Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting — Telling Them What You Need

She Snippets for  She Speaks Podcast Series 3 — Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting

Episode Overview
When you're going through something difficult—health battles, mental health challenges, overwhelming circumstances—how do you talk to your children about it? How much is too much? How little leaves them filling in the gaps with their imagination?

In this snippet, Delyse shares practical guidance on having age-appropriate conversations with your children about your own needs. Because children often know when something's wrong. They hear fragments of conversations. And silence doesn't protect them—it leaves them alone with their worry.

This Episode
Delyse shares 25 tips on being honest with your children about your own struggles—without overwhelming them. We explore:

• How to share
• Age-appropriate language
• Asking for help
• Creating space
• When they respond
• Modelling

Quotable Moments

"It is okay to not be okay. We're telling them that." — Delyse Clayden

"They often know when a parent isn't being truthful. They'll worry more if you keep things a secret." — Delyse Clayden

"No one expects you to be perfect—and it's in those imperfect moments that the learning occurs." — Delyse Clayden

"Crying is not a sign of weakness. It's one of the best gifts you can give yourself in order to process and to feel those emotions." — Delyse Clayden

About Your Hosts

Professor Narelle Lemon is a researcher, educator, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing based at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Creator of She Speaks and the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist project, Narelle has dedicated over 25 years to one powerful belief: self-care is not selfish—it's essential.

Delyse Clayden is an experienced educator, disability advocate, and mother of three. Specialising in Anxiety, Autism, and working with siblings, Delyse brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. Her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent living alongside additional needs allows her to connect authentically with families.

Connect With Us

•       Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

•       Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences and practical strategies, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.

She Speaks Podcast was recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. We respectfully acknowledge our elders past, present, and emerging.