Thriving Parent-ing

Jen Cuttriss - Sleep Thrive Grow - Baby & Parent Sleep Coach & Mindset Mentor
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Welcome to Thriving Parent-ing with Jen, your compassionate godmother (the cool, modern version…) who’s here to help you unlock your full parenting potential by exploring the dynamic duality of personal growth and parenting strategies, empowering you to break free from the grips of survival mode and embrace the joys of thriving parenting. If you’re looking to level up and make sense of your parenting reality, feel confident in your parenting ability, nurture your self-growth and begin to thrive alongside your children, this is the podcast for you. Thriving Parent-ing is your go-to resource where we consider your growth journey as equally important, evolving into the person and parent you aspire to be. A happy, healthy child starts with a happy, healthy you so consider this podcast your permission to place your oxygen mask on first, to show up in a way you are proud of and your child benefits from. We’re here to support, encourage and inspire you every step of the way. As a baby and parent sleep coach and mentor, mind-body practitioner, RN and mother-of-three, Jen brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to the table. Join her every week as she explores the art of thriving in parenthood - bringing you practical sleep support, tangible parenting tools, positive mindset coaching, insightful guest interviews and expert advice, equipping you with the knowledge and perspectives, that will assist you in navigating the challenges of raising happy, healthy children while prioritising your own well-being too. Thriving Parent-ing is here to empower you to have your cake and eat it too! Kick survival mode to the curb and step confidently into thriving mode - see you there Thrivers! You can find out more about Jen and her work supporting parents on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow and www.sleepthrivegrow.com.

  1. From Fight/Flight and in Survival to Feeling Like Yourself Again with Tash Forbes

    6d ago

    From Fight/Flight and in Survival to Feeling Like Yourself Again with Tash Forbes

    Motherhood can leave many women feeling stuck in survival mode—constantly rushing, reacting, and carrying the invisible mental load of family life. In this heartfelt conversation, breathwork facilitator and mind-body coach Tash Forbes shares how chronic stress, anxiety, and a dysregulated nervous system can keep mums trapped in fight-or-flight without even realising it. Tash explains the powerful connection between breath and the nervous system, why so many women have forgotten what true calm feels like, and how simple breathing practices can help create more presence, patience, and capacity in everyday life. She also opens up about her own journey through postnatal anxiety, burnout, and healing, and how breathwork helped her move from merely surviving to genuinely thriving again. Tash Forbes is obsessed with helping people stress less and live more. As the founder of Breathing Space, she uses breathwork and nervous system coaching to help people create more space within, because life feels a whole lot better when you're not constantly running on empty. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why shallow chest breathing can keep your body stuck in fight-or-flight modeHow belly breathing signals safety to your nervous system and promotes calmThe difference between functional breathwork and transformational breathworkWhy many mums struggle to relax, even when they finally have time to themselvesHow chronic stress and unresolved emotions can be stored in the bodyTash’s personal journey through postnatal anxiety, burnout, and healingThe surprising link between self-worth, anxiety, and nervous system regulationHow breathwork can help you respond rather than react during challenging parenting momentsWhy stillness can feel uncomfortable when your nervous system is wired for busynessSimple ways to weave breath awareness into everyday routinesA practical breathing technique you can start using today to create more calm and clarityHow becoming a more regulated parent can positively impact your children and relationshipsWhy you don’t need to do more to feel better—you may simply need to reconnect with your breath Connect with Tash Forbes: Website: https://breathing-space.com.au A 5-minute reset for when your body is tight and your mind won’t stop. https://breathing-space.kit.com/howtostopanxiety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashforbes_/ https://www.instagram.com/breathing.space_/ Book a breathwork: https://breathing-space.com.au/breathwork/ Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply craving more calm in your day, this conversation offers practical tools and gentle encouragement to help you reconnect with yourself, one breath at a time. Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 115 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    39 min
  2. Baby Bitesize | Why Newborn Sleep Feels So Messy (What You Can Control)

    May 25

    Baby Bitesize | Why Newborn Sleep Feels So Messy (What You Can Control)

