Trigger warning – in today’s episode we discuss suicide, mental health struggles, cancer and depression with Grace. You might not feel up to listening to this episode right now – if not, please take care and come back when you feel ready.

Grace is a therapist and best-selling author of children’s books, which are all based on Grace's therapy sheep who inspire her and those she helps. Grace’s aim is to spread messages of hope and positivity to children (aged 5-10) through her books; she wants to help them navigate complex emotions and help them to understand themselves better, all while giving parents a way of talking to their children about their feelings. Grace is an animal lover and has been featured on Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet.

We spoke with Grace about:

• Her background and the work she does with her horses and sheep (TV stars of The Yorkshire vet!).
• The stories behind her books about her magical sheep - Merlin, Galahad and Berel.
• Her animals, their personalities (favourite biscuits!) and their healing power.
• The therapy work that Grace does with adults and children and how it happened.
• How horses cured Grace’s post-natal depression.
• How Grace wants to help children and teenagers through mental health struggles and how she herself had struggled from a very young age.
• The instant gratification and constant dopamine hits provided by it and how easily accessible information is.
• How children and adults are helped with regulation and a sense of calm by animals and being outside.
• How Grace works with the Yorkshire vet (and sheep agility!!)

Grace’s website - https://www.graceolsonauthor.com/

Instagram @bespokefamily / @grace_olson_author

Facebook @bespokefamily

For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations

‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)

This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

The holidays are approaching, and we are talking about jet lag and motion sickness!

We spoke about:

The challenges of travelling with children.

Jet lag / time differences – what jet lag is and how to prepare for it.

Flight times / length – what's best?

Routines when travelling.

What to take that will help.

Travel sickness and why we get it.

Vehicle motion cues on the iphone / ipad! Check out our reel to set this up for your journey.

Signs of motions sickness in children.

Triggers for motions sickness – smells etc.

Tips for how to help prevent motion sickness.

Things to take with you when travelling!

Getting rid of the smell (baking soda and white vinegar are life savers!).

Our jet lag blog – How do I help my baby / child with jet lag?

Our motion sickness blog – Travel or motion sickness

Facebook @bespokefamily

Instagram @bespokefamily

For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations

‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)

This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative

Louisa, our lovely listener, got in touch to ask us to record a podcast on how best to support children and young people who are preparing for exams and so here it is!

We spoke with Will Petty from Bonas MacFarlane Education all about this. Will is so easy to listen to and had some fabulous stories and tips to help our young people manage exam stress.

Will has been with Bonas MacFarlane since 2009, advising countless families from around the world on gaining places at leading UK independent schools. His expertise has been sought after by prestigious firms including UBS, Coutts, and Sotheby’s. Will originally started as a tutor himself so has seen exam stress first hand with students and we felt very lucky that he agreed to share his extensive knowledge with us!

We talked with Will about:

• Not adding to the pressure your children are already feeling!
• Not going on holiday in the Easter holidays...(too late if you are there, but one for next year’s students!).
• Making sure there are time off days (especially if you have a really studious child) and how to plan this and the dreaded revision timetable.
• Not trying to be teacher and parent (be a parent as much as possible) and the benefits of a private tutor if budget permits.
• Focussing as a parent on your child/ren’s wellbeing and not putting your own emotions and pressures on to them – being the safe space they need.
• The importance of the last parent’s evening before the exams (and trying to make sure your child is as well).
• How having treats is really important to ‘take the lid off the pressure cooker’.
• Options for additional support.
• Ignoring the little Timmys..!!
• Wills top 3 tips for parenting during the exam periods.
• All about Bonas Macfarlane and how they support students and families with tuition and more.

Bonas MacFarlane’s website: https://bonasmacfarlane.co.uk/en/

Instagram @bespokefamily / @bonasmacfarlane_

Facebook @bespokefamily

For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here: https://www.bespokefamily.co.uk/parent-consultations

‘Your Guide to...’ (our downloadable webinars including behaviour, toilet training, sleep and more)

This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative