We make Montessori education fun, affordable, and accessible to families at home. Curriculum and support for homeschooling parents at www.childoftheredwoods.com. Aubrey Hargis, M.Ed. is an author, parent coach, and educational consultant best known for her empathetic approach and appreciation for the magic of childhood. David Hargis, M.A., is an educator and technologist who has made things for all kinds of learners - from K-12 to college to adult. Together, they founded Child of the Redwood ...
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Child Of The Redwoods Podcasts
Over a decade of struggling with poor body image and eating disorders, I knew I had to heal my relationship with food and my body—not only for myself, but for my future children. I was determined to break the cycle of dieting and body loathing and raise my children to accept their bodies and follow their intuitive eating cues. Now as a mother, I've discovered that so many parents share the same concerns. They want to know how to best support their children's food and body image relationships ...
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Is Montessori Homeschooling Right for Your Family? The Montessori Power Hour
39:31
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39:31Montessori homeschooling can be an extraordinary gift for your child—but it isn’t for everyone. In this episode, we’ll break down who Montessori homeschooling is right for, who it’s not right for, and how to know if it’s a fit for your family. If you’re ready to give your child the best year ever, make it Unlimited: childoftheredwoods.com/unlimited…
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Hope through an Eating Disorder with Lexi Crouch
55:43
55:43
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55:43Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. It's B…
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The Secret Burden of an Eating Disorder with Ashlee Thomas
35:51
35:51
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35:51Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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The Power of High-Quality Books: What to Read (and What to Skip!): The Montessori Power Hour
1:04:29
1:04:29
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1:04:29Not all children’s books are created equal—some foster imagination and language development, while others fall flat with shallow storytelling and clunky prose. This week, we’re diving into how to choose books that truly support your child’s learning during the sensitive period for language. You’ll learn what to look for (and avoid) so you can build…
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What to Do If Your Child Isn’t Interested in Reading: The Montessori Power Hour
48:15
48:15
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48:15If your child isn’t reaching for books, don’t panic. It’s not a sign of failure but a clue. In this episode, we explore why a lack of interest in reading often points to a missing foundational step in literacy development. With the Montessori approach, we meet children exactly where they are, reigniting curiosity through hands-on, child-led explora…
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Gendered Messages About Food and Body Image to our Kids
17:04
17:04
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17:04In this mini episode, I discuss: The messages we send to boys v girls about food and their bodies. How we sometimes talk about girls and food. How we sometimes talk about boys and food. How these messages impact intuitive eating. What parents can do to prevent gendered language around food and bodies. Link to Division of Responsibility episode: htt…
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How Montessori Really Teaches Reading (It’s Not What You Think!): The Montessori Power Hour
1:20:13
1:20:13
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1:20:13In this episode, we’re exploring how the Montessori method builds early reading skills through movement, sound games, and meaningful language. We're explaining why writing comes before reading in Montessori and how your child’s natural development makes reading not only possible, but joyful. If you’ve ever wondered when to start teaching reading or…
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Handling Sibling Dynamics in a Montessori Homeschool: The Montessori Power Hour
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55:54Why do siblings go from fighting to playing like best friends in a matter of minutes? In this episode, we explore the roots of sibling conflict and how Montessori-inspired strategies—like grace and courtesy lessons, collaborative activities, and setting a foundational expectation of love—can help build lasting bonds between children. Discover pract…
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How to Teach Kids at Different Levels Without Burning Out
56:17
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56:17Burnout doesn’t become you—but if you’re homeschooling more than one child with Montessori, it might feel inevitable. In this episode, you’ll learn how teach more than one child in different planes of development at the same time without exhausting yourself. With the right expectations and support, Montessori can do the heavy lifting so your kids g…
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Why we should meet our child's EVERY emotional need
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18:11In this mini episode, I discuss; The damaging opinion that a child's emotional needs don't always need to be validated or acknowledged. The impact emotional neglect can have on a child's wellbeing. How I try to always meet my children's emotional needs, even when it's hard. The connection between poor emotional health and food relationships. How em…
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Homeschooling Siblings Together? Montessori Was Made for This: The Montessori Power Hour
1:22:11
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1:22:11You can homeschool more than one child, even if they’re different ages, have wildly different interests, and constantly interrupt each other. The secret? Stop trying to teach them the same way and start thinking like Maria Montessori. In this Power Hour, Aubrey and David unpack why multi-age learning isn’t just manageable, it’s ideal. _____________…
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Is Montessori Too Rigid or Too Loose? Here’s the Truth.
1:24:53
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1:24:53Ever feel like Montessori is a game of ping pong? *Ping* It's all about following precise lessons and materials!, *Pong* it’s about letting kids do whatever they want all day.Well, put those table tennis paddles down, friends! Montessori is NEITHER a strict script NOR a total free-for-all. It’s a balance, a sweet spot of freedom within structure.…
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This is No Happy Meal: Why Montessori Is So Much More Than a Boxed Curriculum
55:04
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55:04Montessori is not something you unwrap and serve. And most definitely doesn't include a plastic toy. So if you’ve tried it and felt like it didn’t “work", well -- friends -- you’re not alone—and the problem isn’t you or your child. In this episode, we're sharing what actually makes Montessori work and why treating it like a boxed curriculum leads s…
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Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Following the Child Doesn’t Mean Doing Nothing: The Montessori Power Hour
56:10
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56:10Montessori is about following the child... right? Then why do so many of us feel completely lost when we try? In this episode, we're unpacking one of the biggest misconceptions in Montessori homeschooling: the idea that “following the child” means stepping back entirely. We get it! You’re trying so hard to respect your child’s independence and let …
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Inspiring lifelong physical activity in kids with Georgie Trickett and Libby Trickett.