    “Why won’t my newborn just sleep properly?” If you’ve ever found yourself asking that question at 2am while bouncing, feeding, or googling wake windows in desperation, this episode is for you. In this honest and reassuring Baby Bitesize conversation, the host unpacks why newborn sleep feels so unpredictable in the early weeks and what’s actually biologically normal. Instead of chasing perfect routines or trying to “fix” sleep, this episode explores how feeding, nervous system regulation, connection, sensory nourishment, and developmental immaturity all shape your baby’s sleep in the beginning. Most importantly, it reminds parents that while you can’t control everything, there are gentle, supportive ways to work alongside your baby’s natural biology as it matures. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why newborn sleep feels chaotic and unpredictableThe biggest misconception parents have about newborn routinesHow biology, feeding, and connection drive sleep in the early weeksWhy trying to control newborn sleep can increase stress and anxietyWhat changes around the 8–12 week mark in your baby’s developmentHow circadian rhythms and melatonin begin to matureThe powerful role of morning sunlight in regulating sleepWhat “sensory nourishment” means and why it mattersHow under-stimulation can sometimes make babies more unsettledThe balance between healthy stimulation and overwhelmWhy connection and co-regulation are essential for healthy sleep foundationsGentle ways to support your baby’s nervous system and overall sleep development If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, confused, or like you’re doing something wrong because your newborn’s sleep isn’t “falling into place,” this episode will help you breathe a little deeper and approach this season with more confidence, flexibility, and compassion. Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 114 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    11 min
  3. What If Self-Care Wasn’t Optional in Motherhood?

    May 11

    What If Self-Care Wasn’t Optional in Motherhood?

    What if self-care in motherhood wasn’t a luxury, but a necessity? In this heartfelt episode of the Thriving Parent-ing, the conversation explores a powerful reframe around self-care — not as something mums “earn” after everything is done, but as an essential form of stress management and nervous system regulation. Through relatable examples and practical insights, this episode unpacks why parenting overload can leave mums feeling reactive, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves, and how small, intentional moments of self-care can help restore calm, resilience, and emotional balance for both parent and child. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-care should be viewed as stress buffering, not selfishnessHow motherhood changes your nervous system load and emotional capacityThe difference between fight-or-flight mode and a regulated nervous systemWhy your child “borrows” calm from your nervous system through co-regulationHow small “boring” self-care moments can prevent emotional overwhelmPractical stress-buffering ideas that fit into busy parenting lifeWhy traditional pre-kids self-care routines often need adapting in motherhoodHow to recognise when your emotional “cup” is overflowingSimple ways to regulate your nervous system in everyday momentsHow consistent self-care can help parenting feel calmer, steadier, and more enjoyable Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 113 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    19 min
  4. Baby Bitesize | When One Becomes Two: The Real, Raw Transition

    May 4

    Baby Bitesize | When One Becomes Two: The Real, Raw Transition

    Stepping from one child to two is one of the most emotional and identity-shifting transitions a parent can experience. In this honest and reassuring Baby Bitesize episode, we unpack the guilt, fear, and uncertainty that often arise before welcoming a second baby—especially the worry that your first child will lose something or that your love won’t stretch far enough. Through lived experience, this episode gently reframes those thoughts, reminding you that these feelings are not only normal, but part of the process. With practical insights and grounded reassurance, you’ll learn how to support your older child through the adjustment, release perfection, and trust yourself to navigate the unknown—one moment at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why feelings of guilt, fear, and “not enough love” are completely normal when expecting a second childThe concept of “good enough parenting” and why meeting every need perfectly isn’t requiredHow to emotionally support your older child through the transition to becoming a siblingSimple language and reassurance strategies that help your child feel secure and lovedWhy lowering expectations can ease the pressure for both you and your childrenThe importance of holding boundaries and preparing your toddler before the baby arrivesHow communication builds trust, cooperation, and connection during changePractical ways to manage two children’s needs without overwhelming yourselfWhy guilt and shame don’t serve you—and what to focus on insteadHow to trust yourself, adapt in real time, and confidently navigate life with two kids Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 112 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    13 min
  5. Why Oral Function Matters More Than You Think (For Sleep, Feeding & Development) with Mel Van Schelven

