Sense by Meg Faure: Real Life Parenting

Meg Faure
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real-life parenting support from pregnancy to the toddler years. Join occupational therapist, bestselling author, and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure for expert insight and honest conversations with real moms and leading parenting scientists. From sleep and weaning to milestones, emotions, and tantrums, this is the calm, trusted, science-backed sense you need to parent with confidence.

  1. Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong S8 | E 206

    2D AGO

    Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong S8 | E 206

    Introduction On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we explore the question at the heart of connected parenting: Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong. Meg sits down with Kim Kleidon, former ABC Radio broadcaster, storytelling coach, and host of What We Teach Our Children. Kim has spent years distilling the wisdom of over 75 conversations with parents, educators, and researchers worldwide. What Children Need Most Kim's answer is simple: children need to feel seen. Not entertained, not scheduled. Just genuinely noticed. She says five minutes of real presence, eye to eye, interested and engaged, matters more than hours of planned activity. That quality of attention is what children carry with them. It shapes their emotional resilience and their sense of self. Phones, Presence, and Being Seen Kim shares a striking insight from her interviews. Children today feel they are competing with their parent's phone. What they often see is the top of a parent's head. This has real consequences for neurological and emotional development. Meg adds that unseen children find ways to be seen. In toddlers, that means tantrums. In teenagers, it can mean defiance or self-expression that surprises parents. Stories and the Bedtime Hack Kim is a passionate advocate for storytelling as a parenting tool. A rhythmic, calming story at bedtime helps a child's brain transition into sleep. It also builds language, connection, and emotional intelligence. Meg introduces book sharing, a research-backed approach using wordless picture books. Parents narrate and connect the story to their child's own experience. Studies show it strengthens language, connection, and emotional self-awareness. Stop Over-Scheduling Kim's most repeated message across 75-plus conversations: stop trying to control everything. Children do not need to be learning or entertained at every moment. Boredom is not a problem. It is where creativity begins. Free play and unstructured time are not gaps in development. They are the very soil in which it grows. Why You Must Listen Is Your Child Seen? The One Thing Kim Kleidon Says Every Parent Gets Wrong is not a conversation that adds to your plate. It quietly removes what was never necessary. Kim closes with one powerful practice: ask your child directly, how can I serve you better? The answers, she says, will change everything. Listen today and share it with every parent you know. GUEST : Kim Kleidon Website: KimKleidon.com Podcast: What We Teach Our Children Available on: Spotify, Amazon, Pocket Casts, iHeartRadio BOOKS BY KIM KLEIDON Huggle Snuggle Cuddle Flutter by Butterfly Grandpa's Garden 🎙️ Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode brought you clarity, calm, and confidence — please like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a week of Sense by Meg Faure. 📱 Download the Parent Sense App Take the guesswork out of feeding, sleep, weaning, and routines. Download the Parent Sense app today and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. 👉 https://parentsense.app/

    41 min
  2. The Twin Mum Truth: Crawling, Colds & the Feeding Window You Can't Afford to Miss S8 | E205

    APR 9

    The Twin Mum Truth: Crawling, Colds & the Feeding Window You Can't Afford to Miss S8 | E205

    On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we dive into the real, raw, and rewarding world of twin parenting at 11 months. Meg is joined by twin mum and South African TV personality Zoë Brown, and Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant Tasha Perreard. Together they cover crawling milestones, the feeding window of opportunity, immune support for daycare babies, and the coming nap transition. 🧸 Crawling: What's Normal & What Helps Zoë's boys are army crawling but not yet on hands and knees. Meg shares the towel hammock hack — roll a towel into a sausage, support baby's chest over it, and help them find that four-point kneeling position. Core strengthening activities like kicking balloons also help. If crawling hasn't happened by 12 months, seek support from an NDT-trained physiotherapist or occupational therapist. And remember — never encourage bum shuffling. 🍽️ The Feeding Window of Opportunity Now is the golden window to build adventurous eaters — before toddler fussiness sets in. By 12 months, babies can eat almost everything the family eats. Don't forget the allergens many parents miss: sesame, shellfish, soya, gluten, and all tree nuts (not just peanuts). 😴 Sleep & the Nap Transition Luke's night waking was solved simply by moving him to a 2.5-tog sleep sack — a great reminder that sensory-sensitive babies feel environmental changes more acutely. Looking ahead, between 12–14 months most babies drop from two day sleeps to one. Gradually push the morning sleep later and bring bedtime earlier to ease the transition. 🤧 Daycare Coughs, Colds & Immune Support No cough suppressants under two — the goal is to keep mucus moving. Use saline spray three to four times daily. ACC syrup (from six months) helps thin mucus. For immune support, Tasha recommends Vitamin D, zinc, and echinacea. 👩‍⚕️ About Our Guests Zoë Brown is a South African radio and TV personality, best known for hosting the Afternoon Drive on KFM and as a presenter on Expresso. Follow Zoë on Instagram: @zbzoebrown Tasha Perreard is a Registered Nurse, Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant, and owner of the Well Mother and Child Clinic in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Contact Tasha at: @wmc_clinic 🎙️ Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode brought you clarity, calm, and confidence — please like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a week of Sense by Meg Faure. Share it with a fellow twin mum or any parent with a baby approaching one year old. It could make all the difference! 📱 Download the Parent Sense App Take the guesswork out of feeding, sleep, weaning, and routines. Download the Parent Sense app today and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. 👉 https://parentsense.app/

