview in the first place. After years of teaching and navigating the highs, challenges and mistakes that come with parenting, Joshua reflects on why he has never felt like having all the answers was the point. Instead, the podcast began as a way to ask questions, learn from others and hopefully become a little better along the way. Joshua also shares a key takeaway from the previous episode with Jacinta and Alicia from Little Potion Co. — a reminder to slow down, look for the little moments, and find opportunities for connection, curiosity and a little bit of magic in everyday life. This episode is a little different. It's just Joshua, the microphone, and a chance to share some of the experiences and reflections that sit behind Parent Teacher Interview. If there are topics you'd like us to explore, people you think we should speak to, or if you'd like to hear more solo reflections like this one, we'd love to hear from you. Music Credits “Ember” — The Lakes“Green Leaves” — The Lakes

    A Parent, An Educator and Still Learning | Solo Episode

  3. 15 Aug

    Growing Confident Kids Through Magic and Mindfulness with Little Potion Co

    In this episode of the Parent Teacher Interview Podcast, I’m joined by sisters Jacinta and Alicia, the founders of Little Potion Co, a business creating mindful magic potion kits designed to encourage children to play, imagine, build confidence and connect with the people around them. What began with Jacinta creating a potion kit for her young son has grown into a business with a much bigger purpose. We talk about the importance of sensory and open-ended play, the role of positive affirmations in developing children's self-belief, and how creating opportunities for imaginative play can help families slow down and reconnect. Jacinta and Alicia also share the care that goes into developing their products, including their approach to sustainability and product safety, why they spend so much time crafting the words and stories that accompany their potions, and what they have learned from building a business together as sisters and mums. We also hear about some of the teachers who have had a lasting impact on their lives and their children, and the exciting story behind Little Potion Co's collaboration with Fleur Harris and the Enid Blyton team to create a Magic Faraway Tree Potion Kit. In this episode, we discuss: Why imagination and a sense of magic can be so important during childhoodThe benefits of sensory and open-ended playHow potion play can encourage confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeingThe role of positive affirmations in helping children develop self-beliefWhy the words and stories behind their potions are so carefully consideredThe importance of creating opportunities for parents and children to play and connect togetherSustainability, biodegradable glitter and the choices behind their ingredients and packagingWhy product safety testing has been such an important investment for Little Potion CoBuilding a business as sisters, mums and business partnersThe teachers who have influenced Jacinta and Alicia and their childrenThe story behind the Little Potion Co collaboration with Fleur Harris and the Magic Faraway Tree About Little Potion Co Little Potion Co creates Mindful Magic Potion Kits designed to support children's confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing through imaginative play, potion making and positive affirmations. Find out more about Little Potion Co: The Little Potion Co website The Little Potion Co on Instagram Music Ember – The Lakes Green Leaf – The Lakes

    Growing Confident Kids Through Magic and Mindfulness with Little Potion Co

  4. 1 Aug

    Understanding PDA: One Family's Journey Through Diagnosis, Advocacy and Hope

    In this episode, Joshua is joined by Isabelle from PDA Perspective to explore what PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy) is and how it shapes everyday family life. Through her lived experience raising a daughter with a PDA profile of autism, Isabelle shares the diagnosis journey, the realities of low-demand parenting, navigating education, and the importance of trusting parental instincts. This is an honest conversation for parents, educators and anyone wanting to better understand PDA. What We Discussed - What PDA is and why many people now use the term Persistent Drive for Autonomy. - Early signs that led Isabelle to seek an autism assessment. - The diagnosis journey and the emotions that followed. - How PDA has influenced family life and sibling relationships. - Common misconceptions about PDA. - Why low-demand parenting can be more effective than traditional approaches. - Finding a school that understands and supports PDA. - Considering homeschooling and flexible education pathways. - The impact of PDA on work, routines and daily family life. - Why Isabelle created PDA Perspective to support other families. Resources & Links PDA Society https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ PDA Perspective (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/pdaperspective/ Parent Teacher Interview Podcast (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/parent_teacher_interview_pod/ Music Credits 'Ember' by The Lakes via Uppbeat 'Green Leaf' by The Lakes via Uppbeat Thanks for listening to the Parent Teacher Interview Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the show, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with someone who may find it helpful.

    Understanding PDA: One Family's Journey Through Diagnosis, Advocacy and Hope

  5. 18 July

    The Power of Art Therapy: Helping Children Express What Words Can't

    Every child communicates differently. In this episode, we explore how creativity can become another pathway for children to express themselves, process emotions and build connection. In this episode of the Parent Teacher Interview Podcast, Joshua sits down with registered Creative Arts Therapist Rebecca Iona to unpack what art therapy really is—and perhaps more importantly, what it isn't. Together they explore how creativity can become a powerful tool for communication, emotional regulation and healing, particularly for children who struggle to express themselves verbally. Rebecca also shares practical insights into neuroaffirming practice, trauma-informed care and how parents and educators can create environments where children feel safe to be themselves. Whether you're a parent, teacher or someone who works with children, this conversation offers practical ideas and a fresh perspective on supporting young people. In this episode we discuss: What art therapy actually is (and what it isn't)Why creativity can help children communicate when words are difficultThe difference between therapeutic art and art therapyHow art therapy supports emotional regulationNeuroaffirming practice and supporting neurodivergent childrenTrauma-informed approaches in therapeutic settingsSensory needs and creating safe environmentsThe importance of qualified Creative Arts TherapistsPractical regulation tools for home, school and therapyThe Māori concept of Takiwātanga ("in their own space and time")Connect with Rebecca 🌿 Websitehttps://www.thearttherapist.co.nz/ 📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thearttherapistnz/ Resources mentioned ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association)https://www.anzacata.org/ Whitecliffe College (Creative Arts Therapy programme)https://www.whitecliffe.ac.nz/ Connect with Parent Teacher Interview 📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/parent_teacher_interview_pod/ 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎵 Music Credits Intro MusicEmber – The Lakes (via Uppbeat) Outro MusicGreen Leaf – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)

