Parenting and Personalities

Kate Mason, Stories and Strategies

Boost

Boost

One thing about being a parent – there’s no shortage of personalities to be surrounded by. Our kids, our partners, our family, our friends. They keep us laughing, growing, loving, and crying. If only they understood us. Like the musician Van Morrison once sang “When people understand what I mean, mama said there will be days like this.” Adelaide Australia’s Kate Mason is an author, wife, and mother who has spent her career studying personality and relationships. In this podcast she looks at why relationships work, and why some don't. She also looks at how our personalities impact our relationsh...

Escaping the Yo-Yo Diet Trap with Dr. Nick Fuller

Have you ever felt like diets just don’t work—no matter how hard you try? You’re not alone.Kate Mason welcomes back Dr. Nick Fuller from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to discuss why dieting often fails us and how our biology is actually working against rapid weight loss.Dr. Fuller shares groundbreaking insights on why restrictive diets lead to long-term weight gain, how our bodies protect a "set point" weight, and why interval weight loss—losing weight in small, controlled ph

Feb 25, • 26:51

Three Strategies for Making Every Day a Valentine's Day

Do you truly understand how the people in your life feel loved and supported?  In this special Valentine's Day episode of Parenting and Personalities, Kate looks at the history of the holiday, its commercial rise, and most importantly, the everyday relationships that shape our lives.  Beyond chocolates and roses, how do we communicate with our loved ones? What role does personality play in how we listen? And how do your innate preferences for different love languages shape our connections? Liste

Feb 11, • 29:12

Are You Okay? The Power (and Fear) of Asking the Hard Question

Have you ever hesitated to ask, “Are you okay?” because you weren’t sure how to handle the answer?Kate Mason sits down with mediator and conflict resolution expert Kate Russell to explore emotional intelligence, the complexities of meaningful check-ins, and how to support someone who might be struggling. They discuss whether emotional intelligence is innate or learned, the challenges of Australia’s Are You Okay? Day, and practical strategies for navigating tough conversations with empathy and co

Feb 11, • 33:24

Healing Through Laughter: Can Joy Help Process Trauma?

Is Laughter the Secret to a Happier, Healthier Life?Kate Mason welcomes motivational speaker, mindfulness coach, and laughter yoga practitioner Annie Harvey to explore the surprising power of laughter.They dive into the science behind why laughter—real or fake—can reduce stress, boost emotional resilience, and even help process grief.Annie shares her personal journey of using mindfulness and laughter to navigate the challenges of caring for parents with dementia and how these tools have transfor

Feb 4, • 36:23

REPLAY - Turning Conflict into Connection: A New Perspective

Conflict isn't just chaos; it's a catalyst for growth. Kate explores the art of conflict resolution with expert Kate Russell, peeling back the layers of why conflict scares us and how it can actually forge stronger connections. They explore the roots of conflict in personal experiences, the critical role of empathy, and the transformative power of reframing confrontations as opportunities.  Russell, with years of expertise in mediation, unveils practical strategies for addressing workplace dispu

Jan 28, • 29:53

Back-to-School Anxiety? Not on Our Watch!

What’s the secret to making the back-to-school transition smooth and stress-free for your child and yourself? Kate Mason is joined by Dr. Victoria Waller, an educator and expert in learning differences with over 40 years of experience. Together, they share creative strategies for keeping kids engaged during school holidays (without screens!), easing back-to-school anxiety, and creating positive routines weeks in advance. From bedtime adjustments to fostering open communication with your child, t

Jan 23, • 29:47

Back-to-School Anxiety? Not on Our Watch!

What’s the secret to making the back-to-school transition smooth and stress-free for your child and yourself? Kate Mason is joined by Dr. Victoria Waller, an educator and expert in learning differences with over 40 years of experience. Together, they share creative strategies for keeping kids engaged during school holidays (without screens!), easing back-to-school anxiety, and creating positive routines weeks in advance. From bedtime adjustments to fostering open communication with your child, t

Jan 21, • 29:47

REPLAY - Helping Parents Unpack the Effects of Food Additives

Food additives have an enormous impact on us. Preservatives, and colourings affect our health and behaviour. In this episode Kate shares her personal experience of eliminating these from her family's diet and seeing immediate improvements in their health. Guests Tracey Fry and Joanne Ling, creators of Additive Free Lifestyle, also share their experiences and discuss the importance of understanding what is in our food. They highlight the significant profits made by the food additive industry and

Jan 14, • 35:56

REPLAY - How to Manage Conflicts Between Your Children

Hey that's mine. I saw it first. Too bad. Finders’ keepers. Losers’ weepers.   No need to even ask if this sounds familiar. It does. But there are ways to manage sibling rivalries. Actually understanding your children’s personality types and preferences can go a long way to keeping the peace.   Guest: Sandra Etherington Instagram | Website Read Sandra’s article "Navigating Sibling Conflict"   Contact Kate: Email | Website | LinkedIn |

Jan 7, • 32:17

REPLAY - A Cuppa With Kate n Tray – Travel… and Personality Types

When traveling do you prefer to be highly organized and structured? Loose and available for what catches your whim? Or somewhere in between. It’s all good when it’s just you traveling. It gets complicated when you have traveling companions, particularly if they don’t share your preferences. Guest: Stephanie Noon Website | Instagram | LinkedIn   Contact Kate: Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Faceboo

Dec 31, 2024 • 28:40

Screens OFF, Health ON: Family Wellness Tips

Struggling to balance screen time, play, and family wellness? You’re not alone! Kate chats with Dr. Nick Fuller about his research-backed lifestyle plan to create healthier families. They look at the final two steps of Nick’s program: embracing daily play and tackling screen time to promote better sleep, movement, and overall health.  Listen For: 05:13 – Why unstructured play is vital for kids and adults alike 12:53 – Role modeling movement: The ripple effect on kids 15:18 – The science behind s

Dec 30, 2024 • 26:04

What’s Your Holiday Personality? Discover How Your MBTI Shapes Christmas

Is your Christmas full of festive chaos, quiet introspection, or heartfelt traditions? Kate explores how our MBTI personality types shape the way we celebrate the holidays. From extroverted party planners to introverted peace-seekers, and from intuitive gift givers to sensing traditionalists, Kate offers thoughtful advice to create balance and joy for everyone. Featuring heartwarming stories of Christmas traditions from special guests, this episode is a festive blend of personality insights and

Dec 18, 2024 • 26:22

Six Pillars of Healthy Eating for Families

How can families truly transform their eating habits for the better? Dr Nick Fuller, a leading expert on obesity and the bestselling author of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, explores practical, science-backed strategies for overcoming food fussiness, breaking the yo-yo dieting cycle, and creating healthier mealtime habits. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or someone passionate about nutrition, this episode offers actionable tips to improve your family’s health while promoting stronger relat

Dec 10, 2024 • 29:59

Who's Better at Raising Kids, PARENTS or GRANDPARENTS?

How do modern parenting ideals and evolving grandparent roles intertwine in today’s world? Kate links up with a mother and her daughter to look at the challenges and joys of parenting and grandparenting. They explore balancing old-school values with contemporary techniques, managing emotional moments with children, and the delicate art of maintaining strong family communication. From screen time debates to how grandparents and parents collaborate on childcare, this episode highlights the importa

Dec 3, 2024 • 29:31

What Did Our Parents Teach Us About Modern Parenting?

From discipline to communication. Have you ever stopped to think about how your childhood shapes the way you parent today? Steph Noon, an experienced life coach and trauma specialist, and her daughter Kate Thorn, a busy mom join Kate. Together, they discuss the evolution of parenting styles across generations, the challenges of modern-day information overload, and the wisdom gained from blending tradition with cutting-edge psychological insights. Listen For: 09:22 - The Impact of Being Seen and

Nov 26, 2024 • 30:46

Adult Kids Living at Home: Is This the NEW NORMAL?

