Parenting with Ngala

Ngala
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All parents want to do their best, but there’s so much contradictory, confusing and complicated info it’s hard to know what ‘best’ even means! Hosted by Jen (RN & Midwife) and Hannah (Occupational Therapist) from Ngala - WA's Leading Parenting Organisation - each episode brings in a Ngala professional to share the latest evidence-informed parenting practices and offer practical and realistic support on the major topics that keep parents awake at night (literally!). There’s no judgement, no blame, and no shying away from the real challenges all parents face in their quest to do their best.

  1. 1d ago

    Toddler Development - Is Everything On Track?

    Season three of Parenting with Ngala kicks off with a look at toddlerhood: those wild, wonderful years between twelve months and three years. Jen and Hannah dig into what is happening inside a toddler's brain, why meltdowns make total sense, and why toddlers might look like little people, but are nowhere near little adults. They cover language development in depth: why parents understand their toddler far better than anyone else, why correcting speech backfires, what to expect at twelve and eighteen months, and why bilingual toddlers are getting a gift, not falling behind. They also unpack the shift from challenging behaviour to using words, and how to hold warm, loving boundaries. From climbing and clumsy falls to rupture and repair, self feeding and shoes flying off at the door, Jen and Hannah reassure parents that most of what feels chaotic about toddlerhood is right on track, while sharing the signs that might be worth flagging with a child health nurse. Is this episode for you? This episode is perfect for parents with a baby aged 12 months –3 years who want to have a clearer understanding on their child's behaviour. Resources: 📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast: Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction: toddlers are little people, but not little adults (01:00) Acknowledgement of country and Season 3 welcome (01:30) Meet Hannah and Jen: entering the toddler years (02:00) Why toddler brains cause big meltdowns (02:45) Executive function: decision-making, logic and impulse control (04:15) Neuroplasticity: neurons that fire together wire together (05:15) What supports healthy brain development in toddlers (06:15) Play is the occupation of childhood (07:15) Why parents understand toddler speech better than anyone else (08:15) First words and easy sounds, like dada and bubble (09:15) Why correcting a toddler's speech backfires (10:15) Word counts around 12 months and the language explosion (11:15) 18 months: two word phrases and the first no (12:15) Warm boundaries: what to do when your toddler says no (14:00) Public meltdowns and letting go of judgement (16:15) How language explosions disrupt toddler sleep (17:45) Naming to tame it: the shift from behaviour to words (19:15) Biting and pushing at daycare (20:15) Bilingual toddlers: a gift, not a delay (21:30) Receptive language: helping toddlers understand you (23:15) Narrating your day and serve and return (24:15) Gross motor development: climbing, running and risk (26:15) Bumps, bruises and why toddlers are so clumsy (27:15) How to respond when your toddler falls over (29:15) Rupture and repair after a hard moment (30:15) Scooters, balance bikes and fine motor milestones (33:15) Brushing teeth, shoes on and off, and building independence (34:45) Parallel play: why toddlers don't share yet (36:15) When to flag language delays with a child health nurse (38:15) Walking milestones and restrictive play (39:15) Struggling with transitions and trusting your gut Follow Ngala 🌐 Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/ Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/ LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠ License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents #behaviour

  2. May 19

    S2E8 (3-12m):Behaviour and communication...What can parents expect?