    Apr 27

    Why Oral Function Matters More Than You Think (For Sleep, Feeding & Development) with Mel Van Schelven

    If you've ever wondered why your child snores, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with crowded teeth, this episode is going to be a game-changer. Jen sits down with Mel Van Schelven — Oral Health Therapist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, and founder of The Face Place to unpack the often-overlooked connection between how our kids chew, breathe, and sleep. Mel shares why the mouth is truly the foundation of so much of our children's health, how our increasingly soft, processed diets are robbing kids of the jaw and airway development they need, and what parents can do right now — starting at the dinner table — to set their little ones up for a lifetime of better health. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the bones of the mouth are literally the bones of the airway — and why oral function and sleep cannot be separatedHow our ancestors chewed up to four and a half hours a day compared to our modern average of just half an hour, and what that means for our kids' facial developmentThe difference between crunchy and chewy foods, and why crackers and pouches aren't cutting it for jaw developmentWhy "food before one is just for fun" could be doing more harm than we realise when it comes to chewing development and iron intakeWhat Mel actually sees in clinic — from crowded baby teeth and open bites to mouth breathing and fussy eating — and how it all connects back to oral functionHow dummy and thumb sucking habits affect dental development, and the three key factors (intensity, frequency, and duration) that determine how much impact they'll haveWhy taking away a dummy or thumb isn't always the right first step, and when it's actually better to leave the habit alone for nowThe gentle, age-appropriate approach Mel used with her own daughter to navigate thumb sucking — without shame or pressureWhen to seek an assessment and who to see (hint: it's not always your GP or paediatrician)Why tongue ties and tonsils are the two most confusing topics Mel sees parents struggling with online — and how to cut through the noiseThe simple audit you can do of your child's diet today to understand whether they're actually getting the chewing practice their developing mouth needsWhy the dinner table is one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent — for connection, modelling, and oral development Connect with Mel: 📱 Instagram: @thefaceplace_oht 🌐 Website: thefaceplaceofm.com.au 🎓 Foundations for Growing Faces Masterclass: thefaceplaceofm.com.au/foundations-for-growing-faces-masterclass Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 111 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    42 min
  6. Baby Bitesize | My Baby Always Wakes Crying… What’s Actually in Your Control?

    Apr 20

    Baby Bitesize | My Baby Always Wakes Crying… What’s Actually in Your Control?

    If your baby wakes up crying after every sleep, it can feel confusing, exhausting, and even like you’re doing something wrong—but the truth is, this behaviour is often completely normal. In this Baby Bitesize episode, we unpack what’s actually happening beneath those tears, from sleep cycles and body clock misalignment to the powerful role of your response as a parent. You’ll learn why your baby’s reaction isn’t something you need to “fix,” but how small, intentional shifts in your approach—especially around calm, non-urgent responses—can significantly change how your baby experiences waking. This episode reframes crying not as a problem, but as communication, and empowers you to focus on what you can control: your presence, your energy, and the message of safety you send. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why babies commonly wake up crying and what’s happening biologicallyHow sleep cycles and overtiredness can affect your baby’s mood on wakingThe hidden impact of rushing in immediately when your baby wakesHow your body language and tone shape your baby’s sense of safetyA simple “pause and respond” approach to reduce waking tearsWhat co-regulation looks like during wake-ups (without instantly picking them up)How to reinforce the cot as a safe and secure spaceThe role of comforters and familiar cues in easing transitionsWhy you can’t control your baby’s reactions—but you can transform your responseHow small changes in your behaviour can lead to big emotional shifts for your baby Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 110 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    13 min
  7. Why Your Baby Still Fights Sleep Even When You’ve Changed Everything