46:25
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46:25In this episode I'm joined by Georgie Trickett and Libby Trickett - hosts of 'Play On' and 'Sportish' podcasts. They share with us; Their own journeys with physical activity over the years The importance of kids having fun with movement The danger of pushing a child too much in sport Why specialising in one sport too early is detrimental to a child…
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The #1 Skill That Will Make or Break Your Montessori Homeschool
56:23
56:23
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56:23You can have all the Montessori knowledge. The shelf. The printables. The golden beads. But if you skip this one skill? Your homeschool won’t thrive. In this episode, Aubrey and David reveal the most essential—and most overlooked—skill in Montessori homeschooling: observation. Not lesson planning. Not curriculum shopping. Observation.You’ll learn w…
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What to say when your child asks; 'Is this food good for me?'
20:54
20:54
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20:54In this mini episode I outline; Why kids ask if a food is 'good' for them. What do we mean by 'good'? Why answering 'yes' or 'no' to this question can be problematic. How we can respond instead without labelling food. Examples of scripts to use when talking about different foods. Why it's important to model neutral language about food around our ch…
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Supporting Your Child's Gut Microbiome with Kirsty Wirth from Kultured Wellness
41:27
41:27
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41:27Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Doing Montessori At Home
59:20
59:20
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59:20Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” with Montessori - buying the materials, setting up the shelves, giving lessons - yet it still doesn’t seem to work? In this episode of Montessori Power Hour, Aubrey and David reveal the number one reason parents get stuck when trying Montessori at home. Spoiler: It’s not about your effort. It’…
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How are sweet food preoccupations formed?
16:12
16:12
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16:12In this mini episode, I outline; What a sweet food preoccupation means How children exist along a continuum with their relationship with sweet food What the research suggests about a genetic predisposition for sweet food preoccupations How a child's environment can create or enhance their preoccupation with sweet food. If you'd like to be a part of…
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Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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Supporting Your Child's Intuitive Eating at Easter
34:12
34:12
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34:12Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Empowering teens to build positive food relationships with Angelica Pupillo
49:28
49:28
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49:28Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Handling lunchbox policing at school or daycare
17:02
17:02
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17:02Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Creating mindful mealtime routines with Jodie Crowley
40:08
40:08
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40:08Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Raising Awareness: Embracing the Beauty of Down Syndrome with Renee Kersten
19:38
19:38
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19:38Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In tod…
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Raising Confident Daughters with Brooke Riddle
42:04
42:04
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42:04Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In tod…
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Supporting Your Child's Mindfulness at Mealtimes
18:25
18:25
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18:25Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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A mum's long term goal for her child's food relationship with Emma Pennell
51:44
51:44
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51:44Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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A mother's journey through her daughter's fear of food
24:52
24:52
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24:52Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Creating a Positive Emotional Atmosphere at Mealtimes
24:42
24:42
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24:42Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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How to talk about nutrition labels with your child
36:53
36:53
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36:53Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Fat is Fat and That is That with Kim Lawler
28:36
28:36
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28:36Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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1
How to handle comments from family about your child's eating
41:28
41:28
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41:28Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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How to use an authoritative approach to our child's social media use with Jemma Doley
32:49
32:49
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32:49Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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How your child's resilience connects to their body image with Lauren Gough
30:44
30:44
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30:44Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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Four ways to support your child's emotional connection to food
29:12
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29:12Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In tod…
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From tummy to table: Your child's gut health & eating habits with Bec Axon
29:06
29:06
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29:06Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Should you throw your bathroom scales out?
26:11
26:11
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26:11Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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From healing to coaching: My food and body Image journey
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11:05Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In my very first episode (eek!) I give you a brief insi…
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What is food neutrality and why is it important for our kids?
32:44
32:44
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32:44Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
…
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Do you have to be body confident to model body confidence to your child?
32:11
32:11
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32:11Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Using the 'Division of Responsibility' with your fussy eater
12:19
12:19
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12:19Hello and Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing Podcast, where each week I am dedicated to supporting parents on the journey of nurturing their child's healthy relationship with food and their body image. Through practical, everyday strategies and tips, I help you to become empowered to make a lasting difference in your child's wellbeing journey. In thi…
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Welcome to the Redwood Wellbeing podcast. My name is Alyssa Said and I'm a certified intuitive eating counsellor, body image coach, high school health teacher, and mother. Over a decade of struggling with poor body image and eating disorders, I knew I had to heal my relationship with food and my body—not only for myself, but for my future children.…
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As Montessorians, we believe the method has value for humans at every stage of life, starting at the earliest moments and continuing on until our final days. However, there are definitely periods when we are showing signs of readiness for something new. What are those signs? How do we know when our toddlers are ready to begin their journey with the…
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Supporting Your Child's Sensitivity to Order
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40:02Something strange happens in the Primary years that doesn't happen to us as adults, and it has to do with order. No, this is not the same thing as tidiness, so step aside Marie Kondo, although we share your love of containers for things that spark joy! Understanding the child's sensitivity to order is key, so join us for an episode all about how to…
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In this episode, Aubrey and David talk about ways to make your Valentine's Day celebrations a little more Montessori. They also teach a simple -- yet enormously satisfying -- work that you can quickly pull out for your kids. It lends itself to Montessori scissor precision practice + geometrical explorations, and...the results are always amazing! Sa…
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