Let's Reconnect with Breanna Jayne Sada

In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada speaks with Stephanie Trethewey, founder and CEO of Motherland Australia, about the unique realities of raising children in regional and rural Australia.Stephanie shares her own journey from city journalist to rural mum and explains why she founded Motherland, a national charity supporting rural mothers experiencing isolation and mental health challenges.Together, they explore the hidden pressures country families face, from limited access to healthcare, childcare and education, to the emotional impact of farming life, succession planning and natural disasters. They also discuss why rural communities demonstrate remarkable strength, while challenging the idea that people should simply be labelled "resilient."The conversation also explores children's education, boarding schools, social media, community connection, parenting in remote Australia and what every Australian can learn from country families about raising connected, capable and resilient children.Whether you live in the city or on the land, this episode offers valuable insights into parenting, mental health and the importance of community.In this episode we discuss:The hidden realities of parenting in rural and regional AustraliaWhy Stephanie founded Motherland AustraliaMaternal isolation and the importance of building a villageAccess to psychologists, childcare and health services in remote communitiesRural mental health and barriers to seeking supportWhy "resilience" isn't always the right wordRaising children with more independence and connection to natureBoarding school, distance education and unique schooling challengesSocial media, technology and connection for country kidsSuccession planning and the pressures facing farming familiesPractical ways all Australians can better support rural communitiesWhy early help-seeking can change mental health outcomesResourcesMotherland AustraliaFatherland Australia - PodcastIf you or someone you know needs support, contact:Lifeline – 13 11 14Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800In an emergency, call 000.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another parent. Every share helps us continue important conversations that strengthen families and support children's wellbeing.

Are Australian teenagers really taking more risks than previous generations, or is the story more complicated?With constant headlines about youth crime, vaping and drug use, many parents assume today's teenagers are engaging in more risky behaviour than ever before. But the latest Australian research tells a different story.In this episode of Let's Reconnect, registered psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the latest Australian statistics on teenage alcohol, vaping, smoking and illicit drug use. You'll learn why today's teens are actually drinking less alcohol, delaying substance use for longer, and smoking fewer cigarettes than previous generations, while also unpacking why vaping has emerged as a significant concern.Most importantly, this episode focuses on what parents can do. Rather than relying on lectures or fear, Breanna shares practical strategies to help parents become the trusted adult their child feels safe talking to about drugs, alcohol and peer pressure.Because when it comes to protecting young people, maintaining a strong relationship is one of the most powerful protective factors we have.In this episode you'll learn:• Why Australian teenagers are drinking less than previous generations • The latest research on alcohol, vaping, smoking and cannabis use among young people • Why vaping has become the biggest emerging concern for parents • How adolescent brain development affects risk-taking and substance use • Why curiosity works better than punishment when discussing drugs and alcohol • How to create an environment where your tween or teen feels safe telling you the truth • Conversation starters that encourage openness instead of shutting communication down • Why "a worried parent often looks like an angry parent" and how to avoid this trapWhether your child is 10 or 17, the conversations you have today can shape whether they come to you when the stakes are much higher tomorrow.If you found this episode helpful, please follow Let's Reconnect, leave a review, and share this episode with another parent navigating the tween and teenage years.1. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 (Main Report)This is the overarching report covering alcohol, tobacco, vaping and illicit drugs.Link: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–20232. Alcohol Consumption in AustraliaThis page contains the statistics about:increasing numbers of abstainersrisky drinkingunderage drinkinglong-term trendsLink: AIHW – Alcohol Consumption3. Young People's Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping and Drug Useteens drinking less than previous generationssmoking trendsvapingillicit drug usehistorical graphsLink: AIHW – Young People's Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, E-cigarettes and Illicit Drugs4. Young People's Use of Vapes and E-cigarettesLink: AIHW – Young People's Use of Vapes and E-cigarettes5. Tobacco & Vaping DataLink: AIHW – Tobacco and E-cigarettes (Vapes)6. AIHW Summary of Key FindingsA nice one-page summary Includes:smoking rates at record lowsvaping tripledcannabis remains the most commonly used illicit drugalcohol trendsLink: AIHW – Key Findings Summaryteen drinking Australia, teenage vaping, parenting teenagers, talking to teens about alcohol, vaping in Australian schools, cannabis and teenagers, adolescent brain development, parenting tweens, drugs and alcohol conversations, raising teenagers, Australian parenting podcast, child psychologist podcast, teen mental health, positive parenting, Let's Reconnect podcast.

