Big life changes & parental preference - KICBUMP with Lael Stone
Apr 22, 2025
auto_awesome
Lael Stone, a renowned speaker, educator, and author, joins to delve into the intricacies of parenting through major life transitions, like moving homes and welcoming a new sibling. She discusses the emotional challenges of parental preference as kids develop bonds with one parent during these changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience, self-care for parents, and the power of guided meditations. Lael also shares insights from her documentary 'Seen', highlighting how childhood experiences shape parenting.
Acknowledging the significance of cultural heritage sets a respectful tone for discussions about parenting and motherhood.
Lael Stone emphasizes the complexity of parental preference and children's unique emotional responses during family transitions.
The importance of self-care for parents is highlighted as essential for fostering a nurturing family environment and supporting children's well-being.
Deep dives
Respect for Indigenous Lands
The podcast begins by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, specifically the Yulukut Wollum clan of the Boon Wurrung, part of the Kulin Nation. This recognition emphasizes the importance of honoring Indigenous peoples and their heritage. It sets a respectful tone for the discussion, highlighting awareness of cultural legacy and connection to the land. Such acknowledgment serves as a vital reminder of the historical context in which conversations about motherhood and parenting take place.
Collaborating with Lael Stone
The conversation features an engaging interview with Lael Stone, an accomplished speaker and educator known for her nurturing approach to parenting. She discusses her book, which focuses on raising resilient and compassionate children, providing practical insights for parents. The episode specifically highlights new additions to a parenting app, including guided meditations designed to support mothers through moments of stress and overwhelm. Lael's calming presence and energy are emphasized, demonstrating how vital supportive voices are in the often challenging journey of motherhood.
Navigating Parental Preference
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the concept of parental preference, where children may show a strong attachment to one parent over the other. The speakers share personal experiences, particularly in the context of preparing for a new sibling, which alters familial dynamics. They reflect on the feelings of rejection and the need to navigate these challenges with patience and understanding. The dialogue underscores that each child's reaction to changes, such as moving or welcoming a new baby, is unique and can fluctuate, highlighting the complexities of children's emotional needs.
Change and Control in Children
Lael emphasizes that children's behaviors often reflect their attempts to assert control in response to life changes. As kids sense significant transitions, such as moving or the arrival of a sibling, they might seek more control in their immediate environment, impacting their interactions with caregivers. Understanding this behavior allows parents to respond with patience, making room for connection instead of frustration. This insight promotes a deeper empathy towards children's emotional responses, steering away from punitive reactions and encouraging nurturing support.
The Importance of Taking Care of Caregivers
The discussion touches on the vital importance of self-care for parents in order to foster a healthy family environment. Lael reiterates that supporting parents leads to better outcomes for children, spotlighting the need for caregivers to process their feelings and experiences. Meditations provided through the app address the mental health of mothers, reinforcing that taking time for one's well-being is crucial for effective parenting. This focus on caregiver mental health ultimately enhances the emotional connection within families, promoting a nurturing atmosphere for children.
Lael Stone is a speaker, educator, author, and a KICBUMP fave <3
In this episode Steph sits down with Lael to talk about supporting kids through big life changes - in Steph’s case - moving house and welcoming a second baby into the family.
They speak through parental preference, establishing & letting go of loving boundaries when they’re no longer working, what we can learn when kids are trying to exert control, as well as the new documentary Lael is part of called ‘Seen’.
TRY KIC
Lael’s Mumma Meditations are live on the Kic app now! If you've been thinking of trying Kic, you can use the code KICBUMP when signing up for Kic on a monthly plan to get your first month free! You'll be able to access all of our new Mumma Meditations, our KICBUMP programs, plus everything else that Kic has to offer. With 1000+ workouts, recipes, programs and more, Kic will be there for you from bump to beyond.
Use the code KICBUMP when signing up for a monthly plan on the Kic website.
WE MENTIONED
If you’re listening to this on the day it comes out (Wednesday April 23rd) you can tune into an online screening of the documentary Seen tonight at 8pm AEST. Join here https://kinema.com/events/Seen-The-Film-r0jetv
Lael was on KICBUMP last year. The episode was called ‘There’s no perfect in parenting - KICBUMP with Lael Stone’ and you can listen here https://pod.fo/e/24e22c