    27 min
  3. Sharyn Feldman - Stop Rushing, Start Wondering: Building True Parenting Confidence S8 | E204

    APR 2

    Sharyn Feldman - Stop Rushing, Start Wondering: Building True Parenting Confidence S8 | E204

    This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we delve into a profound parenting dilemma that every parent asks: "Why, even when I know what to do… do I still feel like I'm getting it wrong?" This gap between capability and inner confidence is the focus of our conversation today. Host Meg Faure sits down with Sharyn Feldman to explore how to feel truly steady as a parent. Capability vs. Confidence: The Inner Difference Many parents master the "how-to" tasks of parenting, like feeding and routines. These are essential technical skills. However, knowing these tasks does not equate to feeling confident. True confidence stems from "who you are while you are doing them." It involves internal awareness. Parents must notice their own feelings, reactions, and their child’s responses to cultivate genuine inner steadiness. From "I Know" to "I Wonder": Embracing Curiosity Drawing on the work of Dr. Claudia Gold, we discuss shifting from "I know" to "I wonder." This transition from certainty to curiosity is where real confidence blossoms. Sharyn emphasizes the concept of "willingness"—the courage to embrace uncertainty. By letting go of the need for immediate answers and engaging with the "grey" areas of parenting, you foster a deeper, more resilient confidence. You Are Your Child's Primary Environment Your child's most important environment isn't their nursery or your home; it is you. You are an energetic, emotional environment that your child constantly absorbs. This realization reframes how we show up. Reflective parenting means noticing the energy you create and staying curious about your child’s response to you. This understanding fosters a more intentional and deeply connected approach. Beyond "Fast Food Parenting" Social media is full of quick tips and hacks. Sharyn aptly calls this "fast food parenting." Like fast food, these solutions offer a quick fix but lack long-term nourishment. Real, home-cooked parenting requires time, care, and thoughtful reflection. It moves beyond instant gratification to build lasting, meaningful relationships. About Our Guest: Sharyn Feldman is a registered psychotherapist and the founder of Parent Wellness. She specializes in supporting parents to develop emotional regulation, relational awareness, and confidence through therapy, support groups, and educational programs. Episode References and Links: 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.Sharyn Feldman Website: https://www.parentwellness.caCONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.comSocial Media: Facebook | InstagramSUPPORT THE PODCAST I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast: Subscribe on your favorite platform.Leave a 5* rating and reviewFollow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list.

