The Building Resilient Kids Podcast

Michelle Mitchell – Parenting Educator, Author, Mother of 2, Champion of Teen Connection and Resilience

“Space, Trust and the Roundabout: Michelle Mitchell on What Teens Really Need from Us” In this insightful and deeply practical episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis speaks with Michelle Mitchell—parenting educator, bestselling author, and founder of the Resilient Kids Conference about what it really takes to support teenagers through one of the most complex stages of development. Drawing on decades of experience working with young people and families, Michelle shares a refreshing perspective on resilience, connection, and the evolving role of parents. From her early days working with at-risk youth to raising her own two sons, Michelle’s message is clear: resilience is not built in isolation—it is built in relationship. This episode challenges common parenting narratives and offers grounded, actionable insights into how we can stay connected to our kids while giving them the space they need to grow. Key Themes and Takeaways * Resilience is not a solo effort: Kids don’t need to have all the skills—they need to know where to find them and who to trust * The importance of community and connection as the foundation of resilience * Why letting kids resolve conflict themselves builds stronger social and emotional capability * Rethinking parenting labels like “helicopter” or “bulldozer” and instead focusing on principles over trends * What teens aren’t telling parents: they don’t hate you—they need space to become themselves * The power of trusting your instincts as a parent rather than interrogating for every detail * Understanding the difference between bad behaviour and cognitive overload * Why teenagers live in a near-constant state of dysregulation—and how that shapes their reactions * The importance of staying steady, present, and available rather than forcing conversations * The “roundabout” analogy: teens may appear to move away, but they often come back * Why the car is one of the most powerful environments for connection and regulation * The “Russian doll” concept: building multiple layers of support around a child * Reframing resilience: not bouncing back, but adapting and reshaping through adversity * The importance of helping kids develop their own coping strategies, not just adopting ours More About Michelle Michelle Mitchell is a leading Australian parenting educator, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience supporting young people and families. She began her career as a teacher before founding a youth-focused charity, working extensively with vulnerable and at-risk children. Michelle is widely known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to parenting teens and is the host of the Resilient Kids Conference, bringing together leading experts to support families navigating modern challenges. Resources * Michelle Mitchell – Official Website [https://michellemitchell.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Resilient Kids Conference [https://michellemitchell.org/resilient-kids-conference/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Teens: What They Don’t Tell Their Parents [https://michellemitchell.org/teens-what-they-dont-tell-their-parents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Youth Excel (Michelle’s original charity work) [https://michellemitchell.org/about/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Book: What Teenage Girls Don’t Tell Their Parents – Michelle Mitchell ******** Get in touch with Tim Curtis at kids@resilienceshield.com [kids@resilienceshield.com] https://resilienceshield.com/kids/ [https://resilienceshield.com/kids/]

Molly Benjamin- Money Smart Kids: Building Financial Resilience from Pocket Money to Property

From piggy banks to pay gaps, Molly Benjamin shares practical ways to raise financially confident kids in a cashless, complex world.   Molly Benjamin is on a mission to make financial literacy accessible, practical, and empowering—especially for women and now, kids. After transforming her own “hot financial mess” into a thriving movement that’s educated 70,000+ Australian women, Molly is bringing the conversation to the next generation. As a spokesperson for Spriggy, she has deep insights into how kids earn, save, spend, and give—and how parents can raise resilient, financially confident children who are ready to thrive.   In This Episode Money Mindset Starts Young Molly explains how kids form their attitudes toward money by age seven—and how adult behaviours code that mindset. She shares why normalising conversations around spending, saving, and giving early matters, especially in a cashless society. “It’s not just what we say, it’s what we do around money. Kids are watching.” The Three Piggy Bank Rule Molly outlines her favourite financial framework for children—Spend, Save, Share—and explains how to use tools like Spriggy or Monopoly money to reinforce tangible learning about financial priorities and delayed gratification. Girls Out-Earning Boys? The FY25 Spriggy Kids Economy Report reveals that girls are earning $1.03 for every $1.00 boys earn—flipping the adult gender pay gap. What can this tell us about confidence, motivation, and resilience in young people? Money Mistakes Parents Make From over-rewarding chores to avoiding money conversations, Molly highlights the unconscious habits that may undermine a child’s financial resilience. “Money shouldn't be a taboo or secret. If they don’t learn it from us, they’re learning it somewhere else.” Financial Stress & The Future With house prices now 8–14 times the average wage, Molly discusses how we can prepare our kids for lifelong affordability pressures—through saving, investing, and open dialogue. “Even if you’ve never invested before, go on the journey with your child. Learn together.” Practical Tools to Build Confidence From setting savings goals to explaining superannuation and tax to teens, Molly shares strategies to raise informed, confident kids who won’t panic the first time they fail—or the first time they look at a budget.   Takeaways * Financial resilience isn’t just about money—it’s about mindset. * Teach saving before spending. Help kids delay gratification. * Make chores part of life, not always tied to payment. * Involve kids in financial conversations early and often. * Model what you want to teach—especially around budgeting, insurance, super, and investing. * Support teens to understand taxes, super, and compound interest when they get their first job.   Resources Mentioned * Ladies Finance Club [https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/] * Spriggy Kids Economy Report [https://www.ladiesfinanceclub.com/blog/raising-money-confident-kids-what-spriggy-s-623m-economy-report-reveals-about-the-next-generation] * Spriggy App [https://www.spriggy.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Money Smart Tools (ASIC) [https://moneysmart.gov.au/] * Book:Raising Money Confident Kids (Molly Benjamin, 2025) * Tool: “Super Detective” retirement checker * See also research: Harvard, La Trobe, Spriggy, Stoicism, and Bobo Doll Experiments