Are you tired of living with your adult kids? The phenomenon of adult children living at home with their parents has become increasingly common, leaving many to wonder: is this the new normal? Kate looks at the realities of adults living with their parents, whether due to economic challenges or shifting cultural norms. Joined by life coach Jeanine Mouchawar, they discuss how to navigate this complex dynamic with grace and mutual respect. From reshaping communication styles to setting boundaries

Nov 19, 2024 • 29:02

Are You SECRETLY Superstitious? Unravelling our superstitions

Are you a little superstitious, or maybe just a little "stitious?"   Kate Mason dives deep into the world of superstitions, from quirky wedding traditions and curious rituals to their psychological roots and cultural origins.   With stories from her daughter's recent wedding, Kate explores how superstitions shape our lives, whether it's crossing fingers, tossing salt, or athletes' game-day routines.   She even relates these habits to Myers-Briggs personality types, showing how our natural inclin

Nov 12, 2024 • 27:49

Repairing Personality Clashes With Your Child

Are you tired of feeling frustrated and helpless when dealing with your child's temperament clashes? Do you wish you could understand and respond to their emotional needs more effectively? Kate explores how our unique temperaments—sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic—affect our responses to conflict and shape the ways we repair relationships. She shares insights and practical techniques to handle arguments with empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence. It’s never too late to re

Nov 5, 2024 • 25:52

Managing Big Events Without Burning Out

Are you energized by lively conversations or do big social events drain your batteries? Kate examines the intriguing dynamics between extroverts and introverts, exploring how each personality type navigates big gatherings. Whether you thrive in social settings or need solitude to recharge, Kate discusses the impact of these preferences on relationships, mental well-being, and self-awareness. Through relatable stories—including how she balanced her own extroverted excitement with her husband’s in

Oct 28, 2024 • 17:12

Puberty 2.0: Understanding Perimenopause’s Impacts

Is perimenopause just the “second puberty” we never saw coming? In this episode of, host Kate Mason and guest Unna Goldsworthy dive deep into perimenopause, breaking down what it really is, how it impacts women’s physical and emotional health, and how understanding it can improve relationships at home and at work. From managing symptoms to societal shifts like corporate policies supporting menopausal women, this conversation sheds light on navigating this transition with self-awareness, lifestyl

Oct 22, 2024 • 40:43

Weddings: Magic or Family Madness?

Weddings: magical, stressful, and full of surprises—would you relive your big day? In this episode, Kate dives into all things wedding-related as her daughter Cassie prepares to walk down the aisle. From the curveballs that can throw off wedding plans to how personality types like MBTI shape the process, Kate shares personal anecdotes and explores wedding traditions around the globe. Whether you’ve had your own perfect or not-so-perfect day, this episode will resonate with anyone who has navigat

Oct 15, 2024 • 15:45

Beyond Burnout: Reclaiming Your Energy as Parent

Feeling burnt out? This episode dives into the sneaky ways burnout can take over our lives. Kate speaks with Unna Goldsworthy, founder of Unna Movement, to explore burnout’s telltale signs, its impact on the body and mind, and the strategies to combat it. Unna shares her personal journey of burnout, from pushing through physical and emotional exhaustion to finding balance by redefining her career and life goals. They discuss how to spot burnout early, the power of self-compassion, and actionable

Oct 8, 2024 • 37:32

Nurturing Creativity: A Bridge to Learning Differences

What happens when a child dreams of becoming a hazmat worker? In this episode, Kate and Dr. Victoria Waller dives into the fascinating ways creativity can become a bridge to success for children with learning differences. Dr. Victoria E. Waller shares her incredible experiences in nurturing children's passions and helping them find their unique strengths. She emphasizes how thinking outside the box – sometimes quite literally with cardboard – can lead to academic and personal growth. Get ready t

Oct 1, 2024 • 30:06

From Arguments to Understanding: Using Personality Insights to Improve Relationships

Do you feel like you're arguing more than connecting with your partner lately? In this episode, Kate dives into listener questions about relationships and communication, focusing on how understanding personality types can help couples reconnect. Whether it's the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), temperament theories, or love languages, Kate shares actionable insights to strengthen bonds and reduce conflict. She also explores how understanding these frameworks can assist in parenting challenges

Sep 24, 2024 • 20:36

Navigating Arguments: A Personality-Based Approach to Parenting

Why do we argue, and how can understanding our personalities help us navigate conflicts? In this episode, Kate looks at the root causes of arguments, exploring how personality types, emotional triggers, and even hormonal fluctuations play a crucial role in our disagreements. With a mix of humour and practical advice, Kate offers strategies to defuse tensions and maintain harmony in relationships, especially within families. Whether you're a peacekeeper or a debater, this episode provides valuabl

Sep 17, 2024 • 24:24

Money Talks: What Your Personality Says About Your Wallet

Ever wondered how your personality influences your financial habits? In this episode, host Kate chats with financial coach Lexi Smith about the fascinating connection between MBTI profiles and money management. Lexi, an ENTP, shares how understanding your personality can be a game-changer for managing finances—whether you're a spender or a saver. The conversation delves into practical tips for parents on how to teach their kids about money, the importance of using positive language, and how to m

Sep 10, 2024 • 34:22

Traveling with the Three F's: Fear, Frustration, Fun

How do you handle the big three F-words of travel: fear, frustration, and fun? In this episode, Kate Mason delves into her personal experiences of traveling as an ESFP, from the anxieties of flying and taking taxis to the challenges of planning trips with family. Despite the stress and unpredictability, she highlights the importance of embracing the chaos and finding joy in every moment. Whether you're the organized planner or the spontaneous go-with-the-flow type, Kate’s stories remind us that

Sep 3, 2024 • 23:06

The Personality Behind the Mess: How MBTI Shapes Your Clutter

How does your personality shape the way you deal with clutter?   This episode explores the fascinating intersection of personality types, love languages, and our relationship with the stuff we accumulate.   Kate Mason chats with Bridget Johns, founder of Be Simply Free, about how understanding ourselves and our loved ones can transform the often-overwhelming task of decluttering into a meaningful, even harmonious process.   They explore everything from MBTI types to love languages, offering insi

Aug 27, 2024 • 40:44

Clear Space, Clear Mind: Time to Declutter

Is your life overflowing with clutter? From physical messes in your home to the digital chaos on your phone and even the mental overload that keeps you up at night, clutter can be overwhelming. In this episode, Kate chats with Bridget Johns, founder of "Be Simply Free," about her journey from a chaotic life to one of organized serenity. Bridget shares her expertise in decluttering not just your space, but your mind and schedule too. Bridget shares practical tips and inspiration to reclaim your t

Aug 20, 2024 • 34:43

The Resilience Revolution: Raising Strong Kids

Are you raising resilient children? In this episode, Kate Mason and Tania Johnson dive into the importance of building resilience and emotional strength in both parents and children. From the benefits of play to the power of independent problem-solving, they explore how cultural differences impact our approach to parenting. Discover practical strategies for fostering resilience and learn why it's crucial to let kids experience failure and take risks.     Listen For: 05:03 - Teaching Conflict Res

Aug 13, 2024 • 38:33

Empowering Parents: Tools for Raising Resilient Kids

Have you ever wondered what builds resilience in us and our children? In this episode, Kate chats with Tania Johnson, co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. Tania shares her journey, from fostering four First Nations children to her academic accomplishments and her profound insights into attachment theory and resilience. Together, they explore the power of purposeful parenting, the importance of allowing children to fail and learn, and practical strategies to foster resilience in our y

Aug 6, 2024 • 38:06

Traveling with Personalities: A Guide to Harmonious Group Trips

Ever wondered how to keep the peace while traveling with a diverse group of personalities? In this episode, Kate shares her experiences and insights from a recent family trip to the USA and Canada. She discusses the importance of understanding and respecting different personality types to ensure a harmonious travel experience. From pre-trip planning and balancing activities to maintaining open communication and embracing individual differences, Kate provides practical tips for making group trave

Jul 30, 2024 • 16:25

From Ouch to Okay: Helping Kids Cope With Pain

In this episode we explore effective strategies to help children understand and manage pain. How to comfort your child. The role empathy plays. And practical tips for you as a parent to make these difficult moments more manageable.   Listen For: 3:50 The Impact of Media on Children’s Empathy and Pain Perception 19:26 The Role of Parental Reactions in Children’s Pain Management 30:27 Encouraging Empathy Through Shared Reading 21:43 Practical Tips for Managing Pain in Children   Guest: Sarah Wallw

Jul 23, 2024 • 37:48

REPLAY - The Four Personality Temperaments

This is a REPLAY of episode 81 first published in November 2023. Kate discusses the four personality temperaments of children: choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic. She explains these temperaments are innate and can greatly influence a child's behaviour. Understanding these temperaments can help parents tailor their approach to their child's unique needs and strengths, fostering a more positive and effective parenting experience. Listen For 4:38 The Choleric Temperament 8:17 The Sangu

Jul 16, 2024 • 21:13

REPLAY - Unlocking Effective Communication Between Teens and Parents

This is a REPLAY from episode 77 first published in October 2023. It’s so important for parents to have effective communication with their teenagers and using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can help. Kate and guest Jeanine Mouchawar discuss how understanding your own and your teen's personality type can improve communication and reduce conflict. Jeanine shares a five-step process for effective communication: calming oneself before a conversation, stating observations without judgement, g