    34 min
  4. Turning One: Navigating Toddler Milestones and Transitions

    MAR 26

    Turning One: Navigating Toddler Milestones and Transitions

    On this weeks episode of Sense, by Meg Faure we explore the magic of Turning One. Your baby is now officially a toddler. This phase brings exciting milestones and new challenges. I am joined by our regular guest, Nina Clark. We check in on her son, Josh. Turning One is a time of incredible physical growth. Parent Sense is here to support you through these changes. Movement and Walking Milestones Josh is currently navigating the transition to walking. We discuss the normal range for this major milestone. Most children walk between ten and eighteen months. Movement is a vital sensory experience for your toddler. It provides essential proprioceptive and vestibular input. This input helps toddlers feel secure in their bodies. Physical stability also leads to better fine motor skills. Big Opinions and Emotional Intelligence Toddlers are famous for their big opinions. We explore the science of early emotional outbursts. These meltdowns are often caused by simple frustration. Receptive language develops faster than expressive speech. Your toddler understands more than they can say. I share why naming emotions is so powerful. This practice builds lifelong emotional intelligence. It helps your child feel heard and safe. Navigating the Picky Eating Phase Many parents notice a change in appetite now. Caloric needs often decrease after the first year. We discuss the "picky eating" spiral. Mealtimes must prioritize safety and connection. Nina shares her experience with Josh at the table. We talk about letting the toddler have more control. Parent Sense offers great tools for nutrition. The One-Nap Transition We tackle the tricky shift to a single nap. Most toddlers make this change around twelve months. I provide a checklist for this transition. We also discuss the impact of screens. Screen time can disrupt a toddler’s internal rhythm. I explain the "social butterfly" sensory personality. This personality needs movement more than a screen. About Our Guest: Nina Clark is a mom to two boys, four-and-a-half-year-old Max and 1-year-old Josh. After a long stint in London where she founded the successful sleepwear brand Nightire, she has returned to South Africa. Nina shares her real, unfiltered journey as a second-time mom as a regular guest on the podcast. Episode References and Links: App: 📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice.CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.comFacebook: Meg Faure SenseInstagram: @megfaure.senseI hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how: Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Leave a 5* rating and reviewFollow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing list.For feedback or guest nominations, email info@megfaure.com.

    31 min
  5. Food for the Ages: How Your Pregnancy Plate Shapes Future Generations

    MAR 19

    Food for the Ages: How Your Pregnancy Plate Shapes Future Generations

    This week on Sense by Meg Faure, Meg sits down with Paediatric Dietitian Kath Megaw for an eye-opening conversation about the profound impact of pregnancy nutrition. Discover how the food you eat today not only nourishes you and your baby but also influences the health of your future grandchildren through epigenetics. This episode is packed with essential, science-backed advice: Blood Sugar Stability: Learn why managing your blood sugar is crucial for reducing nausea and setting the stage for your baby's long-term metabolic health.The Gut Microbiome: Uncover why a healthy gut is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your baby and how to nourish it with the right kinds of fibrous foods.The Truth About Protein: Find out how much protein you really need during pregnancy for your baby's growth, placenta health, and even your future breast milk composition.Supplementation is Not Optional: Kath explains why a good diet isn't enough and breaks down what to look for in a high-quality prenatal vitamin, as well as when to consider extra supplements like Omega-3s.A Day on Your Plate: Kath provides a practical, delicious, and easy-to-follow meal plan for a pregnant mom, including meals, snacks, and supplements.This is a must-listen for any expectant mother who wants to make informed, confident choices about her nutrition, cutting through the noise to give her baby the very best start in life. About Our Guest: Kath Megaw is a distinguished Paediatric Dietitian with extensive experience in early childhood nutrition. As a regular expert on the podcast and co-author of "Weaning Sense," Kath is passionate about translating complex nutritional science into practical, accessible advice for parents. She works closely with families to lay healthy foundations from pregnancy through to the toddler years and beyond. Episode References and Links: Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath MegawDiscount Code: Get 50% off the Parent Sense app with code SENSE50.📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how: Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsLeave a 5* rating and review on Apple PodcastsFollow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing listFor episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com

    38 min
  6. Nina and Josh - 10 month update & the #1 Reason for night waking

    MAR 12

    Nina and Josh - 10 month update & the #1 Reason for night waking

    This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we check in with regular guest Nina Clark as her son, Josh, approaches the 10-month mark. Nina shares an honest account of the challenges of parenting two young children, the realities of a "fiery" toddler, and the constant juggle of motherhood. This episode is a must-listen guide to navigating this active and exciting stage: The 10-Month Sleep Regression: Josh has started waking frequently at night, especially between 11 PM and 3 AM. Meg provides a checklist for troubleshooting, including separation anxiety, day sleep routines, and crucial nutritional factors.The #1 Hidden Reason for Night Wakings: We explore the critical role of iron in a baby's diet after six months and why low iron is a common but often-overlooked cause of poor sleep.Feeding a Social Butterfly: Nina shares her struggle with breastfeeding a distractible "social butterfly." We discuss the pros and cons of snacky feeds versus a more structured routine for older babies.The Nappy Change Wrestle: A relatable moment all parents know well! Meg explains the developmental reason why babies resist nappy changes at this age and offers practical tips.This is an info-packed and reassuring conversation for any parent with a baby on the move! About Our Guest: Nina Clark is a mom to two boys, four-and-a-half-year-old Max and 10-month-old Josh. After a long stint in London where she founded the successful sleepwear brand Nightire, she has returned to South Africa. Nina shares her real, unfiltered journey as a second-time mom as a regular guest on the podcast. Episode References and Links: Book: Weaning Sense by Meg Faure and Kath MegawSupplements Mentioned: Floradix Liquid Iron, Barley Green📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here.CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/ I hope you enjoyed this episode of SENSE BY Meg Faure! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how: Subscribe, or listen on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsLeave a 5* rating and review on Apple PodcastsFollow my social media channels or sign up to my mailing listFor episode feedback & suggestions, or to nominate yourself or a friend to appear as a guest on the show, please email info@megfaure.com