    When we hear the word "behaviour," we tend to think of toddlers, but babies are communicating from the very first weeks of life. In this episode, Jen and Hannah sit down with Carol, a child health nurse with 11 years at Ngala and a mother of three, to reframe what behaviour actually means in the first year Carol explains why there is no such thing as a naughty baby, how the iceberg analogy helps parents get curious instead of reactive, and why responding warmly to your baby will not spoil them. From the personality emergence at three to four months, to separation anxiety and object permanence at nine months, Carol walks through what's developmentally normal, and why the "convenient child" at the next table in the restaurant is not necessarily doing better than yours. Resources: 📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast: Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction — babies that know they have a safe person (01:00) Carol introduces herself (01:45) What does "behaviour" actually mean in the first year? (02:45) There is no such thing as a naughty baby (04:15) The iceberg analogy — behaviour as communication (05:00) The shift from fix-it mode to curiosity (06:15) How relationships shape behaviour and brain development (08:00) You cannot spoil a baby — and you cannot be manipulated by one (09:30) "What did I do to cause this?" — reassuring parents it's on track (11:45) Temperament — why the same parenting looks different across children (12:30) How to nurture a strong caregiver relationship (15:00) Good enough parenting — the 30% rule (16:00) Rupture and repair — it's okay when you can't always respond (17:00) Sitting with big emotions — and what it brings up in us as parents (19:15) What to expect at three to four months — personality emerging (20:15) Four to five months — preferences, fun and motor frustration (21:00) Six to twelve months — attachment, separation anxiety and object permanence (24:00) Soothing preferences and how they change (25:15) Big circles and little circles — confidence to explore (26:15) Comparing your baby to others — the "convenient child" (27:45) Goodness of fit — the baby you have vs. the baby you imagined (28:30) Wrap up and Ngala Parenting Line Follow Ngala 🌐 Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/ Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/ LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents

  3. May 13

    S2E7 (3-12m) Play: The most important developmental tool

    S2Ep7: Play is the work of childhood but what does that actually look like in the first year of life? In this episode, Jen and Hannah are joined by Jane, a psychologist and mother of three at Ngala, to explore how babies play long before they ever pick up a Barbie or a dinosaur. Jane unpacks two powerful theories of play, Vygotsky's social scaffolding and Piaget's "little scientist" model, and explains why both give parents permission to show up differently on different days. From the "serve and return" interaction and object permanence through peekaboo, to the honest conversation about phones and the still face experiment, this episode reframes play as something that's already happening and something that benefits parents just as much as their babies. Resources:📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast:Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction "Play is the work of childhood" (01:00) Jane introduces herself (01:30) What is play, really? Beyond Barbies and dinosaurs (03:00) Two theories of play: Vygotsky vs. Piaget (05:30) Independent play giving yourself permission to step back (07:00) Normalising that play doesn't come naturally to every parent (08:45) Serve and return the tennis game between baby and caregiver (10:45) How play builds brain architecture and neural networks (11:30) Play as mindfulness for parents (13:00) How play supports language development (16:00) Practical play ideas for the early months sensory, faces and lotion time (18:15) Books, puzzles and letting go of the predetermined outcome (20:45) Peekaboo and object permanence (22:00) Play ideas for the second half of the first year pulling up, tempo games (23:15) Winding down the importance of regulating play before bed (24:30) Bath time and water play (25:30) Nature as the ultimate sensory playground (29:45) Do babies need toys? What the research actually says (33:45) The still face experiment and phones an honest conversation (36:15) Wrap up and Ngala Parenting LineFollow Ngala 🌐Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents

  4. May 6

    S2E6 (3-12m) Sleep in the first year: What to expect, really?

    S2Ep6: Sleep is the top priority for most new parents, but it can also be the most unpredictable part of the first year. In this episode, Jen and Hannah are joined by Beth, a parenting line practitioner and mother, to discuss the "wild ride" of infant sleep. We dive into the biological shifts behind the four-month sleep regression, the "rip off the bandaid" approach to unswaddling, and how to use the "stepping stone" method for responsive settling. Whether you are dealing with a baby who practices their crawling at 2:00 AM or wondering if that 7-month-old comforter is finally safe, we cover the range of "normal" to help you feel more confident in your parenting journey. Resources:📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast:Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (01:54) Moving from resistance to "radical acceptance" (03:15) The 4-month sleep progression: Biological shifts in the brain (04:58) Unswaddling: Safety, SIDS risks, and signs of rolling (07:28) Transition strategies: Ripping off the bandaid vs. a gradual pace (09:43) Developmental milestones: Practicing skills in the middle of the night (12:13) Tummy sleeping: Is it safe once a baby can roll? (14:26) Settling Stepping Stones: From verbal reassurance to co-regulation (17:12) Comfort tools: Using comforters and dummies (20:43) Responsive settling: Defining "Watch, Wait, and Wonder" (23:13) Reading body language: Differentiating between yelling and distress (26:13) The power of visual cues: Sitting vs. standing at the cot (29:43) The problem-solving approach: Moving away from strict formulas (32:27) Awake windows and the huge range of "normal" sleep needs (35:43) Final thoughts and Ngala Parenting Line contact details Follow Ngala 🌐Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents

  5. Apr 28

    S2E5 (3-12m) Feeding and nutrition: What do babies really need?