Dr Louise Mansell – Clinical Psychologist, Innovator, Mum of Two Boys (and a Teddy Bear)

Episode Subtitle: “Emotions, TED Talks & Teddies: Louise Mansell’s Mission to Build Brave Kids”   In this episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Dr Louise Mansell, a clinical psychologist and founder of Tedology. Originally from the UK and now based in Perth, Louise brings a wealth of experience working with vulnerable children in care systems and mainstream settings. Louise shares insights into her personal upbringing, how her mother’s anxiety shaped her sense of responsibility and empathy, and what inspired her journey into psychology. She discusses the need for a whole-system approach to child development, the importance of working with schools and families, and how trauma-informed, compassionate care can change the course of a young life. The heart of the episode is Louise’s innovative creation: TED (Teddy for Emotional Development) – a science-based, sensory teddy bear that helps children regulate emotions, build resilience, and develop emotional literacy through play. From weighted limbs and textured paws to guided voice prompts based on proven psychological tools like CBT and DDP, TED is a cuddly co-regulator for kids. Louise reflects on parenting, teaching, and the daily challenge of applying psychology at home, candidly admitting her own occasional “screen bans” as a mother. Her honesty and evidence-based practice make this a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone committed to raising emotionally resilient kids.   Highlights * Louise’s early family life and how helping her mum manage anxiety set the foundations for her career * Her work in the UK’s social enterprise sector, supporting children in the care system * The biopsychosocial ecological model simplified for everyday parenting and teaching * The development of TED: a sensory, talking teddy designed to build emotional skills and resilience * Why kids need to feel seen, heard, and held in mind—and how a teddy bear can help * Practical strategies for teachers to emotionally coach children without needing all the answers * The power of emotional literacy and expression as central to long-term resilience * The science behind TED’s features (fidget-friendly paws, crinkle ears, soothing voice prompts) * Louise’s commitment to play-based learning and co-design with children * Honest parenting moments: “If I shout about screen bans, it doesn’t count.”   Learn More * Dr Louise Mansell's work: https://www.minimindshealth.com.au/louise-mansell [https://www.minimindshealth.com.au/louise-mansell] * Tedology (TED - Teddy for Emotional Development): https://tedology.com.au [https://tedology.com.au/] * The ACEs Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) – CDC Resource [https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html] * Tina Payne Bryson’s "Whole Brain Child" approach (Refer to books by Siegel & Bryson) * Theraplay & DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) – therapeutic models that Louise references as cornerstones in her clinical approach. https://ddpnetwork.org [https://ddpnetwork.org/] Quote of the Episode “Resilience isn’t about just coping. It’s about being brave enough to express yourself—and knowing someone will listen.” – Dr Louise Mansell

Anne- Marie (Curtis) Hicks – Fundraising Professional and Mum of 3, Parenting Children with Sotos Syndrome and Down Syndrome

