The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis

• Episode 72: Dana Baltutis (Speech Pathologist and Parent Coach) - Taking a Mindful Pause

  Send us a textThe 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 landscape of raising uniquely wired children—from sensory processing and emotional regulation to anxiety, PDA, and social connection challenges. We've tackled practical strategies like environmental setup, co-regulation techniques, and building connection in everyday moments. More importantly, we've delved into those quieter, deeper parent mindset shifts that transform how we show up for our children and ourselves.This podcast has always been a love letter to parents who want to parent differently, who are learning to trust themselves, trust their child, and trust the process. The pause I'm taking now honors that same principle—recognizing when it's time to step back, when the demands of running a business, supporting families, writing a book, and creating meaningful content each week require a moment of recalibration. But this isn't goodbye—it's a reset, a chance to gather fresh insights and return with even more clarity about what will truly serve you.While I'm away, I invite you to shape what comes next. What parenting challenges leave you feeling lost? What topics around neurodiversity in the home, school, or community would support your journey? Send your thoughts through the My Therapy House website, where you'll also find our online courses covering PDA, communication development, regulation, and more. Revisit any of our existing episodes that resonated with you, and remember: you're not alone. You're doing sacred, unseen work, and this community sees you. I'll be back soon with new conversations that reflect your needs and questions. danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

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• Episode 71: Caroline Mundy (Person Centred Mortgage Broker) Navigating Financial Freedom for Parents

  Send us a text"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 overlooked by traditional institutions.The discussion shatters common homeownership myths that prevent many Australians from even starting property conversations. Caroline reveals why waiting until you're "ready" to talk to a mortgage broker could cost you valuable preparation time, and how small financial tweaks now can dramatically impact your borrowing capacity in the future. Her unique approach focuses on understanding the whole person, not just their loan application, creating customized solutions for each client's situation.South Australian viewers will appreciate Caroline's detailed breakdown of HomeStart loans offering 98% lending for certificate holders, $15,000 first homebuyer grants with no maximum purchase price caps, and government property share arrangements for lower-income buyers. Through real-world examples, including a property that gained $320,000 in value over three years, Caroline convincingly argues that getting your foot in the property door – even if it's not your forever home – can transform your financial trajectory.Particularly moving is Caroline's commitment to supporting women through separation and divorce, providing financial clarity before they engage lawyers and empowering them during what's often a vulnerable transition. Her compassionate approach stems from personal experience, creating a safe space for clients who might feel intimidated by financial conversations.Don't miss Caroline's practical advice on identifying financial blind spots, leveraging government incentives, and taking that crucial first step toward property ownership. Your path to financial empowerment starts with a conversation – no obligation, no cost, just clarity about what's truly possible for your future.https://www.teveyloans.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/teveyloans/Find Tevey Loans on Linkedin.com and Facebook.com danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

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• Episode 70: Dana Baltutis (Speech Pathologist and Parent Coach)- Celebrating Mother's Day: From Historical Roots to Cultural Expressions

  Send us a textWhat 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 invisible weight. With over 6.5 million mothers in Australia—one in six raising children alone and one in three families navigating developmental needs—the statistics tell only part of the story. Each number represents real women making countless unseen sacrifices daily.The biological toll of parenting is rarely discussed but critically important. Chronic stress literally changes cellular function, with parents of children with disabilities facing significantly higher risks of depression and burnout. This is why self-care isn't selfish—it's survival. Speaking kindly to yourself, resting without guilt, and asking for help before breaking aren't luxuries but necessities that allow you to show up fully for your children.We journey across cultures to witness the beautiful diversity of mothering: Indian mothers balancing multiple roles while honoring traditions, Nepali mothers nurturing with quiet dignity, Chinese mothers sacrificing for their children's futures, African communities sharing mothering responsibilities, and First Nations mothers preserving cultural wisdom across generations. Each expression carries its own wisdom and strength.Motherhood extends beyond birth. Some mother through adoption, like my own mother who chose me. Some mother in classrooms or therapy rooms. Some mother through grief after loss. Your presence today—how you speak to yourself, honor your needs, set boundaries—creates ripples through generations. When you break negative cycles, your child gains freedom to do the same.Ready to transform your parenting journey? The Empowered Parent Program helps you shift from self-doubt to self-worth, creating lasting change not just for yourself but for generations to come. Because your love, though sometimes unseen, shapes your child's entire sense of safety in the world. danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

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• Episode 69: Neelam Khatri (Early Childhood Teacher) - What Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing Childcare and Kindergarten

  Send us a textNavigating 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 passion for early childhood education after witnessing the pure joy of children in learning environments. What began as an exploratory career move blossomed into her true calling, eventually leading her to pursue advanced qualifications and extensive experience across various educational settings.Perhaps most fascinating is Neelam's perspective on why children behave differently at home versus kindergarten. "The most safe space for them is where their mom and dad are," she explains, offering parents a comforting framework for understanding their child's seemingly contradictory behaviors. As both an educator and mother of two young children, Neelam brings a uniquely balanced perspective that bridges professional expertise with lived parental experience.For parents selecting childcare options, Neelam provides invaluable criteria to consider: from centre size and communication methods to educational philosophies and staff qualifications. She demystifies the differences between various early childhood settings, breaks down staff-to-child ratios, and explains the extensive behind-the-scenes work educators perform—from documentation and programming to personalized learning support.We also explore Australia's evolving early childhood landscape, including plans to extend free kindergarten programs to three-year-olds by 2032, and discuss the vital supports available for children with diverse needs. Throughout our conversation, Neelam emphasizes that play is learning, and that skilled educators are constantly observing, documenting, and nurturing development through seemingly simple activities.Whether you're a first-time parent navigating childcare options or seeking to better understand your child's educational experience, this episode offers expert guidance, compassionate perspectives, and practical wisdom from someone who truly understands both sides of the early childhood journey. danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

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• Episode 68: Kerry Herbert (Early Childhood Teacher) - The Transformative Power of Play in Early Childhood Development

  Send us a textKerry 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 demystify the developmental stages of play. She expertly guides us through the progression from exploratory and solitary play to more complex cooperative interactions, while emphasizing that children naturally move back and forth between these stages as they encounter new situations. This insight alone helps parents understand why their child might seem to "regress" in certain play contexts.Kerry challenges conventional thinking about sharing, explaining that it's not always developmentally appropriate to expect young children to share. She introduces the concept of a child's "play history"—the unique experiences and associations they bring to each play scenario that shape their responses. This fresh perspective invites parents to view children's reluctance to share not as defiance, but as a natural part of development related to concepts like object permanence and time perception.Perhaps most reassuring is Kerry's advice for parents who feel awkward or inexperienced with play. She encourages starting where you're comfortable, gradually expanding your play repertoire by observing your child's reactions, and remembering that different family members can contribute valuable elements to a child's play experiences. Through vivid descriptions that bring play scenarios to life, Kerry demonstrates how simple interactions—like matching a child's jumping rhythm with a drumbeat—can build connection and communication pathways.Whether you're preparing your child for kindergarten, supporting a sensory-seeking child, or simply wanting to enrich family playtime, this conversation offers practical wisdom delivered with genuine warmth. Visit our website to learn more about consulting with Kerry to develop personalized play strategies for your child's unique needs. danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

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