Sense by Meg Faure

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we dive into the world of attachment-based parenting, a topic that has been gaining momentum in recent years. Joining Meg is Dr. Jenny Rose, a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for parent-child relationships and attachment. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Rose brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for any parent looking to build a strong, healthy relationship with their child. The Importance of Attachment Dr. Rose explains that attachment is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental aspect of parenting that has long-term effects on a child's mental health, academic success, and social relationships. She emphasizes that attachment is not just about being present, but about being attuned to a child's emotional cues and responding in a way that helps them feel safe and secure. Dr. Rose also highlights the importance of being "good enough" as a parent, rather than striving for perfection, which can actually create anxiety and detract from the attachment relationship. Breaking Intergenerational Patterns The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Rose shares an anecdote about witnessing a young mother struggling to connect with her child. She notes that this behavior is often a result of intergenerational patterns, where parents repeat the same behaviors they experienced in their own childhood. Dr. Rose stresses the importance of recognizing these patterns and actively working to break them, in order to create a more secure attachment with our own children. Practical Tips for Building Attachment For parents looking for practical advice, Dr. Rose offers valuable insights on how to build a strong attachment with their child. She emphasizes the importance of being present, putting away distractions like phones, and engaging in activities that promote emotional attunement. Dr. Rose also encourages parents to prioritize quality over quantity, recognizing that even small moments of connection can have a profound impact on a child's development. This episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, is a game-changer for parents seeking to build a strong, healthy relationship with their child. With Dr. Jenny Rose's expert guidance, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of attachment-based parenting and its long-term benefits. By tuning in, parents will learn how to break free from intergenerational patterns, cultivate emotional attunement, and create a secure attachment that will benefit their child for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to raise confident, resilient, and well-adjusted children.

On this week's episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we delve into the exciting 14-week stage of a baby’s life. This episode offers parents invaluable insights into routines, teething myths, and sleep strategies during the transition to month four. Meg Faure, a renowned occupational therapist and infant specialist, is joined by regular guest Julia. Together, they discuss Julia’s journey with her baby, Aurelia, exploring the joys and challenges of parenting through this developmental stage. Establishing Routines Meg and Julia dive into the importance of a flexible but consistent routine for three- to four-month-olds. They discuss how a well-balanced schedule can provide comfort for both parent and child. Bedtimes, day sleeps, morning wakings, and feeding schedules are explored in detail. By understanding these principles, parents can create predictability, which supports a smoother daily flow. Julia shares her routine with Aurelia, explaining how it brings structure and peace to their day. Debunking Teething Myths The episode addresses common misconceptions surrounding early teething, a frequent concern among parents of infants. Julia wonders if Aurelia is teething due to her red cheeks and discomfort. Meg clarifies that true teething rarely begins before six months. She discusses how early signs of teething, like red cheeks, are often misinterpreted. Instead, these signs could be linked to other developmental changes or sensory experiences. Preparing for the Four-Month Sleep Regression Meg introduces parents to the four-month sleep regression, a stage many find challenging. She explains that while daytime naps may remain short, there may be an increase in night wakings. Meg encourages experimenting with longer sleep stretches by minimizing nighttime responses and encourages self-soothing skills. Teaching babies to settle themselves at this stage can positively impact their future sleep patterns. Parenting in the "Gray" Areas Julia and Meg discuss the idea of “thriving in the gray,” where parenting is neither perfect nor predictable. Meg emphasizes that embracing flexibility and resilience is crucial for parents. By allowing room for uncertainty, parents can find peace in the ups and downs of the journey. This approach reminds listeners that occasional discomfort or unpredictability is natural for both parent and baby. This episode provides essential advice for navigating the unpredictable early months of parenting. Listeners gain practical tips on routines, understanding teething, and handling sleep regressions, helping them thrive with confidence. Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, this episode offers tools to create a more peaceful, balanced experience.