    30 min
  7. A Parent's Guide to the 8 Senses: Why Understanding Them is a Newborn Hack

    MAR 5

    A Parent's Guide to the 8 Senses: Why Understanding Them is a Newborn Hack

    This week on Sense by Meg Faure, we dive into one of the most powerful tools a new parent can have: understanding your baby's sensory world. In this solo episode based on the bestselling book Baby Sense, Meg explains why your newborn startles, fusses, and becomes overwhelmed, and how you can become their sensory filter to create a world of calm. This is a masterclass in decoding your newborn's behavior. You will learn: Your Baby's 8 Senses: Move beyond the basic five and discover all eight senses your baby uses to experience the world, from the well-developed sense of touch to the still-maturing sense of sight.The States of Infancy: Understand the six states your baby moves through, from deep sleep to crying, and learn how to identify the magical "calm alert state" for learning and connection.How to Read Your Baby's Cues: Meg provides a clear guide to your baby's four types of signals—from early "approach" and "warning" signs to later "stress" and "crying" signals—so you can respond before they become distressed.The Womb World Hack: Learn how to soothe your baby by recreating the sensory sanctuary of the womb using deep pressure (swaddling), white noise, and rhythmic movement.This episode will give you "sensory eyes," empowering you to stop guessing and start responding confidently to what your baby is truly telling you. About Our Host: Meg Faure is an occupational therapist, author of the 'Sense' series of parenting books (including Baby Sense), and the founder of the Parent Sense app. With decades of experience working with parents and babies, her mission is to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the parenting journey. Episode References and Links: Book: Baby Sense by Meg Faure📱 Parent Sense App – Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.com Social Media Channels: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ Parent Sense mobile app: Download Parent Sense App Web: https://parentsense.app/

    20 min
  8. Nina & Josh: The 8-Month Update on Crawling, Clapping & Separation Anxiety

    FEB 26

    Nina & Josh: The 8-Month Update on Crawling, Clapping & Separation Anxiety

    Welcome back to Sense by Meg Faure! 🎙️ This week, I am so delighted to welcome Nina back to the podcast. She is sharing her wonderfully honest and relatable journey of navigating life with both a busy toddler and a growing second baby. In this episode, we dive deep into the "Social Butterfly" phase that emerges around 8 months. It is such a beautiful, busy age, but it certainly comes with its own unique set of developmental leaps and challenges! 👇 In This Episode, We Unpack: Milestone Consolidation: We discuss why how your baby crawls (reciprocal crawling) actually matters so much more than how quickly they reach the milestone.Separation Anxiety: It is completely normal for little ones to become clingy at this age! We talk about how to gently handle the transition to object permanence using simple, playful methods like "Hide and Seek."The Screen Time Juggle: Real talk on navigating indirect screen exposure from older siblings, and why fostering self-regulation in your little ones is so important.Social Development & Communication: How to decode those adorable sounds and differentiate between lovely babbling and purposeful first words.📚 Episode References and Links: Books: Feeding Sense and Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure.Toy Recommendation: The Toniebox (A wonderful screen-free audio player for busy toddlers!).📱 Parent Sense App: Your all-in-one baby care app for expert routines, nutrition guidance, and developmental tracking. [Download the Parent Sense App Here]🌐 Connect with Meg Faure: Website: megfaure.comFacebook: Meg Faure SenseInstagram: @megfaure.sense❤️ Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Leaving a 5-star rating and a quick review truly helps other parents find our community! For guest nominations or feedback, please email us at info@megfaure.com.

    35 min
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5
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3 Ratings

About

Real-life parenting support from pregnancy to the toddler years. Join occupational therapist, bestselling author, and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure for expert insight and honest conversations with real moms and leading parenting scientists. From sleep and weaning to milestones, emotions, and tantrums, this is the calm, trusted, science-backed sense you need to parent with confidence.

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