Connection First

Fabiana Coll

A bilingual parenting podcast helping you raise connected, resilient kids, starting with you. Connection First is the parenting podcast for mums and dads who want to raise emotionally healthy, connected, and resilient kids. each week, host Fabiana Coll — conscious parenting coach, writer and immigrant mum — shares practical parenting tips, tools for emotional regulation, and research-backed strategies to help you stay calm and connected.  Tune in for honest conversations about screen time, family routines, sibling relationships, raising readers and how to create a peaceful home environment. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, school-age worries, or just trying to parent more mindfully, you’ll find encouragement, simple strategies, and inspiration to put connection first. Connect with Fabi on Instagram @connection_first  Or reach out via email at connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com

  1. 4H AGO

    #35 Sex, Screens & Connection: Navigating the Teen Transition with Michelle Mitchell

    Send us a text Let’s break the taboos and start talking openly with our kids about the things that matter. In this episode, Fabiana Coll interviews Michelle R. Mitchell to explore the challenges of parenting during the transition from childhood to adolescence. They cover key topics like puberty, communication, and setting healthy boundaries, while highlighting the importance of child-led conversations and understanding the emotional dynamics between parents and kids. They also discuss the impact of social media on young people and share practical tips for navigating these changes — all while keeping a strong, meaningful connection with your children. - To connect directly with Michelle Mitchell, order her incredible books, or learn more about her work, visit her website or follow her on social media. - Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context of Parenting Challenges 02:05 Navigating Puberty and Transitioning to Teenagers 06:14 Child-Led Conversations: Empowering Kids in Discussions 10:22 Understanding Changes in Child Development 14:19 Balancing Fun and Seriousness in Conversations about Sex 20:34 Addressing Fears and Misconceptions about Puberty 24:00 Emotional Dynamics in Parent-Child Relationships 28:26 Establishing Boundaries and In-Charge Energy 35:28 Screen Time and Social Media Challenges 44:11 Government Regulations on Social Media and Its Impact 47:04 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways for Parents Support the show Connect with Fabi: Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com Instagram Facebook Youtube

    51 min
  2. 09/23/2025

    #34 Niños bilingües y el poder de la lectura, con Marina Uzcátegui

    Send us a text Descubre cómo los libros y la lectura pueden apoyar la crianza de niños bilingües y fortalecer su amor por su cultura. Aprende estrategias prácticas para fomentar la lectura mientras tus hijos desarrollan habilidades en más de un idioma. En este episodio de Connection First, Fabiana Coll conversa con Marina Uzcatequi, fundadora de Puri Puri Tales, sobre los retos y alegrías de criar niños bilingües y cómo los libros y la lectura juegan un papel clave en su desarrollo. Hablamos de cómo la lectura ayuda a fortalecer la identidad cultural, fomenta la curiosidad y mantiene el interés por aprender idiomas. Además, compartimos estrategias para equilibrar el aprendizaje de dos lenguas en casa y consejos para manejar la influencia de las pantallas en los hábitos de lectura. Escucha este episodio para obtener herramientas y consejos prácticos que te ayudarán a apoyar a tu hijo bilingüe y a cultivar el amor por la lectura desde pequeño. Gracias por escucharnos,  Fabi x @connection_first https://www.fabianacoll.com/connectionfirst connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com Notas: La entrevistada, Marina Uzcatequi, es fundadora de Puri Puri Tales Para más tips sobre criar hijos bilingües, escucha también el episodio 14: Criando Hijos Bilingües Episodio 14 Familias, maternidad, paternidad, lectura, niños bilingües, familias inmigrantes, padres inmigrantes, crianza consciente, literatura infantil Support the show Connect with Fabi: Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com Instagram Facebook Youtube

    33 min
  3. 08/22/2025

    #33 Los mejores libros para niños, según mi hijo de 11 años

    Send us a text El invitado más especial que he tenido en mi podcast ❤️ Mi hijo de 11 años viene a compartir con nosotros sus libros favoritos en la Semana del Libro en Australia. Si estás buscando recomendaciones de libros para niños, este episodio está lleno de ideas increíbles. Matías nos cuenta qué hace que una historia sea interesante, cuáles pueden ser los mejores libros para ayudar a nuestros hijos a engancharse con la lectura y por qué él disfruta tanto leer. Aquí está la lista completa de libros que mencionamos — en el orden en que los leyó: Serie The 13-Storey Treehouse — Andy Griffiths & Terry DentonDog Man — Dav PilkeyPow Pow Pig — Anh DoSquidge Dibley — Mick ElliottDiary of a Minecraft Creeper — Zack ZombieDiario de Greg (The Meltdown es su favorito) — Jeff KinneyFunny Kid — Matt StantonWings of Fire — Tui T. SutherlandSerie I Survived — Lauren TarshisLibros de David Walliams (Super Sleuth es su favorito)The Kindness Project — Tanya CurranThe Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities — Antología Rick Riordan PresentsThe Odd 1s Out — James RallisonThe Wild Robot — Peter BrownSkulduggery Pleasant — Derek LandySerie Percy Jackson — Rick RiordanSerie The Storm Runner — J.C. Cervantes (¡su absoluta favorita!)Ya seas un padre que quiere fomentar el amor por la lectura, un profesor en busca de ideas, o simplemente quieres descubrir los mejores libros y series para niños, este episodio está lleno de inspiración para entusiasmar a tus hijos con la lectura. Gracias por escucharme!  Fabi  Notas: Tengo una guía completa con muchísimos tips e ideas para ayudar a tus hijos a disfrutar aún más la lectura. La pueden descargar gratis aquí!  recomendaciones de libros para niños, mejores libros para niños, libros infantiles, libros para edades 8–12, libros middle grade, libros de aventuras para niños, libros divertidos para niños, libros para motivar a los niños a leer, fomentar lectores, lista de libros infantiles, libros para Semana del Libro, series de libros para niños, libros populares para niños, libros para leer en voz alta, cómo motivar a los niños a leer, hábitos de lectura en familia, libros para niños y niñas, libros con humor para niños, libros de fantasía para niños, Dog Man, Diario de Greg, Wings of Fire, Percy Jackson, The Storm Runner, Zac Power, The 13-Storey Treehouse, Pow Pow Pig, Squidge Dibley, Diary of a Minecraft Creeper, Funny Kid, I Survived, David Walliams, The Kindness Project, The Cursed Carnival, The Odd 1s Out, The Wild Robot, Skulduggery Pleasant Support the show Connect with Fabi: Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com Instagram Facebook Youtube