    The Power of Art Therapy: Helping Children Express What Words Can't

  6. 4 July

    The Teacher Every Child Deserves: Why Presence Matters More Than Perfection

    What makes a teacher unforgettable? In this episode of Parent Teacher Interview, Josh sits down with Deputy Principal Ethan Ford from Melbourne to explore the moments that truly shape a child's experience at school. Drawing on years of classroom teaching and school leadership, Ethan shares why genuine relationships are at the heart of great education. From greeting students at the classroom door to understanding the story behind challenging behaviour, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the little things teachers do every day often leave the biggest impression. Together, Josh and Ethan discuss the importance of consistency, creating a sense of belonging, supporting student wellbeing, and why being fully present for the children in front of us is one of the greatest gifts an educator can give. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, pre-service teacher or parent, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt reminders about the lasting impact we can have on the lives of young people. In this episode, we discuss: Ethan's journey into primary school teaching and school leadership.Why relationships are the foundation of effective teaching.The importance of being present and creating positive daily interactions with students.Understanding behaviour through curiosity rather than judgement.Supporting children from diverse backgrounds and experiences.Why consistency helps children feel safe and ready to learn.The role of male teachers in primary education.Balancing student wellbeing with academic learning.Lessons from parenthood that have shaped Ethan's leadership and teaching.Advice for graduate teachers entering the profession.Why the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child's life. If this episode resonated with you, please consider following Parent Teacher Interview, leaving a rating or review, and sharing the episode with a colleague, friend or fellow parent. Follow the podcast on Instagram:📱 @parent_teacher_interview_pod Music Credits:Ember – The Lakes (via Uppbeat) Green Leaf – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)

    The Teacher Every Child Deserves: Why Presence Matters More Than Perfection

  7. 9 May

    Burnout, Parenting & Moving To Japan

    In this deeply personal episode, Josh and Hannah sit down late at night in their tiny apartment in Japan to talk honestly about the real reason their family moved overseas for a year. What started as an opportunity to teach abroad slowly became something much bigger — a response to burnout, mental exhaustion, and the growing realisation that something needed to change. Together they unpack: what burnout actually looked like behind closed doors,the emotional weight of making a huge decision for a young family,parenting children through uncertainty and homesickness,the realities of starting again in another country,and why they still believe the experience has been worth it.This episode is not about teaching being uniquely difficult, nor is it an attempt to romanticise moving overseas as the answer to burnout. It’s simply an honest conversation about mental health, family, vulnerability, and what can happen when people choose to support each other through a hard season of life. There are moments in this episode that feel heavy, reflective, funny, hopeful and raw — which probably makes it one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the podcast so far. If this episode resonates with you, we’d love for you to share it with someone else who might need it. Music Credits:Ember – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)Green Leaf – The Lakes (via Uppbeat) Follow PTIP on Instagram: @parent_teacher_interview_pod

    Burnout, Parenting & Moving To Japan

  8. 25 Apr

    Discovering ADHD and Autism later in Life: A Story of Understanding and Identity

    In this powerful first episode, we sit down with Understanding Zoe co-founder Laetitia Andrac to explore her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism—and the moment everything finally clicked. Laetitia shares her personal journey of growing up feeling different, navigating life without answers, and the profound clarity that came with diagnosis later in life. This conversation unpacks identity, self-understanding, and what it really means to view neurodivergence through a strengths-based lens. We also dive into the concept of autism acceptance—and why it matters so deeply for mental health. Research highlights that a lack of acceptance is strongly linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress for autistic individuals, while self-acceptance and community connection can act as protective factors. 🔑 In this episode, we cover: The experience of a late ADHD and autism diagnosisWhy so many people—especially women—are missed earlyThe emotional impact of finally understanding yourselfThe shift from deficit thinking to neurodiversityThe importance of identity, language, and self-acceptance📚 Resources & Links: Understanding Zoe White Paper (1,091 Australian families):https://understandingzoe.com/white-paperResearch reference: Autism Acceptance and Mental Health 🎵 Music Credits: Ember – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)Green Leaf – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)

    Discovering ADHD and Autism later in Life: A Story of Understanding and Identity
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Parent Teacher Interview explores the educational journey of our children and the successes and challenges that they will inevitably experience along the way. We delve into ways we can support our children throughout their schooling and discuss the transition to school, child development, building independence and resilience and a wealth of other topics that you may experience both for you as a parent and for your child in the amazing world of education.

Information

  • Creator
    Joshua MacWilliams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joshua MacWilliams
  • Show Website
    Parent Teacher Interview

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