Roots & Resilience, A Therapeutic Parenting Podcast

Mandie Mauger-Jones
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  • Parenting

Are you a parent to a traumatised or neurodivergent child? Feel a little isolated, judged or overwhelmed? This is the podcast for you! Our joint knowledge of therapeutic parenting from both a parent and social work point of view will help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, we are here to walk beside you down that tunnel. We will discuss everyday issues which we live with whilst parenting our children and supporting other to parent those. This is not 'how to' parenting guide. This is not about judgement. We want to help you build your own tool kit to help you through the hard times and celebrate with you on the wins! Come and get involved!

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 29 - Grief as a Therapeutic Parent

    Grief and loss are part of therapeutic parenting, whether you’re fostering, adopting, a special guardian or parenting a neurodivergent child you never expected to raise this way. In this episode of Roots and Resilience, Laura Taylor and Mandie explore the many branches of grief that therapeutic parents and carers experience, and give you space to acknowledge them. Content note: this episode covers grief and bereavement and may be emotionally difficult. Please take care of yourself while you listen. In this episode: The grief of the family you thought you’d have, including not being able to have birth childrenLoss of identity as a parent, and how therapeutic parenting changes who you thought you’d bePredictable and unpredictable losses, from the death of a loved one or pet to the empty nest, and the unexpected family rifts that can follow special guardianshipFoster care losses, including children moving on and difficult endingsWhy one-sided, non-reciprocal relationships with traumatised children can lead to compassion fatigue and burnoutParental guilt, and why grief and guilt shouldn’t be bundled togetherGrieving your own loss when your child, shaped by trauma, can’t offer empathy backWhy your grief is valid, and where to find support, including grief counsellors and bereavement organisationsWhether you’re a foster carer, adoptive parent, kinship carer, special guardian or birth parent of a child with ACEs and additional needs, this trauma-informed conversation reminds you that you are not alone. rootsresilience@outlook.com

  2. Oct 28

    R&R Exchange - I don't want to go to school.

    School refusal and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) can leave parents and carers feeling exhausted, anxious and unsure where to turn. In this episode, therapeutic parent and trauma-informed trainer Mandie and Laura Taylor explore why emotional safety has to come before attendance, and share practical, honest tips for supporting your child. You’ll hear how to spot the triggers behind school avoidance, how to work with your child’s school in a collaborative and professional way, and how to build connection and regulation into everyday life, including mornings. They also talk about why looking after yourself is essential, not optional. Key takeaways: Prioritise emotional safetyIdentify the underlying triggersFocus on connection over complianceSelf-care is essential for parentsChapters: 00:00 Introduction to school refusal 03:00 Emotional safety vs. attendance 06:04 Identifying underlying triggers 11:00 Working with schools effectively 15:01 Advocacy and professionalism 16:38 Navigating school tensions 17:44 Establishing morning routines 21:33 Connection and regulation 27:08 Self-care for parents Who this episode is for: Parents, foster carers, adoptive parents, kinship carers and therapeutic parents supporting a child who is struggling to attend school, plus teachers, social workers and professionals who want to understand school refusal through a trauma-informed lens. About your hosts: Mandie is a therapeutic parent and trauma-informed trainer. Laura is a social worker and trauma-informed trainer. Together they share their experiences of the therapeutic parenting world. Enjoyed this episode? Follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next one, and leave a rating or review to help other parents and carers find us. Rootsresilience@outlook.com

  3. Oct 21

    R&R Exchange

    This episode focuses on child shutdowns, parental guilt, felt safety, and transitions between homes. Mandie and Laura break down what emotional shutdowns look like, why they happen, and how parents can support quiet or withdrawn children using therapeutic‑parenting strategies. They also discuss co‑parenting communication, managing transitions, and helping children cope with the emotional impact of moving between households. The conversation includes practical tools for reducing overwhelm, strengthening connection, and understanding delayed emotional responses in children with trauma, anxiety, or additional needs. If you’re looking for guidance on supporting shutdowns, co‑parenting challenges, emotional regulation, or creating safety during transitions, this episode offers clear, compassionate insight. child shutdownsemotional shutdown in childrensupporting quiet childrentherapeutic parenting strategiesparental guiltfelt safetyco‑parenting communicationtransitions between homesparenting overwhelmdelayed emotional reactionstrauma‑informed parentingemotional regulation for parentssupporting children with additional needspredictable transitionsconnection‑based parenting