    Apr 13

    Why Your Baby Still Fights Sleep Even When You’ve Changed Everything

    Even when you’ve slowed down, changed your approach, and feel like you’re doing everything “right,” your baby may still resist sleep—and it’s not because you’ve failed. In this episode, Jen unpack the powerful role of your baby’s brain and how it predicts sleep based on past experiences, not just what’s happening in the moment. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, this conversation helps you understand why your baby reacts before anything even happens at bedtime, and how both your nervous systems are influencing each other. Most importantly, it reframes sleep struggles not as a behaviour problem, but as a pattern that can gently shift with consistency, safety, and new experiences over time. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your baby reacts to sleep before anything actually happensHow the brain uses past experiences to predict and prepare for bedtimeWhat “miscuing” looks like and why it’s completely normalHow your baby’s nervous system responds to previous sleep strugglesThe role your own nervous system plays in bedtime resistanceWhy consistency in how you show up matters more than strict routinesHow to create new, positive sleep associations over timeWhy change doesn’t happen instantly and what to expect insteadHow to shift your mindset from “fixing sleep” to creating safetyPractical ways to help your baby feel calm, secure, and supported at bedtime Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 109 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    18 min
  8. Building Connection Before Correction (Especially When Your Child’s Wiring Is Different) with Leanne Tran

    Mar 30

    Building Connection Before Correction (Especially When Your Child’s Wiring Is Different) with Leanne Tran

    In this episode of Thriving Parent-ing, we explore why connection must come before correction, especially when parenting children with different neurological wiring. Joined by psychologist and parenting educator Leanne Tran, the conversation dives into how behaviour is often just a signal of deeper needs, not something to simply fix. Instead of relying solely on rewards and consequences, this episode highlights the power of building trust, understanding, and emotional safety first. You’ll learn how connection strengthens cooperation, supports long-term mental wellbeing, and becomes even more essential when raising neurodivergent children. This episode is a reminder that parenting isn’t about controlling behaviour—it’s about nurturing relationships that last a lifetime. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why connection is the foundation for effective parenting, not correctionThe hidden reasons behind your child’s behaviour (and what they’re really communicating)How connection builds cooperation, trust, and emotional safetyThe limitations of traditional behaviour-based parenting modelsPractical ways to connect with your child in everyday momentsHow to parent neurodivergent children with understanding and flexibilityWhy unmet needs—not defiance—often drive challenging behavioursThe long-term impact of connection on your child’s mental health and relationshipsHow to repair disconnection and rebuild trust after difficult momentsWhy supporting yourself as a parent is essential to supporting your child Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/ For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 108 Show Notes And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow. And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday! To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

    1 hr
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Trailer

About

Welcome to Thriving Parent-ing with Jen, your compassionate godmother (the cool, modern version…) who’s here to help you unlock your full parenting potential by exploring the dynamic duality of personal growth and parenting strategies, empowering you to break free from the grips of survival mode and embrace the joys of thriving parenting. If you’re looking to level up and make sense of your parenting reality, feel confident in your parenting ability, nurture your self-growth and begin to thrive alongside your children, this is the podcast for you. Thriving Parent-ing is your go-to resource where we consider your growth journey as equally important, evolving into the person and parent you aspire to be. A happy, healthy child starts with a happy, healthy you so consider this podcast your permission to place your oxygen mask on first, to show up in a way you are proud of and your child benefits from. We’re here to support, encourage and inspire you every step of the way. As a baby and parent sleep coach and mentor, mind-body practitioner, RN and mother-of-three, Jen brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to the table. Join her every week as she explores the art of thriving in parenthood - bringing you practical sleep support, tangible parenting tools, positive mindset coaching, insightful guest interviews and expert advice, equipping you with the knowledge and perspectives, that will assist you in navigating the challenges of raising happy, healthy children while prioritising your own well-being too. Thriving Parent-ing is here to empower you to have your cake and eat it too! Kick survival mode to the curb and step confidently into thriving mode - see you there Thrivers! You can find out more about Jen and her work supporting parents on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow and www.sleepthrivegrow.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Cuttriss - Sleep Thrive Grow - Baby & Parent Sleep Coach & Mindset Mentor
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jen Cuttriss - Sleep Thrive Grow - Baby & Parent Sleep Coach & Mindset Mentor
  • Show Website
    Thriving Parent-ing

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