    S2E5 (3-12m) In this episode of Parenting with Ngala, child health nurse Jill, with over 20 years of experience, joins the conversation to discuss the essentials of starting solids. Moving beyond strict schedules, the discussion focuses on what babies truly need for a safe and healthy transition to food: physical readiness, core strength, and sensory exploration. Jill provides practical advice on introducing iron-rich foods and common allergens, while addressing the "poker face" required to handle normal gagging. From debunking the myth that solids improve sleep to managing digestive changes, this episode offers a grounded guide to navigating nutrition in the first year. Resources:📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast:Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgement of Country. 00:58 Meet Jill: Child Health Nurse and Parenting Line Expert. 01:41 Physical Readiness: Looking for "trunk strength" over "jellyfish blobs". 02:50 Timing and Safety: Why we aim for six months and never before four. 03:37 Setting the Scene: Familiarising babies with highchairs and spoons early. 05:15 The Gagging Reflex: Why gagging is a safe and necessary learning experience. 06:04 Introducing the First Bite: Consistency, iron-rich foods, and smooth purees. 08:11 Modern Guidelines: Moving beyond the "one food a week" rule. 08:55 Transitioning Textures: Moving from purees to soft lumps and finger foods. 10:41 Sensory Exploration: Embracing messy food play and "nutrients through eyebrows". 11:42 Balancing Milk and Solids: Why milk stays the priority initially. 13:33 The Sleep Myth: Why solids won't solve sleep challenges. 14:20 Digestive Changes: Managing constipation and new gut reactions. 16:47 Safety First: Distinguishing gagging from choking and the value of first aid. 20:23 Navigating Allergies: Introducing common allergens as "welcome friends". 22:23 Identifying Reactions: Rashes, eczema, and when to consult a GP. 24:55 Foods to Avoid: Honey and high-risk choking hazards in the first year. 26:22 Closing Thoughts: Contacting the Ngala Parenting Line for support. Follow Ngala 🌐Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents

  6. Apr 21

    S2E4 (3-12m) Managing the juggle: Life after a baby

    As your baby grows, most parents experience a significant shift in identity, relationships, and daily routines. In this episode we discuss the challenges of 'managing the juggle' as life moves on and many of us need to return to work (and life). Often referred to as the "forgotten period," our guest, Child Health Nurse Penny explores the reality of the mental load and the common feeling of losing one's sense of self during this intense period of change.The conversation offers practical strategies for managing expectations, maintaining relationships and building confidence in new routines while dealing with big emotions. Key concepts include letting go of perfection and embracing the power of "good enough". #Resources:📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast: Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgement of Country. (00:54) Meet Penny: 35 years of experience in the perinatal and parenting field. (01:50) The Transition: Understanding the shift from "me" to "we". (03:15 The Identity Shift: Navigating the "lost" feeling in early parenthood. (05:25) Communication is Key: How to talk to your partner about the invisible load. (08:10) The Support Network: Why it's okay (and necessary) to ask for help. (11:05) Expectations vs. Reality: Letting go of the "perfect" image. (14:30) Managing the Mental Load: Strategies for shared responsibility. (18:15) Self-Care and Compassion: Recharging your own battery. (21:40) Returning to Work: Navigating the emotions and logistics of the "double juggle". (25:10) Childcare and Separation: Building confidence in new routines. (29:30) Maintaining Relationships: Finding time for connection beyond the baby. (33:15) The Power of "Good Enough": Embracing the mess and the learning curve. (35:20) Closing: Information on the Ngala Parenting Line. Follow Ngala 🌐Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/ Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/ LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents

  7. Apr 15

    S2E3 (3-12m) How To Know Everything Is On Track: Social and Emotional Development

