Parent Teacher Interview

Joshua MacWilliams

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. vor 4 Tagen

    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
  2. 4. Juli

    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
  3. 25. Apr.

    Building the Village: Creating Community Around Neurodivergent Children and Families

    In Part 2, we zoom out from personal experience to the broader ecosystem around neurodivergent children. Laetitia shares insights from her work with Understanding Zoe and what over 1,000 families have revealed about the realities of raising and supporting neurodivergent kids. We take a deeper look at the Understanding Zoe platform itself—a tool designed to help families better understand their child’s unique profile, bridge the gap between home and school, and provide practical, personalised strategies grounded in real data from families. It’s about moving beyond labels and toward meaningful, day-to-day support. This episode is all about community—what it looks like, why it matters, and how we build it. We also unpack some of the key ideas and resources Laetitia references throughout the episode—helping to reframe how we think about behaviour, connection, and support for neurodivergent children in a way that feels both practical and achievable for families. We explore the idea that challenges often don’t come from the child themselves, but from a mismatch between the child and their environment. This aligns with the social model of disability, which suggests that greater understanding, flexibility, and acceptance in society can significantly improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals. In this episode, we cover: Key findings from Understanding Zoe’s research with familiesHow the Understanding Zoe platform supports families and schoolsWhy support systems—not just strategies—are criticalThe role of schools, parents, and community in shaping outcomesInfluential ideas and resources for supporting neurodivergent childrenThe “double empathy problem” and mutual understandingPractical ways to better support neurodivergent children Resources & Links: Understanding Zoe White Paper:https://understandingzoe.com/white-paperThe Rainbow Brain by Sandhya MenonThe Brain Forest by Sandhya MenonResearch reference: Autism Acceptance and Mental Health Understanding Zoe - https://understandingzoe.com/Understanding Zoe Instagram (@understanding.zoe) Music Credits: Ember – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)Green Leaf – The Lakes (via Uppbeat)

    Building the Village: Creating Community Around Neurodivergent Children and Families
  4. 11. Apr.

    Preparing Minds: How Values and Mindset Shape More Independent Learners

    In this episode of Parent Teacher Interview, I sit down with Emma from Preparing Minds to explore what really sits underneath student learning. Emma is a former science teacher who now works with students and families to build stronger study habits, confidence, and independence. Her work focuses on helping young people understand why they think and act the way they do—and how small shifts in mindset can make a big difference. We cover learners from later primary through to high school and university, with a strong focus on values, self-belief, and becoming more self-directed. 🔑 Key Topics We Discuss Emma’s journey from science teacher to working with students and families through Preparing MindsWhy values are such a powerful tool in shaping decision-makingHow low self-belief shows up in students (and what to do about it)The real reasons students avoid homework and challenging tasksHelping students become more independent, self-directed learnersThe impact of distractions and how to build better focusSupporting students through transitions (primary → high school → beyond)The importance of relationships, both in classrooms and at home 💡 Key Takeaways Asking “why?” is often the most powerful starting point for understanding behaviourAvoidance is often linked to discomfort, not abilityBuilding self-belief takes time, reflection, and the right supportStudents benefit from having clear values to guide their decisionsIndependence isn’t automatic—it needs to be modelled and developed over time 📚 Resources & Mentions Indistractable by Nir Eyal (book on focus and managing distraction) 🔗 Connect with Emma & Preparing Minds Website: Preparing Minds: https://preparingminds.com.au/Instagram: preparing_minds

    Preparing Minds: How Values and Mindset Shape More Independent Learners
  5. 28. März

    BlueBerryCo - Embracing Imperfection: Nurturing Creative Confidence in Families

    In this episode, we sit down with Chloe Watts, founder of Blueberry Co, to explore her journey from landscape architect to creative entrepreneur. It’s a conversation about family, creativity, and why embracing imperfection can be one of the most powerful things we model for our kids. ✏️ What we cover:- Chloe’s transition from landscape architecture to starting Blueberry Co, inspired by her experience as a new mum- How the business evolved organically from baby memory books into mindfulness journals, creative resources, and the screen-free drawing game Droar!- The role of creativity in building confidence and why removing the fear of “doing it wrong” matters for both kids and adults- How creative practices can support mental health and emotional regulation- The development of Droar! — from a family idea to a fully realised product- Navigating screen time, social media, and AI while still prioritising creativity and critical thinking - Blueberry Co’s core values — family first, celebrate the mess, and create with purpose — and how they shape everything Chloe creates - Practical insights for parents looking to encourage creativity without adding pressure or perfectionism- What’s next for Blueberry Co, including new products, collaborations, and expansion ideas 🔗 Resources & Links:Blueberry Co Website: https://www.blueberryco.com.auBlueberry Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueberrycobaby Droar! Drawing Game: Available via Blueberry CoTen Hundred (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@TenHundredJazza (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@Jazza 📲 Connect with Chloe:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueberrycobaby

    BlueBerryCo - Embracing Imperfection: Nurturing Creative Confidence in Families

Info

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.