Jul 9, 2024 • 40:56

REPLAY - ME/CFS – The Forgotten Disease

This is a REPLAY of episode 51 from April 2023. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS as it’s known.   The World Health Organisation classified ME/CFS as a disease, not a psychological issue, back in the 1960’s but we still know so little about it. It’s a complex disabling disease affecting the brain, the muscles, and digestive, immune and cardiac systems. About 60,000 people in Australia are housebound or bed bound from ME/CFS. It’s become the forgotten disease, costing the

Jul 2, 2024 • 34:15

From Silence to Strength: How Family Secrets Shape Us

Can uncovering family secrets transform your life?   In this episode, Kate dives deep with TEDx speaker and author Michelle Scheibner, uncovering the profound impact of identity and family secrets.   Michelle shares her journey of loss, grief, and the quest for self-understanding, inspired by her memoir "Hush."   Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, they explore how our hidden histories influence our present, providing listeners with a thought-provoking exploration of the forces t

Jun 25, 2024 • 32:53

Who Am I? Understanding Identity Activation

Who are you really? What an intriguing and thought-provoking question. In this episode, Kate speaks with Michelle Scheibner, a TEDx speaker and author of the memoir "Hush." Michelle shares her journey from a secondary school teacher to a renowned identity activator, emphasizing the profound impact of personal branding. She explains how her exploration of narrative coaching, conversational IQ, and inherited family trauma shaped her unique approach to helping clients discover and leverage their tr

Jun 18, 2024 • 33:35

A Strength-Based Approach to Introversion

Being quietly confident is powerful.   In this episode, host Kate and guest Kate James explore the strength-based approach to introversion, emphasizing the importance of leveraging natural strengths over fixing weaknesses.   They discuss the significance of growth mindset, highlighting how adopting this perspective can lead to continuous improvement and resilience.   The conversation also delves into the concept of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP) and their connection to introversion, offering ins

Jun 11, 2024 • 30:04

The Silent Strength: Confidence for Introverts

Shhh.   In this episode of Parenting and Personalities, Kate Mason explores the world of introversion with guest Kate James.   They explore the unique strengths and challenges of introverts, debunking common myths and highlighting the importance of self-awareness and confidence.   Kate James shares her journey of embracing her introverted nature and offers practical advice for introverts to thrive in an extroverted world.   Listen For: 7:58 - Introverts in Social Settings 15:55 - The Role of Con

Jun 4, 2024 • 30:37

How Your Personality Impacts Your Exercise Routine

Ready to transform your fitness routine? It starts with understanding your unique personality. In this episode, Kate delves into the unique ways introverts and extroverts, intuitives and sensors, thinkers and feelers, and judgers and perceivers approach exercise. Whether you thrive on the camaraderie of group classes or find peace in solitary runs, understanding these tendencies can unlock a more enjoyable and effective fitness routine. With anecdotes, research, and practical tips, this episode

May 21, 2024 • 25:07

Laughing Matters: How Humour is Wired in Us

Laughter truly is the best medicine! In this episode, Kate dives into the fascinating world of humour and its effects on our mental and physical health. She explores various types of humour—from slapstick to satire—and how they resonate differently depending on our personality types, as described by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Kate illustrates how humour not only enhances our personal well-being and social bonds but also boosts our immune system and pain tolerance. Listen For: 3:02 - Humour

May 14, 2024 • 19:08

Beyond the Brain: Personality Insights in Neurodivergent Lives

What happens when neurodiversity intersects with the MBTI?   In this episode, Kate and guest Sam Young explore the relationship between MBTI personality types and neurodiversity. They explore how understanding traits like extroversion and introversion can impact the interactions and development of neurodiverse individuals, particularly children.   Kate and Sam highlight the importance of acknowledging and respecting unique brain functions, as they unpack the challenges and opportunities presente

May 7, 2024 • 30:59

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity reshapes our world.   In this episode, Kate explores the world of neurodiversity with guest Sam Young, a growth-minded educator and advocate for twice-exceptional learners.   They unravel the challenges and gifts that come with being neurodivergent—such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia—shedding light on the importance of understanding, embracing, and supporting diverse minds.   Sam’s own journey as a neurodivergent individual and his work with Young Scholars Academy brings insights i

Apr 30, 2024 • 42:43

How Your Personality Type Impacts Your Cooking

Nothing stirs the pot in the kitchen like different personalities. Kate dives into the kitchen with an insightful look at how our Myers-Briggs personality types shape our culinary styles. From her own spontaneous and often haphazard adventures in cooking as an ESFP, contrasted with her daughter's similar ESTP approach, to the meticulous ISTJ and innovative ENTJ methods of her friends, Kate explores the joys and mishaps of cooking through the lens of personality. She shares anecdotes that reveal

Apr 23, 2024 • 23:45

The Psychology of Spending: Why Your Personality Type Matters

Money talks, but what does it say to you?   Kate Mason delves into the complex relationship between personality and finances, exploring how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) sheds light on our financial behaviors.   She suggests that our upbringing shapes our approach to money, but it's our personality that often dictates our saving and spending patterns.   By examining the habits of different MBTI types, from the spontaneous spenders to the meticulous savers, Mason offers tailored strategi

Apr 16, 2024 • 23:04

The Perfect Melancholic: The Perfectionist in an Imperfect World

Dive into the world of the perfect melancholic! This episode of Parenting and Personalities is a compelling exploration of the meticulous and thoughtful melancholic temperament. Kate breaks down how these detail-oriented individuals operate, illuminating their potential for both profound strength and unnecessary stress. Whether it's their penchant for pessimism that surprisingly leads to frequent positive experiences, or their struggle with imperfection that can spiral into frustration, this epi

Apr 9, 2024 • 20:58

DISC Dynamics: Empowering Leaders and Teams

Unlock the power of personality in the workplace with DISC. Kate and guest Kate Russell dives deep into how understanding DISC profiles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance—can significantly enhance team collaboration and conflict resolution. Exploring the nuances of each personality type, offering insights on how leaders and teams can foster a more harmonious and efficient work environment. They reveal how adapting communication styles and acknowledging individual strengths can lead

Apr 2, 2024 • 33:07

Turning Conflict into Connection: A New Perspective

Conflict isn't just chaos; it's a catalyst for growth.   Kate explores the art of conflict resolution with expert Kate Russell, peeling back the layers of why conflict scares us and how it can actually forge stronger connections. They explore the roots of conflict in personal experiences, the critical role of empathy, and the transformative power of reframing confrontations as opportunities.   Russell, with years of expertise in mediation, unveils practical strategies for addressing workplace di

Mar 26, 2024 • 29:23

The Quiet Strength: Embracing the Phlegmatic in the Workplace

Unlock the secret to a harmonious workplace with phlegmatic personalities. Kate dives into the phlegmatic temperament, revealing how this steady and reliable personality type can be a bedrock of stability in a professional setting. She explores how their desire for peace and consistent environment makes them excellent in roles that require diplomacy and patient customer service. Yet, the tranquility of the phlegmatic can be a double-edged sword; their aversion to conflict and change may lead to

Mar 19, 2024 • 13:47

The Journey of Vicki Waller

This episode explores the inspiring life of Vicki Waller, a passionate educator with a profound commitment to children with learning differences.   Vicki shares her early experiences and revelations that shaped her approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of adapting to each child's unique needs rather than adhering to a single methodology. Her anecdotes reveal a career dedicated to innovation, advocacy, and a deep belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their learning chal

Mar 12, 2024 • 36:21

A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention

It’s a truth many parents may ignore.   In this compelling episode, Jessica Lahey, bestselling author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation takes us through her personal battle with addiction to spotlight the critical importance of honest conversations about substance abuse with our children.   Lahey emphasizes the need to sift fact from fiction in discussing the effects of drugs and alcohol on developing brains, setting clear boundaries, and providing accurate, age-appropriate in

Mar 4, 2024 • 40:34

The Gift of Failure for Both Parents and Kids

Jessica Lahey is a teacher, writer, and mother who believes it’s important to allow children to learn from their mistakes and failures. Jessica says when parents constantly intervene or rescue their children from consequences, they hinder their child's learning process and can result in dependent, emotionally stunted children who never learn to adapt to the world around them. She suggests parents should aim to foster their children's autonomy and competence, rather than misguided confidence. Lea

Feb 27, 2024 • 36:53

Planning Playtime for Kids

Play is important. It helps in a child’s development and can strengthen bonds between children and caregivers.   In this episode Kate and Amy Nielson of Planning Playtime talk about play. Amy shares her unique upbringing in a family of 12 children, where she was homeschooled and often had to teach herself. She talks about her work in creating resources for parents and teachers to make learning fun for young children.   Amy emphasizes the importance of both structured and free play, and how her p