Joy, Diagnosis and the Village: Annie Hicks on Building Resilience in Kids with Disabilities In this deeply personal episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis speaks with his amazing cousin, Annie Hicks—a dedicated mother of three and a fundraising professional in the education sector—about what it means to raise resilient children, including two living with disabilities: Calvin (Sotos Syndrome and ADHD) and Lily (Down Syndrome). Annie opens up about the surprises and challenges of receiving a diagnosis, the evolving needs of her children, and how she and her husband Michael have navigated parenthood with intentionality, balance, and love. With candour and warmth, Annie discusses the power of community, the importance of self-care, and the need to be selectively selfish to model resilience for her kids. From managing emotional regulation through sensory tools, companion animals, and trampoline resets, to redesigning family expectations and slowing down to meet her children where they’re at, Annie offers practical wisdom for parents, carers, and educators alike. Also in this episode: * The concept of wellbeing hubs and navigators in schools * Parenting withopen communication and emotional availability * The transformative role ofcanine and equine therapy * Her superhero alter ego,‘Modulux’, imagined with the help of ChatGPT * Insights from the blended family experience with Layla, her stepdaughter * The critical role ofpositive self-talk and modelling resilience Annie’s heartfelt stories and honest reflections will resonate with anyone striving to raise strong, self-aware, and joyful kids; regardless of ability.   Resources & Further Reading: * Annie Hicks on LinkedIn:com/in/anne-marie-hicks-8b55a284 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-hicks-8b55a284/] * Sotos Syndrome(Medline Plus): https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/sotos-syndrome/ [https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/sotos-syndrome/] * Down Syndrome Overview(Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome] * Carly Findlay – Author and Disability Advocate:https://carlyfindlay.com.au/ [https://carlyfindlay.com.au/] * The Book:Growing Up Disabled in Australia, edited by Carly Findlay * Hannah Diviney – Writer, Speaker & Advocate:https://hannahdiviney.com/ * Guide Dogs WA – Companion Dog Program:https://www.guidedogswa.com.au/ * Amaroo Equine Therapy (Belinda Muiser):https://www.amarooequine.com.au

Marty Doolan – NSW Firefighter, Outdoor Educator, Father of 2, Shaping Resilience through Risk and Reflection

Episode Sub-title: Breathe, Climb, Adapt: Marty Doolan on Nature’s Role in Raising Strong Kids Episode Show Notes In this episode of the Building Resilient Kids podcast, host Tim Curtis speaks with Marty Doolan — a NSW Fire and Rescue firefighter, outdoor educator, father of two, and lifelong adventurer. Marty shares reflections from years spent guiding young people in the wild and responding to emergencies on the front line. His insights draw from two high-stakes domains — firefighting and outdoor education — and reveal what these worlds can teach us about how kids build emotional strength, courage, and problem-solving skills. This is a wide-ranging conversation on nature, parenting, discomfort, and self-regulation — with practical wisdom for parents, teachers, and coaches helping kids find their inner footing. Key Themes and Takeaways * Growing up in the bush and how early immersion in nature shaped Marty’s identity and career * Why outdoor education is less about physical strength and more about mindset, courage, and emotion * The link between perceived risk, real growth, and meaningful challenge in controlled environments * What firefighting taught Marty about pressure, calmness, and presence under stress * Regulating emotions through breath, routine, and team support * How parents can let kids struggle safely without rescuing them too quickly * The importance of modelling vulnerability, reflection, and honest emotion * Peer influence in outdoor programs: how leadership, encouragement, and language shape group dynamics * Making space for curiosity, play, and growth without expectation or pressure More About Marty Marty Doolan is a full-time firefighter with NSW Fire and Rescue, and a part-time outdoor educator. He spent years guiding in the Blue Mountains and taught outdoor leadership to young adults before transitioning into emergency services. Now a father of two young children, Marty continues to apply his knowledge of risk, resilience, and human performance to both professional and family life. He brings an open, self-aware, and experience-driven perspective to the conversation around how kids grow stronger through challenge. Resources NSW Fire and Rescue https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au Outward Bound Australia (example of programs similar to those discussed) https://www.outwardbound.org.au The Resilience Shield – Model referenced throughout the episode https://resilienceshield.com [https://resilienceshield.com/] Nature Play Australia – Encouraging unstructured outdoor play https://www.natureplay.org.au Project Rockit – Building peer support and leadership in youth https://www.projectrockit.com.au Breathwork Australia – Understanding breath as a regulation tool https://www.breathworkaustralia.com.au