How do we raise confident, emotionally aware, resilient kids in a world obsessed with appearance, comparison, and pressure? In this episode, we sit down with Mary O'Halloran — childcare worker, nurse, and mom of two — to talk about building self-worth, body confidence, and emotional safety from the inside out.
We explore:
how the way we talk about our own bodies shapes how our children see theirs
why tiny daily rituals at home (not big “talks”) build real confidence and resilience
how to create a safe base at home so our kids always feel they can come back to us, even as teens
what to do instead of “be good and eat all your dinner” and “boys don’t cry”
how to help kids understand food as fuel and strength, not guilt
how to handle body changes, big feelings, bullying, anxiety, and social media comparison without shame
simple connection tools: co-regulation, naming feelings in the body, routine check-ins, child-led play, repair after we shout, and daily “micro moments” of being seen
This conversation is for any parent, educator, or carer who wants to raise children who know their worth, trust themselves, and feel safe being exactly who they are.
Mary’s work, Body Love Heroes, focuses on empowering families with practical tools to build self-belief, resilience, and a healthy relationship with their bodies — starting at home. You can find her and get in touch at @bodyloveheroes on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or by email at bodyloveheroes@gmail.com
“What If We Knew More? A Conversation About Neurodivergence, Emotional Intelligence & Parenting with Sabrina Dominguez”
What if we could see our children more clearly? What if we could understand their meltdowns, their silence, their energy, or their sensitivity, not as problems to fix, but as messages to decode?
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, I sit down with the incredible Sabrina Dominguez, a neurodivergent educator, coach, and advocate, to explore the real meaning of neuroaffirmative parenting. Through her own story of self-discovery, sparked by her children, Sabrina helps us uncover the layers of what it means to support a child’s development with empathy, understanding, and intention.
We talk about the importance of emotional intelligence, the reality of masking (in kids and adults), the role of sensory processing, and how to truly create environments, at home or in school, that allow children to thrive as their authentic selves.
💬 This isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness.
🛠️ It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about knowing which questions to ask.
❤️ And it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing things differently, more consciously, more kindly.
You are doing your best with what you know. But… what if you knew more?
Let this episode guide you with practical tools, gentle shifts, and powerful insights to support your child, and yourself, with more confidence and compassion.
Discover how to become the kind of role model your children truly need — one who embraces imperfection, models resilience, and shows responsibility in everyday life. Learn how your self-talk shapes your child’s inner voice, why handling mistakes openly builds trust, and how guiding through example is more effective than trying to control. This episode also explores practical ways to create a safe space for your child to share without judgment, use quality time to strengthen connection, and encourage independence through your own actions.
What if the way we care for children could be radically more inclusive, emotionally connected, and grounded in understanding the whole family?
In this heartening episode of Rediscovering Childhood, I sit down with Carson Wagner, founder of Lifetime of Love Nannies. With a background in behavioral therapy and years of hands-on experience as a nanny, Carson brings a refreshingly human, deeply thoughtful perspective on what families truly need when it comes to childcare.
We explore the power of relationship-based care, how family dynamics shape development, and what it really means to choose the right kind of support for your child.
If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this conversation offers practical tools and warm encouragement. We’re all doing our best with what we know—but what if knowing a little more helped us choose differently, connect more deeply, and support our children more fully?
Key Takeaways:
In this heartfelt summer episode, Mireia dives deep into a phrase parents know all too well: “Mommy, I’m bored.” But instead of rushing to fix it, what if we leaned into the discomfort?
Mireia explores how boredom isn’t just a nuisance - it’s a mirror. A powerful space for growth, self-awareness, and, most beautifully, creativity. This episode invites you to reframe boredom, not only for your children but for yourself.
Expect a gentle but transformative shift in how you view those “I’m bored” moments. Tune in for stories, insights, and soul-stirring questions that could just change your summer - and your connection with your child.
This isn’t about managing their boredom - it’s about understanding your own triggers and turning them into opportunities.
Key Takeaways
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime
In this insightful episode, Mireia Lopez speaks with Aisleen Harte - teacher, parent, and advocate for child empowerment - about how we can truly listen to our children and help them find and use their voice with confidence. Aisleen shares powerful, real-world strategies to build trust, foster communication, and cultivate emotional safety at home and in school. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to rethink how you support the young voices in your life.
Key Takeaways
You can purchase Aisleen’s book here on buythebook.ie
Feeling stretched too thin as an educator? You’re not alone and you don’t have to stay stuck. In this empowering conversation, former primary school teacher Paudie from the Thriving Teacher Academy shares how he went from overwhelmed and exhausted to energized and in control. You’ll learn how to spot burnout before it takes over, reframe your approach to self-care, and build habits that actually support your wellbeing. If you're ready to stop surviving and start thriving, this episode gives you the practical tools and inspiration to begin.
