Your Calm Parenting Path
Welcome to Your Calm Parenting Path—guiding you toward a more peaceful, connected, and confident approach to parenting.
Motherhood wasn’t supposed to feel this hard. If you’re tired of yelling, overwhelmed by the mental load, and wondering why you can’t just enjoy time with your kids like other mums seem to, you’re not alone. You love your children fiercely, but somewhere between school drop-offs, tantrums, and endless to-do lists, you’ve lost a piece of yourself.
I’m Nina, a mindful parenting coach and mum who gets it. I’ve been where you are—stuck, frustrated, and exhausted by constant feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm.
This podcast is for mums like you—women who want to parent with more patience, less stress, and a whole lot more joy. It’s about making small shifts that create a big impact, helping you build the parenting life you’ve always wanted.
In short, practical episodes, you'll discover actionable tips for calmer parenting, expert insights from those who work with children, real stories from parents who've made meaningful changes, and inspiration to reconnect with yourself while showing up as the mum you want to be.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by daily struggles or simply looking for a more mindful approach, each episode offers practical tools and insights to help you feel calmer, more confident, and more connected with your children.
** Launching 11th May **
In the meantime, follow us on Instagram @mindful_parenting_lifestyle, or join our mailing list at www.mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au
Your Calm Parenting Path
26. Is It Bad Behaviour - or a Cry for Help? with Nicola McAlister
In today’s episode, Nina is joined by Nicola McAlister - child development consultant, trainer, and founder of The Regulated Child UK. With over 30 years' experience in education and foster care, Nicola shares how to move from reactive parenting to responsive, attuned support using her simple 5-step self-regulation model.
They dive into practical ways to reframe 'bad behaviour', reduce stress for both you and your child, and co-regulate through everyday routines like getting dressed, managing transitions, or even surviving the school run!
You’ll Learn:
- Why traditional “rewards and consequences” systems often don’t work
- The power of seeing behaviour as a signal, not a problem
- A 5-step framework to support your child’s self-regulation
- Scripts and language you can start using straight away
- How to shift from firefighting behaviour to preventing it
- Why your regulation matters most when things feel hard
Nicola's 5-Step Self-Regulation Framework:
- Goal - Get specific about what your child needs to do. Break down big routines (like bedtime) into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Predict - Talk about what might be tricky or stressful before it happens. Help your child anticipate and name challenges.
- Plan - Collaborate on a plan together. Ask open questions like “What might help?” so your child feels invested and supported.
- Do - Support your child in the moment with co-regulation. Stay nearby, offer reminders, or use visuals if needed.
- Review -Afterward, reflect together (without shame). Celebrate what worked or adjust the plan with curiosity and care.
Why This Episode Matters
So often, we react to behaviour without understanding the need underneath. This conversation offers a gentler, more effective approach - one that’s rooted in connection, development, and real-world parenting. If you’ve ever wondered why your child is acting out - or how to support them differently - this episode is a must-listen.
Take Home Action
Pause before reacting. Ask yourself, “How regulated am I right now?”
Your child can only borrow your calm if you’ve got some to give. Start there.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about Nicola’s work or explore her coaching and training programs, visit her website.
Looking for more support on your own mindful parenting journey? Nina offers 1:1 coaching, digital resources, and group programs to help you respond (not react), create calmer routines, and feel more confident in your parenting even on the tough days. Find out more here.
Links and Resources
- Free download: The Regulated Child Self-Regulation Scripts
- Follow Nicola on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn
- Episode Referenced
Let’s Connect
- Follow Nina on Instagram
- Website: mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au
- Email: nina@mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au