    23 min
  4. 08/22/2025

    #33 Top kids’ books recommended by an 11-year-old: fun & engaging reads for your family

    Send us a text It’s World Book Week in Australia, and in this super special episode my 11-year-old joins me to share his all-time favourite books, the ones that made him fall in love with reading from age 5 to now! If you’re looking for book recommendations for kids, this list is packed with funny, adventurous, and unputdownable stories perfect for ages 8–12 (and younger readers too!). From Dog Man and Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Wings of Fire, Percy Jackson, and The Storm Runner, these are the books kids can’t get enough of. I actually have a list of tips and ideas for helping kids fall in love with reading which so many parents have downloaded it and found it super helpful! You can grab it here. And here’s the full list of books we talked about — in the order he read them: Zac Power — H.I. LarryThe 13-Storey Treehouse series — Andy Griffiths & Terry DentonDog Man — Dav PilkeyPow Pow Pig — Anh DoSquidge Dibley — Mick ElliottDiary of a Minecraft Creeper — Zack ZombieDiary of a Wimpy Kid (The Meltdown is his favourite) — Jeff KinneyFunny Kid — Matt StantonWings of Fire — Tui T. SutherlandI Survived series — Lauren TarshisBooks by David Walliams (Super Sleuth is his favourite)The Kindness Project — Tanya CurranThe Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities — Rick Riordan Presents anthologyThe Odd 1s Out — James RallisonThe Wild Robot — Peter BrownSkulduggery Pleasant — Derek LandyPercy Jackson series — Rick RiordanThe Storm Runner series — J.C. Cervantes (his absolute favourite!)Whether you’re a parent hoping to raise a reader, a teacher looking for fresh ideas, or simply want to discover the best kids’ books and series, this episode is full of inspiration to get your child excited about reading. Keywords: kids book recommendations, best books for kids, children’s booklist, World Book Week, books for 8–12 year olds, middle grade books, funny books for kids, adventure books for kids, books to get kids reading, raising readers, top kids books 2025, book recommendations by kids, family reading habits, how to get kids into reading, read aloud chapter books, must-read series for kids, Dog Man series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, Wings of Fire series, Percy Jackson series, The Wild Robot, Skulduggery Pleasant, The Storm Runner series, Minecraft books for kids, David Walliams books Support the show Connect with Fabi: Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com Instagram Facebook Youtube

    21 min
  5. 07/04/2025

    #32 How to say no without losing connection with your kids

    Send us a text Saying no can be one of the things that creates the biggest rupture in a relationship, even in the one we have with our children. But what happens when it’s actually our responsibility to say no again and again? Boundaries are just as necessary as connection in conscious parenting. If we don’t know how to set them clearly, lovingly, and with connection, they can lead to negative results: distance, resentment, and fragile relationships. In this episode, I’ll share why learning to say no is essential for parenting with connection and I’ll give you 5 practical ideas for setting limits while staying connected.  We’ll talk about how to say no without breaking the bond, how to hold space for your child’s frustration, and how to maintain boundaries with calm, empathy, and firmness. Hope you enjoy it! Fabi x Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 00:53 The Importance of Boundaries in Parenting 05:49 Saying No: Strategies for Connection 14:58 Conclusion and Key Takeaways   Takeaways Boundaries and connection are essential in parenting. Saying no is a necessary part of parenting. Empathy is crucial when saying no to children. Clarity in boundaries helps prevent confusion. Non-negotiable boundaries should be established clearly. Negotiable boundaries allow for dialogue and flexibility. Fear should not dictate how we say no. Staying calm and firm is key when saying no. It's important to remember your reasons for boundaries. Pick your battles wisely to maintain connection. Keywords parenting, boundaries, conscious parenting, saying no, connection, family relationships, parenting strategies, emotional intelligence, child development, communication Support the show Connect with Fabi: Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com Instagram Facebook Youtube

    16 min

About

A bilingual parenting podcast helping you raise connected, resilient kids, starting with you. Connection First is the parenting podcast for mums and dads who want to raise emotionally healthy, connected, and resilient kids. each week, host Fabiana Coll — conscious parenting coach, writer and immigrant mum — shares practical parenting tips, tools for emotional regulation, and research-backed strategies to help you stay calm and connected.  Tune in for honest conversations about screen time, family routines, sibling relationships, raising readers and how to create a peaceful home environment. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, school-age worries, or just trying to parent more mindfully, you’ll find encouragement, simple strategies, and inspiration to put connection first. Connect with Fabi on Instagram @connection_first  Or reach out via email at connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com