Feb 20, 2024 • 31:08

Understanding the INTJ on the MBTI

A few years ago Josh Hubbard was a physically active, and mentally fit young man in his 20’s. He got up one morning and felt a fairly strong headache but figured he was dehydrated. Hours later it became apparent he’d suffered a stroke. For a time he’s lost complete use of his left arm. And while he did recover, it was only through daily (hourly, minute by minute), painstaking activity.   Josh is an INTJ which stands for Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judgment. INTJs are known for their s

Feb 13, 2024 • 32:10

The Popular Sanguine Personality in the Workplace

Four out of five conflicts that happen in the workplace stem from misunderstandings about innate temperamental differences. Understanding the four temperaments can help.   In this episode we take a close look at the popular Sanguine. The life of the party, the one with all the enthusiasm, and the one that’s often the least organized and makes a mess.   In previous episodes we’ve had a look at the four temperaments overall in episode 81, and we’ve had a closer look at the Powerful Choleric in epi

Feb 6, 2024 • 12:58

Dr Victoria Waller on ADHD and Learning Strengths

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Waller discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing learning differences in children. Dr Waller emphasizes that parents often ignore signs of learning challenges in their children, hoping they will outgrow them. However, this usually doesn't happen and early intervention is crucial. She advocates for a different approach to learning for children with learning differences, focusing on their strengths and passions. She also discusses the importance of gettin

Jan 30, 2024 • 40:58

The Challenges and Realities of First-Time Parenthood

Rob Mason has a PhD in education and makes his living working with professional sports coaches on how to communicate better. Communication is his thing… it’s how he makes his living. Then along came Ned, his newborn. And Rob had to learn a whole new style of communication. In this episode Rob shares his experiences of applying his communication knowledge to his family life. Kate and Rob discuss the importance of open communication and support between partners during the transition to parenthood,

Jan 23, 2024 • 25:35

Decoding Feedback: How Personalities Shape Our Responses

There’s been lots of study on how to give feedback effectively but very little on how people receive it.   That’s a pretty important piece of that puzzle.   In this episode Kate chats Sports Rob Mason who is a coaching development manager with the Port Adelaide Football Club. He coaches the coaches.   How people respond to feedback (and how they absorb it) varies according to personality type. From extroverts who thrive in group discussions to introverts who favour one-on-one interactions, and f

Jan 16, 2024 • 27:30

The Powerful Choleric Personality in the Workplace

About 80% of conflicts, whether in the workplace or elsewhere, stem from misunderstandings about innate temperamental differences.   In this episode, we dig into the four temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic but give specific focus to the Powerful Choleric.   The choleric is often a misunderstood personality but it often shapes leadership, decision-making, and workplace relationships.   Listen For These Insights on the Choleric: 9:43 Natural Leader with a Need for Change

Jan 9, 2024 • 18:40

FEED DROP – A Look at the Personality Traits of Some in History Who Had Influence

This week we’re highlighting an episode in which Kate was the guest in the form of a Feed Drop. It’s an episode by the podcast Stories and Strategies first published in May of 2022.   The podcast is hosted by Doug Downs and Kate is the special guest looking at historical influencers and analyzing their personalities using the MBTI. People such as Abraham Lincoln, Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Henry VIII, and even Adolf Hitler. What were the unique traits and aspects of their personalities that

Jan 2, 2024 • 28:16

Health Risks Associated with Common Household Fragrances and Chemicals

Tracey Fry and Joanne Ling are sisters. In this episode they share with Kate their personal experiences of health issues, such as migraines and skin reactions, triggered by exposure to strong scents and chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, and even new clothes.   They also discuss the potential link between these chemicals and more serious health conditions, such as thyroid issues and fertility problems. They recommend a more natural, additive-free lifestyle is needed beginning with people

Dec 26, 2023 • 26:45

Helping Parents Unpack the Effects of Food Additives

Food additives have an enormous impact on us. Preservatives, and colourings affect our health and behaviour.   In this episode Kate shares her personal experience of eliminating these from her family's diet and seeing immediate improvements in their health. Guests Tracey Fry and Joanne Ling, creators of Additive Free Lifestyle, also share their experiences and discuss the importance of understanding what is in our food. They highlight the significant profits made by the food additive industry an

Dec 19, 2023 • 35:28

The Parent and the Sleep-Deprived Teen

During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant development, likened to upgrading from a dirt road to a paved freeway. However, this process can be hindered by sleep deprivation, which can lead to increased risk-taking, impulsivity, and exacerbation of mental health issues. In this episode Lisa L. Lewis suggests making sleep a family priority, modeling good sleep habits, and having ongoing conversations about the importance of sleep. She also recommends assessing the factors that may be cont

Dec 12, 2023 • 35:39

Parenting Mistakes

Mistakes are normal, even unavoidable when it comes to parenting. In this episode Kate connects with several friends whose kids have all grown up now to share personal stories of their parenting mistakes, such as being overprotective, solving problems for their children, and being too harsh. They also discuss the lessons they've learned from these mistakes, such as the importance of self-reflection, empathy, flexibility, and resilience. Mistakes are a natural part of parenting and can be used as

Dec 5, 2023 • 17:31

Speaking Your Child’s Love Language

In this episode Kate discusses the concept of love languages and how they can be used to strengthen relationships, particularly within families. She explains that love languages, as introduced by Gary Chapman, are the ways in which individuals express and receive love.   The five love languages are affirmations, gifts, acts of service, quality time, and physical touch. It’s important to understand and respect each family member's love language, as it can greatly impact their feelings of being lo

Nov 28, 2023 • 21:18

Parental Support and Individual Empowerment in Overcoming Eating Disorders

For Chanel Kenner, her lifelong dedication to developing a health and sustainable relationship with food began very personally. She needed to make some serious life changes and understand those were changes she would live with daily, for the rest of her life.   Today Chanel is a dietician who helps clients understand the concept of diet, which can have both positive and negative implications depending on individual interpretations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that diet refers

Nov 21, 2023 • 35:55

The Four Personality Temperaments

Kate discusses the four personality temperaments of children: choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic. She explains these temperaments are innate and can greatly influence a child's behaviour. Understanding these temperaments can help parents tailor their approach to their child's unique needs and strengths, fostering a more positive and effective parenting experience.   Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click   Listen For 4:38 The Choleric Temperament 8:17 The Sanguine Tem

Nov 14, 2023 • 21:13

A Mother’s Guide to Expanding a Child’s Food Choices

Why are kids so fussy around food? Are their taste buds different?   In this episode Dr Samantha Goldman, an occupational therapist and feeding therapist, discusses the sensory fears that children can have around food. She explains that disliking the taste of foods is usually the first assumption parents make, but the sensory fear of food also involves how the food looks, feels, smells, and possibly the noises associated with it.   She suggests parents should try to understand their child's sens

Nov 7, 2023 • 32:29

A Different Take on Helping Children Sleep

Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Chris Winter discusses the importance of sleep for children and how societal expectations can impact sleep patterns. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking sleep education, as he believes mainstream approaches may be causing more harm than good. He introduces the concept of sleep identity, pointing out that societal expectations around sleep can inadvertently plant seeds of anxiety and false narratives in children's minds.   Further into the discussion, Chris sh

Oct 31, 2023 • 42:32

Sweet Dreams: The Myths and Realities of Sleep for Busy Moms

Dr Chris Winter is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist and neurologist. In this episode Kate and Chris discussion common sleep issues including insomnia and sleep apnea, and the importance of sleep hygiene.   Chris explains the stages of sleep and how they affect your health and wellbeing. And he explains some very common misconceptions such as “I didn’t sleep at all last night.” Yes, you did.   Guest: Dr Chris Winter Website | Email | Check out Chris’ podcast Sleep Unplugged @drchriswin

Oct 24, 2023 • 30:04

Unlocking Effective Communication Between Teens and Parents

It’s so important for parents to have effective communication with their teenagers and using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can help. Kate and guest Jeanine Mouchawar discuss how understanding your own and your teen's personality type can improve communication and reduce conflict. Jeanine shares a five-step process for effective communication: calming oneself before a conversation, stating observations without judgement, getting curious about the teen's feelings, validating their feeling

Oct 17, 2023 • 40:56

Unlocking Deeper Connections With Your Child Using the MBTI

Understanding personality types can help improve parent-child relationships. Kate Mason uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to explain how different personality types communicate and solve problems.   She answers two common questions from parents: one about a child who is always questioning and angry, and another about a child who is always late with homework.   Kate explains understanding the child's personality type can help parents adjust their approach to these issues. She also provi

Oct 10, 2023 • 22:41

A Cuppa With Kate n Tray – MBTI Procrastination Tendencies

Procrastination. From a lack of motivation to perfectionist tendencies, poor time management skills, and the allure of more enjoyable activities. In this episode we uncover why we often putt off tasks.   With guest Tracy Noon we also discuss how feeling overwhelmed and the presence of distractions can further fuel our procrastination.   What to Listen For 3:10 – Procrastination and personality types 16:34 – The perceiving child and procrastination 20:05 – Finding joy in organizing   Guest: Tracy

Oct 3, 2023 • 27:19

A Cuppa With Kate n Tray – How Myers Briggs Personality Types Handle Stress

With cuppa firmly in hand, Kate and Tracy explore how different personality types, as defined by the MBTI preferences, react to and manage stress.   They dive into the stressors and coping mechanisms for extroverts and introverts, thinkers and feelers, as well as judges and perceivers, with a focus on understanding your personality type and its impact on how you deal with stress.   Guest: Tracy Noon   Contact Kate: Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | XSee omnystudio.c

Sep 26, 2023 • 22:45

What’s Your Preferred Style of Motivation?

