Kids In The Middle

02/09/2026

Kindness. Simple. ❤️

19/08/2026

💚Connection to our natural world by immersing in nature, even for a brief time, has amazing benefits to our physical and emotional wellbeing - especially for children.

More of it, I say!

Thanks, Robert Irwin. 🌳

11/08/2026

Families can be complicated. Separation can be complicated. Add blended families, co-parenting, big emotions and children trying to make sense of it all… and there’s plenty to talk about!

In this episode of Small Talk, an extension of Kids In The Middle™, I’m joined by Carrina Hampton, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist with more than 20 years’ experience working with children, parents, couples and families.

We chat about separated and blended family life, communication and conflict, what happens when cooperative co-parenting simply isn’t possible, and an important question — what might a child’s behaviour actually be trying to tell us?

At Kids In The Middle™, the focus is on keeping children at the centre of our thinking, without placing them in the middle of adult issues.

Real families, real challenges and practical conversations that help us look at things a little differently.

Small Talk – Practical Conversations That Put Children First.

🌐 Kids In The Middle™: www.kidsinthemiddle.au
🎙️ Small Talk Podcast: www.kidsinthemiddle.au

Small Talk Podcast · Episode

06/08/2026

The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind… but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I’ve been lucky enough to spend time learning, meeting some incredible people and, as always, coming home with pages of notes and even more ideas than I left with.

The Bunbury Geographe CCI South West Leadership Conference was a real highlight. Hearing from Sean Pollard, Marion Fulker, Charlotte Ingham, Georgia-Mae O’Brien, Bethan Winn and Johnny Debnam reminded me that leadership comes in many different forms. Every speaker brought a different perspective, and I walked away feeling inspired, challenged and energised.

On Wednesday, it was off to The Set in Vasse for another Connected Futures Hub 2026 session. What a fantastic venue! A big thank you to our host, Natasha (Tash) Teakle… who also happens to be a distant relative! That’s a loooong family story for another day. 😄

It was also a privilege to learn from Amy Carter-James from Raaise.com. She certainly had us thinking differently about growth, investment and backing ourselves. One of the best parts of this program has been getting to know such a diverse group of founders, all working towards making a difference in their own communities.

Somewhere in amongst all of that, I also had the pleasure of recording another Small Talk podcast episode with Carrina Hampton from WA Mental Health. We had such an honest conversation about separated and blended families, what really helps, and keeping children at the centre when life gets complicated. I can’t wait to share this episode with you.

And back at Kids In The Middle… let’s just say the office currently looks like a mix between a print shop and a lolly shop! 😄 There are banners, brochures, merchandise, boxes, checklists… and yes, plenty of jelly beans 🍬 as I slowly get everything organised ahead of the WAPPA Conference next month.

I’m a big believer that you never stop learning. Every conversation, every opportunity and every person you meet teaches you something if you’re willing to listen.

Feeling incredibly grateful for the people I’ve met over the past few weeks and excited for what’s still to come.

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

Schools are so much more than a place to learn reading, writing and maths. They’re where children celebrate their wins, navigate friendships, carry big emotions… and sometimes quietly cope with the challenges of family separation.

In this episode of Small Talk, Leah chats with experienced school principal Tiffany Staples about what really happens behind the school gates. From awkward school car park handovers and communication between parents to helping children feel safe, settled and ready to learn, Tiffany shares practical insights drawn from years of working alongside families.

You’ll hear what schools wish parents knew, the behaviours staff notice, the simple things that make a child’s day easier, and how adults can work together—even when they’re no longer together.

It’s an honest, relaxed conversation filled with real stories, practical tips and plenty of reassurance for parents, educators and professionals supporting children through family change.

If you’ve ever wondered what schools see, what children need most, or how to make school a positive place during separation, this episode is for you.

Because when home and school work together, children don’t just cope—they have the best chance to flourish.

Listen now, and don’t forget to explore our other Small Talk episodes and practical resources at www.kidsinthemiddle.au or wherever you get your podcasts.

Small Talk Podcast · Episode

18/07/2026

🤩

What can a 16-year-old teach us about confidence, leadership, resilience and making a difference?Quite a lot, as it turns out.In this episode, Leah sits down with Alyssa Bradbury, a remarkable young country woman who is already making a positive impact through sport, youth leadership and...

15/07/2026

What can a 16-year-old teach us about confidence, leadership, resilience and making a difference?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

In this episode, Leah sits down with Alyssa Bradbury, a remarkable young country woman who is already making a positive impact through sport, youth leadership and mentoring younger athletes. Growing up in the South West region of Western Australia, Alyssa shares what country life has taught her about community, resilience, hard work and the importance of giving things a go.

Together, they explore how sport can build confidence, lifelong friendships and mental wellbeing, while also talking honestly about the pressures young people can face. Alyssa reflects on coaching younger children, supporting other girls in sport, stepping into leadership roles and why it’s so important that young people feel heard, valued and encouraged to use their voice.

This is a genuine, uplifting conversation filled with warmth, humour and practical insights for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches and anyone who wants to better understand and support the next generation. It’s a reminder that leadership doesn’t come with an age requirement, and sometimes the youngest voices offer the greatest wisdom.

What can a 16-year-old teach us about confidence, leadership, resilience and making a difference?Quite a lot, as it turns out.In this episode, Leah sits down with Alyssa Bradbury, a remarkable young country woman who is already making a positive impact through sport, youth leadership and...

29/06/2026

Welcome to Episode 4: School Handovers.

A topic that can't be ignored.

Small Talk Podcast · Episode

25/06/2026

Enjoying my growing connections with my fellow team Harvey Community Radio - 96.5fm. You are never too old to learn new things!