Key Takeaways
What if the key to a happier childhood—and a more connected family—was simply putting down our devices?
In this eye-opening and deeply relatable episode, host Mireia chats with Caoimhe Carey from Unplug and Connect Ireland about the quiet crisis of screen saturation in our homes—and what we can do to bring back real connection.
Discover:
- The hidden effects of too much screen time on kids’ emotional and social development
- Simple, real-life ways families can create screen-light routines (without guilt!)
- How unplugging can actually strengthen relationships and spark joy
- Why community support is essential in a tech-heavy world
Caoimhe shares moving stories and practical insights from her own life and her work helping families reconnect—with each other and with the world around them.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, or just feeling the digital overwhelm, this episode offers inspiration, hope, and a gentle roadmap back to what really matters.
Tune in now to rediscover the magic of childhood—and the beauty of being fully present.
In this enlightening conversation, Rob Himburg, director of Upland Hills School, shares his journey and insights on education, emphasizing the importance of outdoor learning, play, and recognizing each child's unique genius. He discusses the evolution of play in education, the significance of interpersonal skills, and the need for a curriculum that fosters individuality and creativity. Rob also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on education, the importance of experiential learning, and how to prepare children for an uncertain future.
TAKEAWAYS
In this episode of Rediscovering Childhood, Mireia Lopez explores the real meaning of creativity — far beyond painting pretty pictures or crafting elaborate projects. She uncovers how creativity is at the heart of problem-solving, imagination, resilience, and independence, shaping not just our children's development but also their future success. In a world that demands flexibility, innovation, and emotional intelligence, creativity is not just a "nice-to-have" — it’s essential. Mireia discusses how everyday experiences — from cooking to communication — rely on creative thinking, and why nurturing this skill from an early age is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our children. Learn practical ways to support your child's creativity through play, open-ended questions, and allowing space for exploration and mistakes. This episode is a reminder that fostering creativity isn’t just about helping children — it’s about empowering them to thrive in a future that will reward adaptability and original thinking.
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Jeanette shares her journey from a chaotic childhood to becoming a successful business owner and advocate for neurodivergence. She reflects on personal struggles, triumphs, and the importance of creating spaces of belonging in workplaces and schools. Jeanette also discusses her experience with ADHD, parenting, and her mission to support children and adults with neurodivergence.
Topics Discussed:
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this episode, Mireia delves into the critical role of parenting in an era of digital technology, emphasising the impact of smartphones on childhood development. She discusses the challenges of balancing screen time with traditional forms of learning, play, and social interaction. Through thought-provoking insights, Mireia highlights how early phone exposure can hinder children's natural curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth while stressing the importance of setting boundaries and fostering real-world connections.
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this episode of Rediscovering Childhood, Mireia speaks with Mikaela, a piano teacher and entrepreneur, about her innovative approach to music education. Michaela shares her journey from discovering her passion for piano to launching an online music school during the pandemic. They explore how creativity and a holistic approach to music teaching can inspire confidence, imagination, and joy in students of all ages. This episode is a celebration of breaking traditional boundaries in music education and fostering a love for learning through music.
https://www.instagram.com/home.tone.piano.academy
Topics Covered:
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this episode of Rediscovering Childhood, host Mireia chats with Anna and Susanne of Connected Childhood about the art of mindful parenting. They explore how self-regulation, play therapy principles, and small, intentional changes can create lasting connections between parents and children. From navigating big emotions to embracing imperfect parenting, this conversation is filled with practical tips and heartfelt wisdom for families everywhere.
https://connectedchildhood.com/
Topics Discussed:
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this episode, Mireia sits down with Rhona, founder of The Play Lab, to explore the profound importance of play in early childhood development. From the essence of free play to the misconceptions about structured activities, Rhona shares her expertise and personal journey as a mother and researcher. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how play shapes childhood, fosters resilience, and connects families in meaningful ways.
Key Topics
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this episode, Mireia speaks with Audrey Moore, a social care professional with 18 years of experience, about supporting children with unique emotional, sensory, and behavioural needs. They discuss:
Audrey emphasises the importance of understanding children's behaviour, fostering secure attachments, and creating a supportive, responsive environment to help children thrive.
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this enlightening episode of Rediscovering Childhood, we welcome Shauna Maxwell, a certified Play Therapist and the founder of Discover Play Therapy. With over six years of experience, Shauna has worked extensively with children in foster care, residential settings, and those dealing with trauma, abuse, and emotional challenges. Her holistic approach focuses not only on the child but on supporting families and educators to create safe and nurturing environments.