Motivation. It’s crucial staying motivated as a parent and motivating our kids. But each person is different. In this episode, Kate and Lori Oberbroeckling explore distinctions between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, shedding light on the internal and external factors that influence our actions. Additionally, we explore five key motivation styles unique to your personality: The leader The achiever The team member The learner, and The winner Guest: Lori Oberbroeckling Lori is a wife and mom

Sep 19, 2023 • 29:36

Redefining the Idea of a Supermom

During the pandemic, Lori Oberbroeckling noticed some mums were handling the situation differently. It looks like they were really keeping it together while others looked like they were falling apart. Why did some mums feel like they were still in control? What were they doing differently? Why were they “Supermoms?”   Lori interviewed nearly 200 mums to get their insights and found the secrets of these supermoms were about balancing work, family and personal life in a different way. And she disc

Sep 12, 2023 • 30:50

Using the Enneagram to Find Your Parenting Superpower

Time for an episode with a unique twist.   We all have weaknesses. But what if we found out those weaknesses were actually our superpowers when it comes to parenting?   This episode navigates through the enneagram types, offering you a fresh perspective on your unique parenting style. From the introspective Type 4 discovering their exceptional ability to nurture a child’s creativity, to the determined Type 8 channeling their strength into fostering independence.   You have hidden talent that can

Sep 5, 2023 • 23:53

Enneagram – From the Inside Out

There was a moment in her life when Jackie Coban realized she was “showing up empty.” There was something missing in her social life, at work, in love, in friendships… and it was missing from within her.   She felt stuck in reaction mode. Then one day someone introduced her to the Enneagram tool. She checked it out and thought little of it. But the idea popped up again and began to stick. Now it’s a key part of her life.   In this episode Jackie shares a little about each of the nine types withi

Aug 29, 2023 • 33:37

Nurturing Independence: Raising a Strong-Willed Child

Parenting strong-willed children is all about understanding their unique traits and needs. Children who are strong-willed possess determined and independent natures with high self-confidence, persistence and a strong sense of their own preferences and opinions.   This episode explores why parenting these children can be challenging, particularly when parents themselves were strong-willed children.   Guest Sonali Vongchusiri is an expert in parenting strong-willed children. She emphasizes the imp

Aug 22, 2023 • 40:43

Already Toast – Coping with Caregiver Stress

It’s a universal reality that at some point in our lives, we all assume the role of caregivers. It’s a responsibility that can range from intermittent to intensely demanding.   Kate Washington shares her personal story of caring for her seriously ill husband who was diagnosed with a rate form of lymphoma. Their once normal existence was disrupted and Kate’s role as a mother and freelance writer transformed into that of a full-time caregiver.   Guest: Kate Washington Website https://www.kawashing

Aug 15, 2023 • 36:43

The Path to a Clutter-Free Life

They are common struggles. The challenges that come with decluttering and organizing your home effectively. Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of transforming your space? Kirsty Farrugia and her team at Curious Freedom are here to help.   Kirsty’s team are dedicated declutter coaches guiding people through the process of decluttering, organizing, and creating unique systems and habits that align with people’s desired lifestyles.   Making time for this episode will help you create space in your life

Aug 8, 2023 • 44:31

Unlocking the Parent-Child Personality Puzzle

It’s a common concern for parents feeling like their child doesn’t fit in or is just too different. There could be a problem. But when we dig deeper into that idea the disconnect is often more about a clash of personalities between the child and the parents, rather than an inherent issue.   In this episode, Kate, a skilled personality coach, sheds light into understanding and bridging the gap between parents and their unique children.   Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com  Kate’s website Kate

Aug 1, 2023 • 23:08

The 6,570 Days That Define Your Child’s Future

There are 6,570 days in the first 18 years of our children’s lives. When you think about it, this is how many days we have with our kids when we can call them “kids.”   In this episode we explore the significance of these days to ponder how best to utilize them to lay a strong foundation for your child’s future and beyond the next. We discuss essential elements that will empower them for life after they leave home and identify the ONE THING they need as a crucial prerequisite for success in our

Jul 25, 2023 • 31:38

The Secret to Successful Decision-Making: A Blend of Logic and Emotion

Have you ever struggled to communicate effectively with your coworkers, partner, or children, particularly on sensitive topics? Achieving group agreement and harmony can be challenging when dealing with diverse personalities.   In this episode Kate and her guest Robin Parsons explore the crucial aspects of open and respectful communication, encouraging individuals to express their ideas and concerns without fear of judgement. Active listening and empathy are essential tools to ensure everyone fe

Jul 18, 2023 • 34:42

Time… Out! Finding Time and Balance in Parenthood

This episode explores the universal struggle of never feeling like you have enough time as a parent. In a world where time seems to slip through our fingers, we delve into the profound impact of parenting our perception of time. We use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to look at how the feeling dimension plays a significant role in the parental time dilemma.   Grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let’s discover how to reclaim your time and nurture yourself on this parenting journey.

Jul 11, 2023 • 32:00

Why Labeling Things as Either “Good” or “Bad” is Bad

On the one hand teaching our kids right from wrong is a key element of parenting. But if you accept there is another tier of behavioural decision-making that can be classified as Good and Bad, making that distinction for our kids is potentially harmful. In many cases what is good and what is bad is subjective. Is a quiet baby a “Good baby” with a “Good Parent”? Is speaking up in a socially awkward way “bad?” Defining Good and Bad for our kids can set parameters for what is or isn’t acceptable at

Jul 4, 2023 • 30:08

Perfectionism… How to Overcome it and Help Your Children do the Same

Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by setting extremely high standards for oneself. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with that, it can encourage us to go further, work harder, do more. But it can also cause us to be critical of our own performance, trigger fear and anxiety, and be a hinderance to our true potential.   Overcoming your own damaging perfectionist mindset is one thing, helping your children overcome theirs is another.   In this episode, specific tips to help us reach

Jun 27, 2023 • 30:36

A Cuppa With Kate n Tray – How to Recognize Introverted and Extroverted Children

Recognizing introverted and extroverted tendencies in children is crucial for understanding their needs and adapting our parenting styles accordingly. Extroverted children derive their energy and relaxation from social interaction, finding solace in the company of others. Introverted children are more likely to cherish time alone… time away from people including parents.   As outgoing parents, it’s important to recognize that our plans and activities might overwhelm the introverted child. At the

Jun 20, 2023 • 30:21

Teaching Families About Personality Types

Personality types affect your family dynamics. The ISTJ is typically the dutiful parent offering their kids consistency, routine, and organization. But the ESTP parent is usually more adaptable and able to go with the flow.   Understanding not just your own personality type but your partner’s and those of your children is important to keeping the home harmonious.   Guest: Sandra Etherington On Instagram Website https://familypersonalities.com/   Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com  Kate’s web

Jun 13, 2023 • 27:04

How to Manage Conflicts Between Your Children

Hey that mine. I saw it first. Too bad. Finders keepers. Losers weepers.   No need to even ask if this sounds familiar. It does. But there are ways to manage sibling rivalries. Actually understanding your children’s personality types and preferences can go a long way to keeping the peace.     Guest: Sandra Etherington On Instagram Website https://familypersonalities.com/ Read Sandra’s article "Navigating Sibling Conflict"   Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com  Kate’s website

Jun 6, 2023 • 31:48

A Cuppa With Kate n Tray – Travel… and Personality Types

When traveling do you prefer to be highly organized and structured? Loose and available for what catches your whim? Or somewhere in between.   It’s all good when it’s just you traveling. It gets complicated when you have traveling companions, particularly if they don’t share your preferences.   Guest Co Host: Tracy Noon   Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com  Kate’s website Kate’s book on Amazon Kate on LinkedInKate on FacebookKate on TwitterSee

May 30, 2023 • 27:40

Attachment Theory and the Importance of Early Brain Development

The most important tenet of Attachment theory is that young children need to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for normal social and emotional development.   But in a world where parents, not just teenagers, are constantly distracted by mobile apps, social media, email and text messages, how do we ensure our kids are ok? Guest: Megan Gallagher (PG Dip Teaching, M.Ed.) Ignite Your Spark Email: meg@meggallagher.nz https://www.meggallagher.nz/ Follow on FB: https://www.face

May 23, 2023 • 29:38

Is it Time Australia Banned Smacking Children?