On this week’s episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we welcome back Annie Hamilton, a renowned speech pathologist and feeding specialist sharing some practical feeding tips. Annie joins Meg to discuss everything parents need to know about starting solids for their little ones. This episode is packed with insights on creating positive, engaging, and effective mealtime routines. Annie provides expertise on practical feeding approaches and shares essential tips to make your child’s weaning journey enjoyable and successful. With her background in both feeding and speech development, Annie offers a unique perspective that supports parents in understanding their child’s feeding needs holistically. Preparing for the Weaning Journey Annie explains the basics of introducing solids, stressing the importance of proper seating and setting realistic expectations. She describes the process of balancing traditional feeding approaches with baby-led weaning to support each child’s individual pace. Annie encourages parents to introduce a variety of textures and foods early on to promote adventurous eating. This balanced approach allows caregivers to incorporate both guided feeding and independence, building confidence in their little ones as they explore new foods. Social Eating and Family Mealtime Connection Annie highlights the importance of social interaction during mealtime and its role in a child’s development. Eating together, she says, offers children valuable opportunities to learn from observing others, especially during family meals. She also shares tips on creating positive connections with food through family routines and without screens at the table. Annie describes how these mealtimes strengthen family bonds and provide learning moments that extend beyond feeding. Feeding Challenges and When to Seek Help Acknowledging that not all feeding journeys are easy, Annie discusses common challenges such as picky eating and limited diets. She encourages parents to pay attention to red flags, like long feeding times, weight issues, or respiratory difficulties while eating. For these challenges, Annie recommends seeking support from health professionals to address both the child's and parents' needs. Practical Strategies for Parents Annie and Meg share practical tips, including sensory-rich experiences to engage children without relying on screens. Simple activities like music, storytelling, and descriptive language create meaningful interactions around food. Annie emphasizes that making mealtime engaging and low-pressure can help reduce feeding struggles. This episode offers parents invaluable guidance on starting solids and overcoming common feeding hurdles. Annie’s expertise reassures parents as they embark on this journey, emphasizing the importance of connection, patience, and trust. Whether you’re just beginning or facing mealtime struggles, this episode will inspire confidence and make mealtime moments with your child more enjoyable.

On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we explore the joys and challenges of early parenting, unpacking some crucial parenting tips. As Julia’s daughter Aurelia reaches 12 weeks, she joins Meg to discuss the realities of caring for a young infant. Together, they delve into early developmental milestones, feeding decisions, sleep patterns, and the unique journey of bonding with a baby. This episode provides a compassionate and practical look at navigating the first months of parenthood. The Joys and Milestones of Early Parenting Julia shares her experience of how joyful and heartwarming this phase of infancy can be. She describes how much Aurelia has grown since birth, delighting in her smiles and developing personality. Meg reflects on this tender phase, explaining that the first few months are a special bonding time. She notes how mothers often experience “primary maternal preoccupation,” feeling their baby is the most important and delightful person in their lives. This phase strengthens the parent-child bond, helping babies feel secure and cherished. Balancing Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Feeding decisions are a central theme as Julia shares her journey with bottle feeding. Initially, she transitioned from breastfeeding to bottle feeding when Aurelia experienced illness. Julia expresses the mixed emotions involved, balancing the freedom bottle feeding offers with the emotional attachment to breastfeeding. Meg reassures listeners, emphasizing that each parent’s feeding journey is unique. She notes how important flexibility and comfort are in making the best choices for both parent and baby. Tackling Sleep Challenges and Habits Meg and Julia discuss one of the greatest early parenting hurdles: sleep. Julia describes Aurelia’s recent sleep habits, including short naps that disrupt a restful routine. Meg provides guidance on managing sleep patterns, explaining the importance of establishing habits while avoiding overstimulation. She offers advice on how parents can gently teach babies to self-soothe, suggesting patience, consistency, and allowing room for natural development. This episode is an essential listen for new parents navigating the early months of infancy filled with fantastic parenting tips. Meg and Julia share relatable experiences, tips, and compassionate guidance on feeding, sleep, and development. By tuning in, you will gain insights that make this challenging phase feel more manageable and rewarding. Whether you're struggling with sleep routines or finding joy in baby milestones, this episode provides valuable support for your parenting journey.