Parent Teacher Interview

Joshua MacWilliams
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. 4d ago

    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

  2. Aug 1

    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

  3. Jul 18

    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

  4. Jul 4

    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

  5. May 9

    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

  6. Apr 25

    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

  7. Apr 25

    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

  8. Apr 11

    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
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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
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joshua MacWilliams
  • Show Website
    Parent Teacher Interview