More than 40 counties and territories around the world have banned the physical punishment of children. New Zealand is on the list, but not Australia. Less than 10% of children under the age of five are living in countries where corporal punishment at home is fully prohibited. For years, different studies have indicated smacking or spanking is linked with an increased risk of negative outcomes for children such as aggression, adult mental health problems, and does little to change undesirable be

May 17, 2023 • 28:11

Ode to Mother’s Day

In many ways the role of “Mother” has changed in the last couple decades. Since Mother’s Day was first conceived in the 1800’s, the role of mother can now be filled stepmothers, same sex couples, transgender mothers, gender neutral mothers, and fathers.   But in other ways “Mother” hasn’t changed at all. It is the person who, typically, bears the ultimate responsibility for the health and wellbeing of a child, and forges the child’s earliest and most powerful emotional bond. In this episode Kate

May 9, 2023 • 14:14

Haircut? I’d Rather Eat Brussels Sprouts

Think about the haircut from a young child’s perspective. They’re brought to a new place, sat in a tall chair and told to sit still. There’s a strange adult standing above them, holding a pair of scissors. They’ve probably already learned at home scissors are dangerous. They hurt if they get cut. How does the child know getting their haircut is actually painless? On top of this some kids genuinely have sensory issues. In this episode Kate talks with the hair stylist she’s known for 30 years, the

May 2, 2023 • 28:55

A Cuppa With Kate n Tra – Why Opposites Attract

You don’t need to be opposites to attract. Sometimes two very like-minded people with like-personalities people find mutual attraction. But it does seem odd that it’s often two people are not the same in many, many ways who find attraction. For example, why does the introvert find attraction in the extravert? Do they help them learn to speak up more and join the party? And why does the extravert fall for the introvert? Do they help them learn to listen and reflect? Kate and Tracy are coming at t

Apr 25, 2023 • 28:20

ME/CFS – The Forgotten Disease

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS as it’s known.   The World Health Organisation classified ME/CFS as a disease, not a psychological issue, back in the 1960’s but we still know so little about it. It’s a complex disabling disease affecting the brain, the muscles, and digestive, immune and cardiac systems. About 60,000 people in Australia are housebound or bed bound from ME/CFS. It’s become the forgotten disease, costing the health system in the country $15.5 Billion annua

Apr 18, 2023 • 34:15

The Joys (and Minefields) of Grandparenting

Grandparents teach young children. They bring a special enthusiasm that helps a child grow. They teach them by sharing stories, traditions, conversation, reading… and time together. Many families rely on grandparents for trusted childcare, but many surveys also show many grandparents feel some level of disagreement or tension about approaches to childcare. And many also say the job of caregiving is tiring. In this episode Kate talks with several grandparents about what they love about the role,

Apr 10, 2023 • 18:41

When Your Child is Suicidal – One Family’s Story

Cindy and Brian in their 30’s when they became parents so they thought they were ready to handle pretty much anything it brought them. They weren’t. In High School their son was honest with them, he was having suicidal feelings… constantly. Local professionals didn’t seem able to help. Frantic, Cindy took to sleeping at the foot of her son’s bed in case he got up in the night “and wanted to make a bad decision.” Finally, they found a residential treatment centre that specialized in Dialectical B

Apr 4, 2023 • 40:01

Easter Traditions – Old & New

What does Easter mean to you? For some it’s a devout and important part of the Christian faith. For others it’s a tradition that developed in the northern hemisphere to mark the coming of Spring. And for others, it’s about chocolate! In this episode Kate roams the neighbourhood talking with friends about how they grew up marking Easter, and what they do now. Note - maybe not the best episode for little bunny ears Contact: thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com  Kate’s website Kate’s book on Amazon Kate o

Mar 28, 2023 • 17:51

A Cuppa With Kate and Tra – Of Intraverts and Extroverts

Growing up and understanding your place and your voice in this world isn’t easy. A personality trait tool that can help people understand and codify themselves is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).For example, Tracy Noon was an introverted child in a family mixed with introverts and extroverts. She always found it was tough to get her voice heard. By the time she’d though through what she wanted to say, the conversation had moved on.Kate was an extroverted child in an introverted family. Bo

Mar 21, 2023 • 25:27

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Children need boundaries. Well we all need boundaries. Boundaries, essentially, are a form of self care. They create clear guidelines/rules/limits of how people should be treated. Boundaries honour our needs and wants so we feel respected and safe. They build self-esteem, help bring focus, enhance mental health, and develop independence.In this episode – the benefits of boundaries with our children.Guest: Kari Sutton, Author, Researcher, Parent EducatorKari has helped over 25,000 parents, educat

Mar 14, 2023 • 26:36

Teaching Our Kids to Fail Successfully

No one likes to fail and no one wants to see their kids fail. But failure plays an important role in life. It helps us learn, grow, and develop resilience. It allows us to develop a growth mindset and build confidence.In this episode Kate talks with Kari Sutton who has worked with thousands of parents and educators to plant the seeds of resilience and emotional wellbeing in kids.Guest: Kari Sutton, Author, Researcher, Parent EducatorKari has helped over 25,000 parents, educators, and others who

Mar 7, 2023 • 36:03

Tuning In To Our Kids (and Getting Help Doing That)

Tuning in to Kids® (TIK) is a suite of parenting programs that focus on the emotional connection between parents/carers and their children, from pre-schoolers to teens. The evidence-based programs have proven success in improving parenting, parent-child relationships and children’s emotional competence and behaviour. They began in 1999 as group sessions but with the pandemic have successfully made the shift to online training which means the programs are available to everyone.To date, more than

Feb 28, 2023 • 23:55

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions for Problem Solving

Imagine you live downstream from a factory that makes widgets. You keep seeing widgets in the river near where you live. Your natural solution to this problem would be to go upstream to the factory, make them aware of the problem, and insist or help them fix it.We don’t do that with our children. Instead, to solve behavioural issues we often resort to spankings, detentions, timeouts, suspensions, even restraint.Collaborative & Proactive Solutions is an evidence-based model of psychosocial treatm

Feb 21, 2023 • 29:19

Learning Real Communication With Your Kids

Imagine your child still hasn’t cleaned their room although you’ve asked them to numerous times. You probably don’t need to imagine. You remind them again, this time in a stronger tone, perhaps even demanding. And they either don’t or they do but the communication between you is strained.Another approach to this might be the “Curiosity Approach.” Your child doesn’t care about a clean room, they care that it’s THEIR room. They care about the ownership of it. So imagine interacting with your child

Feb 14, 2023 • 31:43

Floortime For Children With Autism And Other Developmental Differences

Dr Stanley Greenspan was a specialist in children’s social / emotional health. He proved it’s our social and emotional systems that drive childhood development. Not just our emotional health but also our neurological and physical health. Dr Greenspan went on to create a model to identify what social / emotional health is.His son Jake became involved as he became older and started his career as a teacher working with children who had developmental challenges. Jake saw that the systems in place to

Feb 7, 2023 • 31:32

Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions?

Much maligned are New Year’s resolutions. But that overall idea of setting time aside to plot life goals, specifically goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely, is a good one.In this episode Kate and guest Tracy Noon talk through the ideas of goal setting at year-end, and how that concept may or may not work for specific personalities.Guest: Tracy NoonContact:thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com Kate’s website Kate’s book on Amazon

Dec 27, 2022 • 31:52

Santa… Is It Time Parents Told Children the Real Story?