    In this episode of Parenting with Ngala, we sit down with Darya, a Registered Psychologist, to understand social and emotional development in infants. While physical milestones like crawling often get the most attention, Darya explains that a baby’s emotional growth is the "foundation of everything", shaping how they learn, relate to others, and manage their feelings.The discussion focuses on the power of "serve and return" interactions, the simple back-and-forth exchanges that build a baby's brain. We dive into why being a "responsive" parent doesn't mean being perfect, how to navigate the challenges of separation anxiety, and why your baby's "difficult" behaviours are actually important forms of communication. This episode offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for the first year and beyond. Resources:📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast:Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgement of Country (01:05) Meet Darya: Registered psychologist.(01:44) Defining Social and Emotional Development: The foundation of future learning. (02:54) Serve and Return: How simple interactions build baby's brain architecture. (03:52) The Role of Connection: Why babies need safe, predictable relationships. (05:08) The "Good Enough" Parent: Why you only need to be responsive 30–50% of the time. (07:03) Repairing the Connection: The importance of making up after a "mismatch". (08:03) Social Milestones: From the first smile to recognising familiar faces. (09:27) Separation Anxiety: Understanding the "stranger danger" phase as a sign of healthy attachment. (11:06) Developing Emotional Regulation: How parents help babies "co-regulate". (12:50) Decoding Behaviour: Looking at what is "under the hood" of a baby's distress. (14:34) Self-Care for Parents: Why your own emotional well-being is the best tool for your baby. (16:03) When to Seek Help: Identifying "red flags" and trusting your gut. (17:40) Final Tips: Keeping it simple with eye contact, touch, and presence. (18:21) Closing Thoughts: Contacting the Ngala Parenting Line. Follow Ngala 🌐Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK #parenting #parentingtips #baby #parenthood #ngala #grossmotordevelopment #podcast #perthparents #parents

  8. Apr 8

    S2E2 (3-12m) What to expect as your newborn turns into a little person Part 2

    From the first time a newborn grips your finger to the complex coordination required to use a spoon, fine motor development is a fascinating journey of "brain-to-hand" connection. In this episode, Jen and Hannah sit down to explore how small movements in the hands and fingers lay the foundation for a child's independence.We discuss the transition from involuntary reflexes to "volitional" reaching and why "tummy time" is actually a secret weapon for hand strength. Whether you're curious about why your baby is suddenly obsessed with picking up tiny "carpet fluff" or wondering how to introduce cutlery without the stress, this episode provides practical, play-based insights for every stage of early childhood. Resources: 📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team. Follow the Podcast Subscribe: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@UCctvj5LUZ1eAzSErNAmAvxA Website: 🔗 https://www.ngala.com.au/ -------------------------------------- Follow Ngala Instagram 🔗https://www.instagram.com/ngala.official/ Facebook 🔗https://www.facebook.com/Ngala.Official/ LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ngala/?originalSubdomain=au -------------------------------------- Chapters: (00:00) Intro: The "beige baby" trend and the importance of colour and books (01:25) Defining fine motor skills: Hands, feet, and mouth (02:00) The newborn grasp reflex vs. intentional reaching (03:30) The "scratching" phase (04:10) The magic pincer grip (05:15) Activity ideas: Steamed peas, tissue boxes, and board books (06:40) Mouth muscles: The connection between solids and babbling (08:00) Language milestones: From single syllables to first words (09:10) Why echoing your baby's sounds is better than asking questions (10:15) Vision development: From grey scale to full-colour tracking (11:45) The "distracted" phase: Why babies become swivel-heads at 6 months (13:50) Recommendations on screens and environmental stimulation (14:20) Vision red flags: What parents should look out for (16:05) Melatonin and the 4-month sleep progression (17:40) Using morning and afternoon light to support circadian rhythms (18:55) The problem-solving approach to parenting -------------------------------------- Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podwave Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-summit⁠License code: FTQLZK6PIYUYDCXK

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All parents want to do their best, but there’s so much contradictory, confusing and complicated info it’s hard to know what ‘best’ even means! Hosted by Jen (RN & Midwife) and Hannah (Occupational Therapist) from Ngala - WA's Leading Parenting Organisation - each episode brings in a Ngala professional to share the latest evidence-informed parenting practices and offer practical and realistic support on the major topics that keep parents awake at night (literally!). There’s no judgement, no blame, and no shying away from the real challenges all parents face in their quest to do their best.

Information

  • Creator
    Ngala
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ngala
  • Show Website
    Parenting with Ngala