The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Welcome to the Empowered Parent Podcast! This is your space to grow your confidence and skills in communicating, interacting, and understanding your children—so you can become the empowered parent you are destined to be. In each episode, I speak with inspiring parents, therapists, and community leaders who truly understand the joys and challenges of parenting. Together, we explore a treasure trove of information and practical ideas for you to try at home. We cover topics like: Celebrating neurodivergence School readiness The power of play Managing behaviors with compassion Discovering your and your child’s unique profiles Stories of parents finding strength and purpose through their parenting journey This podcast is for all parents. It’s a place to build community and a sense of belonging—a space where you can ask questions, connect with others, and learn from experts who work with children every day. Our goal is to empower you to: Learn more about yourself as a parent Take time for your own growth and well-being Discover new tools and resources to raise happy, confident kids Nurture your self-confidence in parenting Let’s work together to make the world a better, more understanding, and compassionate place for everyone—young and old! Don’t forget to like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. I’d love to hear your topic suggestions and guest speaker ideas. Reach out via danabaltutis.com or join my Facebook community: My Therapy House And Friends Empowered Parent Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583062577433444 Let’s connect, grow, and thrive together!
Episodes
The journey we've been on together for 71 episodes is taking a thoughtful pause. After two years of deep conversations about neuroaffirming parenting, understanding our children's unique neurological wiring, and moving from compliance-based expectations to relationship-centered approaches, it's time for me to rest and refill my well.
Throughout our episodes, we've explored the intricate la...
"Knowledge is power" takes center stage in this eye-opening conversation with Caroline Mundy, Director of Tevey Loans – a mortgage broking business built on empowering clients through education and heart-led service. Caroline shares her journey from single mother of five escaping an abusive relationship to creating a thriving financial services business designed to help those who feel financially stuck or ov...
What if Mother's Day was never supposed to be about flowers and gifts at all? This special episode reveals the forgotten origins of Mother's Day in Australian hospitals, where Janet Hayden collected gifts for lonely mothers who had lost children to war—a far cry from today's commercial celebrations.
Beyond the greeting cards lies a profound truth: motherhood carries both extraordinary power and...
Navigating the complex world of early childhood education can feel overwhelming for parents. In this illuminating conversation with Neelam Khatri, a kindergarten teacher with a Master's degree in teaching, we uncover the hidden depths of what really happens in childcare settings and kindergartens across Australia.
Neelam shares her personal journey from Nepal to Australia, where she discovered her passio...
Kerry Herbert opens up about her 40-year journey as an early childhood teacher and her passionate belief in the power of play. With a twinkle in her eye and wisdom gained from decades of working with young children, Kerry shares why she considers play "the highest form of research," echoing Einstein's famous quote.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Kerry's ability to de...
Looking beyond conventional healthcare for your child can feel like navigating without a map. Where do you find practitioners who understand children need support for their body, mind, and spirit? How do you know which approaches might help your unique child thrive?
Rose Irranca, a social worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, faced this exact challenge. After adding neuro-linguistic p...
Masculine and feminine energies aren't just abstract concepts—they're powerful forces shaping our relationships, parenting approaches, and personal wellbeing. In this deeply insightful conversation with NLP Master Trainer Toni Everard, we explore how these complementary energies function like a battery within each of us, creating the vital polarity needed for energized, fulfilling lives.
Toni takes ...
Occupational Therapist Judy Au explores the holistic approach of pediatric OT, explaining how foundational skills underpin a child's ability to participate in daily activities and engage with the world.
• Occupational therapy supports children in all daily activities including play, social interactions, and self-care
• The DIR Floortime approach is relationship-based, considering each child's in...
What happens when you're the only speech pathologist for hundreds of kilometers? Meet Bethany Burrell, founder of Speak To Bee, who travels across 200 kilometers of rural Victoria supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. Her journey reveals the hidden struggle of families in remote communities facing five-year waiting lists, three-hour drives to specialists, and profound isolation.
Speech Pathologist Nikita Pinto reveals the critical pre-linguistic skills children need to develop before they can speak their first words. These foundation skills are essential building blocks that support all future communication development.
• Reacting to sounds and people in the environment forms the basis of listening and understanding
• Responding to people and turn-taking establishes the back-and-...
Could laughter be the most underrated therapy for both children and adults? Meet Annie Harvey, affectionately known as "the laughter therapist," whose journey from stressed caregiver to laughter yoga leader offers a fascinating glimpse into how simulated laughter can transform our neurological health.
Annie shares her powerful story of caring for her parents with dementia and discovering that three ...
Unlock the secrets to effective communication with children in this enlightening episode featuring speech pathologist Maria Radimissis. Journey with us as we explore the fundamental differences between traditional and developmental speech pathology, highlighting why a deeper understanding of children's individual needs can lead to transformative outcomes.
Maria shares her inspiring journey into speech pa...
Navigating the world of friendships and dating can be tough for anyone, but it poses unique challenges for neurodivergent teens and young adults. This episode brings light to the transformative "Steps to Connect" program, developed by Bindy Taylor and Dana, specifically designed to empower these individuals as they forge meaningful connections. By combining mindset coaching, relationship-building techniques,...
Imagine shifting from a life of constant hustle to one of fulfilling simplicity. In our latest episode, Sonia Taddeo returns to share her powerful journey of overcoming public speaking fears and embracing authenticity, all while spearheading her "33 steps" initiative. This project highlights the importance of taking small yet impactful actions for the betterment of our environment and society. Sonia's p...
Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Annmarie Chereso, a renowned parent coach and author, as she shares her incredible journey through life's toughest challenges. From navigating a tumultuous divorce during pregnancy to overcoming infidelity and addiction, Annmarie's story is a testament to resilience and personal growth. Through these trials, she learned to embrace chaos, surrender control, and see e...
Have you ever wondered how a career in government could transform into a successful journey in holistic wellness? Amanda Collings-Wells took that leap, motivated by a personal loss and a desire for a more meaningful path. In our conversation, Amanda opens up about her inspiring transition from a government agency worker to a thriving wellness entrepreneur. She shares her insights on overcoming fears and embracing part...
Unlock the secrets of keeping your family safe in the digital world with insights from our guest, Craig Clarke, a cybersecurity expert passionate about bridging technology and parenting. As children spend more time online for school and play, understanding cybersecurity beyond antivirus software is crucial. Craig shares practical advice for aligning school and home safety practices, from reviewing school cybersecurity...
Priya Senroy’s journey from aspiring astronaut to pioneering drama therapist is a tale of unexpected turns and transformative experiences. Join us on the Empowered Parent Podcast as Priya shares how her mother's transition from classical dancer to disability educator in India inspired her to harness creativity as a force for change. Through compelling stories, Priya reveals how creative arts therapy has evolved i...
What are the secrets to ensuring a smooth transition back to school for your child? Join us as we unlock the expert insights of Kerry Herbert, a seasoned early childhood educator, who guides us through the essential steps parents can take to support their little ones as they return from holiday breaks. From creating visual routines with photos to practicing daily sequences, we explore the practical strategies that can...
Could societal pressures be leading mothers down the path to burnout without them even realizing it? Explore this pressing issue with us as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Monica Sandercock, a life coach and co-founder of Magnificent Mindset. Monica opens up about her own emotional journey from being a Swedish backpacker to embracing motherhood and coaching in Adelaide, sharing the unexpected challenges of ...
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