When it comes to Christmas… and your kids… and Santa... Do you believe in magic? Or do you believe honesty should prevail?In this episode Kate checks in with several previous guests to learn their family traditions and preferences when it comes to Santa and kids. Ho Ho Ho?or No No No?Guests:Caitlin SamsonEvangeline MantziorisRebecca EnglishSara BestSarah Wallwork Stephanie PintoDoug DownsContact:thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com Kate’s website Kate’s book on Amazon

Dec 20, 2022 • 27:02

Gifts, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

There's nothing like giving or receiving a gift where the first words that come to mind are “Is this returnable?”Gift giving is actually pretty hard. You need to know the person. What do they like? Dislike? What do they use? Do they like practicality in a present? Romanticism?In this episode Kate chats with family members and some close friends to understand their favourite gifts received… and their worst.Guests: Camille AustinJack Mason (Kate’s son)Cassie Mason (Kate’s daughter)Mary Ann Lomax

Dec 13, 2022 • 17:35

Coping Skills for Stress and Anxiety

They’re different things stress and anxiety. In general stress is a response to an external cause, anxiety is a person’s reaction to stress – it’s internal.The most important thing is to recognize the signs of anxiety in your children and in yourself. In this episode Kate talks with emotional intelligence parent coach and paediatric anxiety therapist Stephanie Pinto.Guest: Stephanie PintoWebsite https://www.stephaniepinto.com/Stephanie’s blog Kate was recently on Stephanie’s show. Have a listen

Dec 6, 2022 • 33:22

Using Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to Bring Back Calm and Connection with Our Kids

What are you feeling right now… and why?Such a simple question but a complex answer and even more elaborate is the way our emotions and our reactions impact those around us.Emotional Intelligence or EQ is the ability to understand, use, and manage your emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.This episodes, guest, Stephanie Pinto, helps parents bring back calm and connection with their kidsGuest: Stephanie PintoWebs

Nov 29, 2022 • 29:21

Powerful Parenting – How to Communicate Effectively With Your Children

The trickiest times for communication with our children are when we’re stressed or angry. What’s happening during those moments in our brains? What’s happening inside our child’s brain?Sarah Best joins Kate to talk about effective communication, how to be both firm and kind, how to offer ideas to our children, and even how to say “No” effectively.Guest: Sarah BestSigned book purchases for NZ customers onlySarah’s WebsitePowerful Parenting CoachingContact:thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com

Nov 22, 2022 • 25:56

Changing the World is Child’s Play

Freely chosen play is when a child decides and controls their play following their instincts, imagination, and interests. No adult leadership. No right or wrong way to play. Just play.Play improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people (little secret, it helps adults too). It is play that helps children develop confidence, self-esteem, physical fitness, agility, and social skills like exploring their feelings and how to express themselves.In this

Nov 15, 2022 • 29:44

To Home School Or Not to Home School?

Advocates can find the advantages; critics can easily point out the flaws. In the wake of the COVID experience, more parents are choosing the path of home education (that’s the preferred term). While a precise definition differs, there are some key elements to home education that separate it from distance education and pandemic schooling.In this episode, Kate talks with Rebecca English, a senior lecturer in the School of Teacher Education & Leadership in the Faculty of CI, Education & Social Jus

Nov 8, 2022 • 34:31

Does Everyone Have Food Intolerances These Days?

Any restaurant food server will tell you/ Table of four? Four different food intolerances and allergies. One is gluten free, the other is dairy free, another might be a vegetarian or allergic to nuts, or something else.Food intolerances are different from allergic reactions, they don’t involve the immune system. In this episode Kate talks with Dr Evangeline Mantzioris from South Australia University. She’s dedicated a lifetime to understanding food intolerances, whether they’re really increasing

Nov 1, 2022 • 26:10

Tips for Building Kids’ Resilience After Minor Injuries

Your son trips and grazes his knee. Your daughter bumps her head on the table. There’s that moment of silence before the tears flow. Often, they sneak a glance at you for your reaction. Do you make a fuss? Or tell them to “walk it off”?  Sarah Wallwork is a physiotherapist and clinical pain neuroscientist at the University of South Australia. She and her team in Adelaide conducted a study asking 18 international experts from child health, psychology, development, resilience, as well as parents a

Oct 25, 2022 • 30:12

A Parent’s Guide to Good Food and Diet For Their Kids

Our kids are going to grow up just like us – sick and tired of being sick and tired.Digestive wellness, chronic wellness, food intolerances – these can all begin when we are children. As parents we can help our kids get the best start.In this episode Kate talks with Caitlin Samson, a Clinical Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist with over ten years experience in the health and wellness field. Guest: Caitlin SamsonCaitlin has a master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition and another in Exerci

Oct 18, 2022 • 34:16

Dear Addy – #DadLunchNotes to His daughter

In August 2017, Chris Yandle wrote a short little note to his grade 8 daughter and slipped it into her backpack.“Dear Addy, treat everyone like they are the most important person you’ll ever meet. Love Dad.”She liked the note, so he kept writing them.“Dear Addy, right is right, even if no one does it. Wrong is wrong even if everyone does it. Right isn’t always going to be popular but it’s better than wrong. Love Dad.”“Dear Addy, you’re a diamond, dear. No one can break you. Love Dad.”The notes h

Oct 11, 2022 • 38:02

Does Your Child Prefer Structure? Or Going With the Flow?

The MBTI can be a useful tool for understanding and even raising our children. Just like us they have preferred personality tendencies. Some children fall under the J for Judging. They prefer structure. Others fall under the P for Perceiving. They prefer feelings and emotion.Overall, most children are balanced but understanding their preferred or initial tendency can help you understand your children a lot.In this episode Kate continues her conversation with Jan Terkelsen who has used the MBTI t

Oct 4, 2022 • 21:07

The Different Personalities That Make a Family

Dr Seuss once wrote “You are the youiest you.” It’s a great phrase reinforcing there is no one else completely like you. In our relationships we forget that sometimes. We expect our children and partners to be as excited as us about something or respond just as quickly (or slowly) as we had hoped. But they too are the “youiest,” versions of themselves.For our spousal, parenting, and even friendship relationships to success, we need to embrace how people naturally are.In this episode Kate talks w

Sep 27, 2022 • 24:02

Attention Deficit and Digital Therapeutics

Attention is critical to children in the development of cognitive skills – it’s the development of their ability to process sensory information which leads to better memory, problem solving, and general thinking. It makes sense “Attention” needs to be regarded like vision or hearing.Attention training has been around for years, but a new method is emerging that’s having success. Digital therapeutics – Licensed professional counselors available more often, accessible from your home (just like a h

Sep 13, 2022 • 29:39

Creating Good Family Habits

Every habit you have, good or bad, follows the same three-stage pattern. First, something reminds you have an action you’ve taken before which triggers the habit. Second is the route of the action – you’ve done this before; you can anticipate the reward. And third is the reward itself which create future anticipation.  With a bad habit that could unfold as you walk by the cupboard, spy a bag of chips, decide to just have a couple but end up eating half the bag. Replace that with a good habit and

Aug 30, 2022 • 29:30

Persuading Family Members by Understanding Their Personalities

Persuasion is important in our relationships, particularly with family. If we have no say, we're forced to go along with what others want all the time. And finding a happy blend is always possible if we listen and share. In this episode Kate talks with Peter Daniels, a natural-born salesman. Peter shares a positive approach to sales that builds relationships.Guest Peter DanielsWith 40+ years business and sales experience, Peter is head of Lead Australia, a specialist Personal and Business Develo

Aug 16, 2022 • 25:46

Does Your Job Suit Your Personality Type?

Bel found her expression through Art Therapy only after a career that began with an interest in film making but then evolved into working with youth in schools and women in children in paediatric and palliative care.Art Therapy became the perfect tonic for her mixing personal passion with a profession that makes a difference.Bel finds some to who enroll in her art therapy classes have little confidence in their artistic abilities – but they’re often the ones who need precisely that kind of thera

Aug 2, 2022 • 33:47

Avoiding and Responding to Child Tantrums

The imaginary door on the imaginary fire truck won’t open.You cut the toast… wrong.The cat cheated to win the game.These are some of the things toddlers have tantrums over. Most young children have tantrums and they aren’t an indication your parenting skills are lacking. You can try to prevent them by observing your child’s emotions and helping them reduce stress but when it comes to reacting? Well that’s the trickiest part. In this episode Kate talks with Maryann Lomax with some strong ideas on

Jul 19, 2022 • 17:23

How Parents Can Help Their Children Be More Resilient

We want them to be strong. We want them to succeed, to be self-aware, optimistic and calm under stress. We want them to know the difference between they’ve bumped their elbow and when they really need to ask for help.Teaching our kids to be resilient will help them now and forever as they grow into strong adults, and maybe help their own kids learn resilience some day to succeed in the WorldIn this episode Kate talks with Maryann Lomax about ways to help our kids learn resilience, and maybe a fe

Jul 5, 2022 • 21:48

Five Parenting Styles Identified in Child Psychology

These are the Five Parenting Styles currently used in Child Psychology today based on the work of Diana Baumrind, and Stanford researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin. The Supporting and Nurturing parent. The Authoritarian parent. The Permissive parent. The Disengaged or Uninvolved parent. The Overinvolved or “Helicopter” parent.  These are the five styles identified by child psychologists. Of course, we all think we’re the supporting and nurturing parent… most of the time… If we’re honest t

Jun 21, 2022 • 21:09

Break the Patterns of Life Like an ENFP

Normy sure knows how to live. He grew up in Canada, well no it was the United States, but then Canada again, then Europe, then the Middle East, then Korea, then Australia…While most of us find a comfortable rhythm to what we’re doing that kind of lifestyle where you’re always changing thing does sound kind of … exotic? It appeals most to a certain personality type – an ENFP.In this episode Kate talks with her pal Normy who dared to imagine living the kind of life he really wanted to live. Even w

Jun 7, 2022 • 23:13

Are You Doing the Most You Can to Help Your Child Learn?