In our conversation, Shauna shares her expertise on the therapeutic power of play, exploring how it helps children navigate complex emotions like anxiety, aggression, trauma, and attachment issues. She emphasizes the need to address trauma and abuse early, explaining how these experiences shape a child's relationships and interactions. Shauna also provides practical insights for parents and educators, discussing behavioral support plans, trauma-informed care, and the importance of building trust and emotional resilience.
https://discoverplaytherap.wixsite.com/website
Mentioned during episode: Beacon House Resources
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this insightful and heartfelt episode, Mireia sits down with Cathy, a therapist and seasoned mother, to explore the ups and downs of parenting, self-care, and personal growth. Cathy shares her experiences navigating motherhood while also learning how to be a therapist, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, vulnerability, and flexibility in parenting. She reflects on her journey, from dealing with her child’s early needs to discovering the value of taking care of herself, all while maintaining a realistic perspective on the inevitable challenges of being a parent.
Listeners will walk away with valuable insights into mindful parenting, the importance of not striving for perfection, and the power of trusting yourself as a parent.
Key Topics Discussed:
Parenting Challenges: Cathy opens up about balancing motherhood and her child's emotional needs.
Parenting Without Perfection: Why making mistakes might be the best thing for your kids.
Self-Compassion: The surprising impact of meeting your own needs first.
Therapeutic Parenting: How being a therapist shaped, but didn’t perfect, her approach to parenting.
Listening to Your Child: Cathy’s advice on tuning in to what your child truly needs.
Managing Anxiety: How letting go of control can transform your parenting.
The Parenting Journey: Why you don’t need to have it all figured out.
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
Join me, Mireia, in an exciting and uplifting episode as I sit down with Reuben the Entertainer! 🎩✨ He’s not only a magician, comedian, and TV presenter but now also an inspiring educator who’s using his talents to teach primary school children about important topics like bullying, social media, exercise, and well-being.
In this episode, we dive deep into how Reuben combines comedy and magic to simplify complex issues for young minds. We’ll explore his journey of turning passion into purpose, and of course, there’ll be plenty of laughs along the way! Reuben also shares his experiences, from entertaining at kids' birthday parties to performing in schools, addressing critical topics like technology, peer pressure, and mental health. You’ll hear about his challenges, especially during COVID-19, how he adapted to virtual shows, and his views on nurturing creativity and emotional intelligence in today’s digital world.
Find out more about Reuben www.entertainer.ie
Episode Topics:
This episode is packed with useful advice for parents, educators, and anyone interested in helping children grow up in a digital world while keeping their creativity and emotional well-being intact!
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Rediscovering Childhood podcast is brought to you by Discovery Playtime. Dive into a world of creativity and learning with our curated selection of toys, including Play Trays and Connetix magnetic tiles for fun and educational play. Keep children engaged year-round with our seasonal camps, featuring sensory play, arts, crafts, and mindfulness activities. We also offer training programs for parents, teachers, and schools, designed to empower you with the latest in educational trends, child development, and creative play.
In this week's episode, Mireia welcomes Shannan from Maia Purposeful Play for an engaging discussion about the importance of play in child development. Shannan emphasises how parents can create nurturing environments that help children explore their emotions, build confidence, and develop social skills. Together, they dive deep into practical tips and insights that empower parents and caregivers to support their children's growth through play.
Topics Covered:
Emotional Support: Understanding how a parent's anxiety can influence a child's comfort in new environments and the importance of acknowledging these feelings.
The Role of Trust: How children's trust in their parents can help them feel safe to explore and engage with new experiences.
Playgroups: The significance of attending playgroups regularly for children to develop social skills and for parents to foster community connections.
Children’s Social Skills: Observing how children interact, problem-solve, and develop identities in social settings.
Sharing vs. Turn-Taking: Discussing why children may struggle with sharing and the effectiveness of teaching turn-taking as a developmental approach.
Managing Messiness: Encouraging parents to relax about mess during play, fostering a more enjoyable and free environment for exploration.
Less is More: The benefits of reducing the number of toys available to children to enhance their focus and creativity.
Invitations to Play: Simple, creative setups that invite children to engage in play without overwhelming them, including practical examples like sensory trays or block setups.
Creating a "Yes Space": Establishing a supportive environment that allows children the freedom to explore, create, and play without restrictions.
Join Mireia and Shannon for a heartwarming conversation that highlights the power of play in nurturing well-rounded, emotionally intelligent children!