Globally Thriving Families

The Mental Load of Moving: Its Ok to Acknowledge the Hard Parts.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419136/fan_mail/new] Moving Countries with Kids: The Mental Load, Dual Emotions, and Getting Through the Messy Middle Host Clare O’Byrne welcomes listeners back to the Globally Thriving Families podcast after a few months off, sharing reflections from her recent move from the UAE to Canada. She describes how the mental load begins long before packing, with uncertainty, research, planning, and “project management” demands while closing down one life and starting another, all while considering children’s adjustment. After arrival, she notes there is “no autopilot,” as rebuilding systems like housing, schools, healthcare, banking, and transportation requires constant executive function and can lead to exhaustion and overwhelm. Claire emphasizes the duality of feelings—excitement and grief, gratitude and fatigue—and the inevitability of the uncomfortable “messy middle.” She recommends cultivating small “glimmers” to support regulation during prolonged stress and reminds listeners there’s no set timeline for feeling settled. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 01:01 Host Update and Big Move 02:46 The Mental Load Before Packing 06:01 No Autopilot After Arrival 09:05 Holding Mixed Emotions 10:09 The Messy Middle Phase 11:40 Finding Glimmers for Relief 13:20 Final Takeaways and Goodbye Connect with Clare: clare@globallythriving.com Get the Free 5 Minute Parenting Reset for Busy Globally Mobile Families: Website: https://www.globallythriving.com [https://www.globallythriving.com] Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving [http://instagram.com/globally_thriving] Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Thriving Through the Festive Overwhelm

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419136/fan_mail/new] Managing Holiday Stress and Overstimulation for International Families In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, discusses the mental load, pressure, and overstimulation that the holiday season can bring, especially for internationally parenting families. Clare offers insights on how to handle the chaos, prioritize self-care, and create low-pressure, memorable moments that foster connection and joy. She also introduces actionable micro habits to help families thrive during the holiday season. 00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families 01:00 Holiday Season Challenges for International Parents 02:06 Managing Mental Load and Social Expectations 03:45 Sensory Overstimulation and Pressure 06:50 Creating Core Memories and Micro Moments 08:50 Practical Tips for a Balanced Holiday Season 11:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 12:21 Connect and Learn More Resources mentioned in the episode:  Thriving Through the Winter Holidays and the Heavy Work Suggestions:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lDcIxpX-0ip7JAqkI8vMW_gygLvnpuGu/view?usp=sharing   Connect with Clare: clare@globallythriving.com Get the Free 5 Minute Parenting Reset for Busy Globally Mobile Families: Website: https://www.globallythriving.com [https://www.globallythriving.com] Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving [http://instagram.com/globally_thriving] Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Not Every Sibling Conflict Is an Emergency

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419136/fan_mail/new] Navigating sibling conflict: when doing less is more.  In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, addresses the common parenting challenge of sibling conflict. Clare provides insights into why sibling bickering is hard for parents to tolerate and how it impacts our emotional regulation. She offers practical strategies for managing sibling rivalry and conflict by distinguishing between different types of conflicts, emphasizing the importance of allowing children space to develop essential social skills. Clare also discusses how parents can stay calm and use grounding techniques to support their children's emotional development. The episode includes advice on how to co-regulate with children, the significance of post-conflict repair and reconnection, and offers resources for further support. 00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families Podcast 01:03 The Reality of Sibling Relationships 02:16 Understanding the Root Causes of Sibling Conflicts 04:21 Defining Sibling Rivalry and Conflict 06:10 The Importance of Conflict in Child Development 08:20 Parental Strategies for Managing Sibling Conflicts 12:28 Repairing and Reconnecting After Conflicts 15:33 Conclusion and Further Support Resources mentioned in the episode: Guide to Sibling Dynamics: Rivalry, Conflict, Aggression or Abuse.  https://www.unh.edu/saara/sites/default/files/media/2025-10/classification-of-sibling-dynamics-handout.pdf Connect with Clare: clare@globallythriving.com Get the Free 5 Minute Parenting Reset for Busy Globally Mobile Families: Website: https://www.globallythriving.com [https://www.globallythriving.com] Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving [http://instagram.com/globally_thriving] Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

Why Is It So Hard To Keep Your Cool With Your Kids?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419136/fan_mail/new] How your body, your past and your current reality collide in tough parenting moments. In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a parent coach and occupational therapist, delves into the challenges of 'staying calm' as a parent, particularly in high-stress moments triggered by a child's big emotions. Clare explains the neurobiological factors at play, including the activation of the amygdala, stress hormones, and mirror neurons, which make staying calm difficult despite knowing effective strategies. She also explores how past childhood experiences and the unique stressors of parenting in an international context can affect emotional regulation. Clare emphasizes the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and co-regulation—being present and connected with your child, rather than solely focusing on staying calm—as crucial steps in managing these challenging situations. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents seeking to support their children's emotional well-being and navigate their own reactions. 00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families 01:02 Understanding Parental Stress and Child Emotions 02:54 The Neurobiology of Stress Responses 06:02 Impact of Past Experiences on Parenting 08:58 Challenges of International Parenting 15:21 The Importance of Co-Regulation 18:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Clare: clare@globallythriving.com Get the Free 5 Minute Parenting Reset for Busy Globally Mobile Families: Website: https://www.globallythriving.com [https://www.globallythriving.com] Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving [http://instagram.com/globally_thriving] Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting

When Things Calm Down...I'll Take Care of Myself

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2419136/fan_mail/new] Thriving in Chaos: Micro Habits for Parents and Caregivers In this episode of the Globally Thriving Families Podcast, host Clare O'Byrne, a  parent coach and occupational therapist, explores the concept of thriving amidst the chaos of daily life, especially for parents and caregivers raising children internationally. She delves into the dynamic nature of thriving, emphasizing that it's not about perfection but about feeling alive and learning. Clare discusses the importance of understanding the brain-body connection, particularly through the lens of our eight senses, including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception. She offers practical micro habits to help individuals feel more grounded and connected, despite the hectic nature of life. This episode is a guide to building resilience and nurturing oneself through small, manageable actions. 00:00 Introduction to Globally Thriving Families 01:02 The Myth of Perfect Timing for Thriving 02:14 Defining Thriving and Its Challenges 10:59 Understanding the Brain-Body Connection 18:15 Practical Tips for Sensory Regulation 24:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts References mentioned in the episode:  A Socially Embedded Model of Thriving at Work. Gretchen Spreitzer et al, Oct 2005, Organization Science, Vol 16.  Connect with Clare: clare@globallythriving.com Get the Free 5 Minute Parenting Reset for Busy Globally Mobile Families: Website: https://www.globallythriving.com [https://www.globallythriving.com] Connect with Clare on Instagram: http://instagram.com/globally_thriving [http://instagram.com/globally_thriving] Book a free 20 minute call with Clare: https://tidycal.com/globallythriving/20-minute-meeting