One of the easiest ways to do this is to understand yourself, how you learn, and how your child learns. In this episode Kate continues her conversation with New Zealand’s Karen Tui Boyes about how she helps parents in their role to encourage their kids in lifelong learning. We’re not all built the same and once we understand one another’s personal preferences, magic can happen.Guest: Karen Tui BoyesKaren is a former teacher and now an international speaker based in New Zealand. But her love for

May 24, 2022 • 31:39

Teach Me the Way I Want to Learn

Learning Styles. Lots has been written about these and you’ve probably read more than a few articles about them.For teachers, learning styles of their students is critical for the success of their students. Same goes for parents and their children. In this first episode of two parts, Karen Tui Boyes shares nine ideas for how you can help your student, or child, do better in school – ideas that align with their personal preferences for learning.Guest: Karen Tui BoyesKaren is a former teacher and

May 10, 2022 • 28:44

How Do Your Behaviours Affect Others… and You?

The Four Temperaments. Almost sounds like a popular Motown group from the 60’s doesn’t it? It’s a actually a proto-psychological theory the Greek physician Hippocrates to describe personality types.Melancholic personalities are precise, conscientious, and cautious. They make good surgeons.Phlegmatic personalities are steady and supportive. Calm and unflappable in a crisisSanguine personalities are influential and inspiring. They bring personality to the table.And Choleric personalities are the p

Apr 26, 2022 • 19:42

How Do We Behave When Adversity Strikes?

Grace under pressure. What a skill to have.  Some people have it, many don't. When life throws you a curve how do you respond?  Stress impacts us all differently. And stress, handled the wrong way, is difficult and in some cases, dangerous. In this episode of Personalities Parenting and Partners, host Kate Mason discusses how to navigate life's landmines, without lasting or devastating repercussions. Remember, it's a skill, and just like any other skill, it needs to be refined, reworked and some

Apr 12, 2022 • 49:03

Do You Have a Book in You?

We ALL have a story to tell.We all have a story in us.  Our story. But, putting pen to paper, or really, putting fingertips to keyboard, isn't easy. In fact, it's work.That said, crafting a manuscript can be one of the most rewarding things you could ever do.In this episode of Personalities, Parenting and Partners, host Kate Mason introduces us to Kelly Irving. She takes listeners on a journey of life, laughs and the written word. And how to manage your manuscript. Guest Kelly IrvingBIOKelly Irv

Mar 29, 2022 • 45:03

Leaning Into Your Character Strengths and Virtues

Why wouldn't you "play" your strongest card in the game of life?  Of course you would!But, here's the thing... do you know exactly what card that is ?  That's the real trick.Leaning into your character strengths and virtues is something all of us should be doing.In this terrific episode of Personalities, Parenting and Partners, host Kate Mason speaks with Stephanie Noon, a former public relations professional, turned parent, turned Life Coach.Together they take listeners on an impactful journey

Mar 15, 2022 • 27:41

Coaching or Advice, Be Careful What You’re Saying!

It’s a landmine.  A language landmine.  We're talking about the difference between advice and coaching.  For example, how many times have you said or heard these words…  “I don’t want your advice, but I sure could use some coaching.” Or visa versa. You can see the two just aren’t the same.  In this episode, Kate helps us navigate through the subtle, but strategic differences between offering coaching and giving advice. She explores the impact of identifying what advice or coaching sounds like a

Mar 1, 2022 • 35:16

The Importance of Personality Types in Sales

We are all in Sales. Whether your job requires you to sell goods or services or if your sales strategies are focused on selling ideas – we are all salespeople at different points in each day.The key to sales of course is knowing the needs of the person(s) you’re selling to, knowing your good, service, or idea, and making them match.Knowing the different personality types and their preferences through the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can make a world of difference in our success rate.In thi

Feb 15, 2022 • 38:12

Expectations Can Turn to Resentment

It can happen so easily. You have something in mind… whether it’s an event, an interaction or even leaving simple, like instructions for someone to follow. But when the result isn’t what you expect, then resentment can easily follow. It happens, right? In this episode of Personalities, Parenting and Partners, Host Kate Mason offers easy, effective, and memorable tips on how to reduce resentment when we explore the world of expectations.   Maree Burgess can be reached at: maree@mareeburgess.com

Feb 1, 2022 • 29:27

The Conflict of Dealing With Conflict

Is there a right way and wrong way of dealing with conflict? What do you think?  Of course there is. The problem with dealing with conflict is you’re likely in conflict when dealing with it. How’s that for chasing your tail? No matter how hard we try to avoid it or welcome it with open arms, conflict is part of life, right? In this episode of Personalities, Parenting and Partners host Kate Mason talks about the importance of awareness of personality type differences, especially in conflict. And

Jan 18, 2022 • 39:09

The Joys of Judging & Power of Perception

You’re easy going, light and lively and as carefree as they come. You’re daily planner changes with the wind. Who’s kidding who, you don’t have a daily planner.  But your partner is as detailed as an architect’s drawing. Everything daily chore meticulously managed and mapped out. In this episode of Personalities, Parenting and Partners host Kate Mason looks through the lens of J and P…. judging and perception. And explains how the two can not only survive, but thrive!  Sally Matthews can be reac

Jan 4, 2022 • 33:14

The Language of Love: The Sequel

We continue our discussion about a topic that’s worthy of a closer look. The fact is, if you and your partner want to take your relationship to a level that’s lasting, you need to know the languages of love, and what language each other speaks.In this episode of Personalities, Partners and Parenting, host Kate Mason continues her talk with Karen Tui Boyes. Together, they explore the skills in how to use the languages of love to the best of your ability.Guest: Karen Tui Boyes Contact:thepersonali

Dec 21, 2021 • 28:15

The Language of Love

You may know what love feels like, how it impacts you, how this powerful emotion takes you on a wild roller coaster ride of highs and lows. But do you know how to speak or use the various languages of love? Do you know what it looks and sounds like?In this episode of Personalities, Partners and Parenting, host Kate Mason talks about the Language of Love.  She explores the skills in how to use it and recognize it in you and in your partner. What language of love do you speak? Guest: Karen Tui Boy

Dec 7, 2021 • 27:25

Are you a Feeler or Thinker?

Life erupts, and you’re faced with a decision. Which lens are you looking through? What’s your 'go-to'? Are you a Feeler or are you a Thinker? It makes a big difference on the road to problem-solving, especially in a relationship. In this episode of Personalities, Partners and Parenting, host Kate Mason walks listeners through the process of how Feelers and Thinkers handle life’s landmines differently. Not right or wrong... just differently.  Guest: Ariana CannanContact: thepersonalitycoach@gmai

Nov 23, 2021 • 37:47

Why Are You Driving Me Crazy?

You’re practical, well, somewhat. Your partner is not, at least not as much as you’d like.  If opposites attract, why are you driving each other crazy and how is it you’re not able to connect when it comes to your thinking. In this episode, host Kate Mason looks at Sensing and Intuition. Depending on which category you fall under, will also depend on how you view the world.The question is, how do you ensure you’re in tune with the “other person’s views”, even though you may never really agree?Co

Nov 9, 2021 • 39:57

Where is Your Energy?

The reality is, many of the things you found attractive in your partner in the first phase of love...don’t last. The work begins in the next stage of the relationship. That’s how it works.In this episode of Personalities, Partners and Parenting, host Kate Mason says that depending on your energy, your outlook, even your approach, your next steps will vary. It all comes down to one question: Are you an extrovert or an introvert?Contact:thepersonalitycoach@gmail.com katemasonauthor.comgrammarfacto

Oct 26, 2021 • 29:39

The Power of Perception to Improve our Relationships

We perceive the world, and the people we know in it, in our own unique way. There are lots of social inputs such as our culture, our religion, our friends, what we engage with on social media, education, and our learned life biases. The truth is we’re not always right. We know that. But understanding our own innate personality, as well as the personalities of those we engage with, can help us create harmony in the places we work and live. In this episode, we look at the ways we communicate (beyo

Oct 12, 2021 • 20:35

The Egg Story

Have you heard of it? The Egg Story? It has nothing to do with the chicken or what came first. This story is about that powerful, impossible and life-changing emotion, we all call Love. And how that four-letter word...that feeling...that place...can scramble our thoughts, our behaviours...our everything. In this debut episode of Personalities, Partners and Parenting, your podcast host and author Kate Mason takes you through the first moments of love and what we do when we’re in it. And then remi

Sep 9, 2021 • 15:31