  4. Oct 14

    Episode 27 - Solo Parenting Pressures

    In this episode, Mandie and Laura explore the real pressures of single therapeutic parenting, including the emotional load, the practical demands, and the impact of parenting children with trauma histories on your daily capacity. They discuss how solo adoptive and foster parents can support themselves through journaling, self‑reflection, emotional regulation, and building a reliable support network that reduces isolation. The conversation offers practical strategies for managing high‑intensity behaviours, navigating school and professional systems, and finding grace in imperfection while parenting alone. TakeawaysSingle therapeutic parenting carries a heavy emotional and practical loadSupport networks reduce isolation and overwhelmJournaling strengthens self‑reflection and emotional regulationSolo foster/adoptive parents benefit from predictable, sustainable self‑care

  5. Sep 30

    R&R Bitesize - Transitions

    In this conversation, Laura and Mandie discuss the challenges and strategies related to transitions, particularly in the context of therapeutic parenting. They share practical tips for managing transitions effectively, emphasizing the importance of preparation, empathy, and maintaining connections. Has this raised questions for you? Why not share them with us either through email (rootsresilience@outlook.com) or through our socials.

  6. Sep 23

    R&R Exchange

    This week, Laura and Mandie delve into the challenges of adjusting to routine, the unexpected success of trauma-informed strategies, the backfiring of standard parenting strategies, and the balance between therapeutic parenting and personal life. They explore the impact of trauma-informed strategies and the need to find a blend between therapeutic parenting and personal life. The conversation covers the topics of logical vs. natural consequences, managing the impact of a child's behavior on others, and dealing with judgmental schoolgate parents. Each chapter explores these themes in detail, providing valuable insights and strategies for parents and caregivers. Takeaways Therapeutic parenting during routine adjustmentTrauma-informed strategies and their impactBalancing therapeutic parenting and personal life Logical consequences vs. natural consequencesManaging the impact of a child's behaviour on othersDealing with judgmental school gate parentsIf this has raised questions for you, please reach out and let us know!

  7. Sep 16

    R&R Bitesize - Self Regulation

    Laura and Mandie share their experiences and insights on self-regulation and provide top tips for managing stress and maintaining balance. The conversation focuses on practical strategies for parents to manage stress and maintain emotional regulation. It emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting realistic expectations, and having a plan for moments of overwhelm. Laura and Mandie discuss the impact of guilt and the need to drop it, as well as the value of modelling emotional regulation for children. Takeaways Self-care is essential for managing stress and maintaining balance.Recognizing early warning signs and practicing self-regulation are key to managing stress and supporting children.Reducing the load and seeking support can help in managing stress and maintaining balance. Self-care and setting realistic expectations are essential for parental well-being.Having a plan for moments of overwhelm and dropping the guilt associated with feeling overwhelmed are crucial for emotional regulation and effective parenting. If this has raised questions for you, reach out via email (rootsresilience@outlook.com) or through our socials.

  8. Sep 9

    Episode 22 - Behaviour is communicating

    This week, Laura and Mandie delve into the concept of behaviour as communication, emphasizing the need to understand the underlying needs and the importance of being trauma-informed. They explore the challenges and insights of reframing behaviour, recognizing and responding to behaviour, and the impact of small behaviours. Their discussion also highlights the significance of uncovering unmet needs and being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive in understanding and addressing the child's behaviour. The conversation delves into the importance of regulating our reactions, understanding the child's needs, setting boundaries and consequences, understanding the child's brain, timing and co-regulation, empathy vs. sympathy, identifying triggers, preparation and reflection, curiosity and connection. It emphasizes the significance of pausing and regulating before reacting, as well as understanding the child's needs to build a stronger connection. Takeaways Behaviour as communicationUnderstanding the underlying needsImportance of being trauma-informed Pause and regulate before reactingUnderstanding the child's needs If this is something you would like to know more about, please contact us either through our Facebook Page or rootsresilience@outlook.com

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About

Are you a parent to a traumatised or neurodivergent child? Feel a little isolated, judged or overwhelmed? This is the podcast for you! Our joint knowledge of therapeutic parenting from both a parent and social work point of view will help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, we are here to walk beside you down that tunnel. We will discuss everyday issues which we live with whilst parenting our children and supporting other to parent those. This is not 'how to' parenting guide. This is not about judgement. We want to help you build your own tool kit to help you through the hard times and celebrate with you on the wins! Come and get involved!

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