What happens when your child outgrows nursery rhymes but isn't quite ready for mainstream pop music?In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada sits down with award-winning Indigenous Australian musician, author and father of four, Mitch Tambo, to explore the powerful role music plays in childhood, identity and family connection. Mitch also shares the inspiration behind his new children's album I Am Me, created to bridge the gap between preschool songs and adult music while promoting confidence, culture and positive messages.From explicit lyrics and age-appropriate music to raising daughters, navigating blended families and encouraging children to embrace who they are, this conversation is packed with parenting insights and heartfelt stories.In this episode, we discuss:• Why the lyrics children hear matter more than many parents realise• How music influences identity, confidence and values• Finding age-appropriate music beyond nursery rhymes• Raising four daughters and navigating the changing stages of childhood• Parenting in a blended family and building strong relationships• Helping children embrace their culture and individuality• Why difficult conversations create stronger family connections• The importance of modelling emotional openness as parents• Mitch's journey through online criticism and staying connected to purpose• Simple ways families can reconnect through music and shared experiencesWhether you're raising toddlers, tweens or teenagers, this episode offers practical advice and a refreshing reminder that connection often starts with the everyday moments we share.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with a friend who would enjoy it too.• Listen to Mitch Tambo's children's album I Am Me• Follow Mitch for upcoming music and tours keywords: parenting podcast, children's music, age appropriate music, parenting daughters, blended families, Indigenous culture, Mitch Tambo, raising confident kids, family connection, modern parenting, explicit music for children, parenting tips.

Is sugar really responsible for hyperactive behaviour? Should parents be worried about processed foods? And what can you do when mealtimes become a daily battleground?In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada sits down with paediatric dietitian and feeding specialist Dr Kyla to unpack some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about children's nutrition.Together they explore the relationship between food, mood, behaviour, anxiety, concentration and family connection. They also discuss the growing pressure many parents feel around feeding their children and why social media, conflicting advice and fear-based messaging may be making things harder than they need to be.If you've ever worried that your child isn't eating enough, struggles with fussy eating, skips breakfast, refuses vegetables, or turns mealtimes into a power struggle, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-informed advice.In This Episode We Discuss:The link between food, mood, behaviour and overall wellbeingWhy so many parents feel anxious about their child's eating habitsThe impact of social media and nutrition misinformation on familiesWhether sugar really causes hyperactivity in childrenWhat the research says about food additives and behaviourThe role of hunger in emotional regulation and concentrationWhy some children naturally skip breakfastUnderstanding intuitive eating and trusting children's hunger cuesHow schools and parents can support healthy relationships with foodWhy mealtime power struggles can damage family connectionPractical strategies for managing fussy eatingFood rewards, bribery and their unintended consequencesSupporting children to develop healthy lifelong eating habitsChildhood weight concerns and how to approach them sensitivelySupporting neurodivergent children with eating challengesWhy reducing mealtime stress can benefit the entire familyKey TakeawaysOne of the strongest messages from this conversation is that parents do not need to be perfect. Children do not need a flawless diet to thrive, and mealtimes should be about more than simply getting food into a child.Dr Kyla explains that parents are responsible for what food is offered, while children are responsible for deciding whether and how much they eat. Taking pressure off children, reducing food-related conflict and focusing on connection can help create healthier long-term relationships with food.The episode also challenges several common parenting myths, including the belief that sugar is the primary cause of challenging behaviour and that children need to clean their plate before dessert.Resources MentionedMealtimes AustraliaDr Kyla InstagramAbout Let's ReconnectLet's Reconnect is the podcast for parents wanting to reconnect with their children and teens. Hosted by psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada, each episode explores practical, evidence-based ways to strengthen family relationships, improve communication and support children's mental health and wellbeing.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another parent who might find it helpful.Keywords: child nutrition, food and behaviour, food and mood, fussy eating, picky eating, kids nutrition, parenting podcast Australia, childhood anxiety, intuitive eating, mealtime battles, healthy eating for kids, neurodivergent children, ADHD and food, sugar and hyperactivity, family mealtimes, parenting advice.

Should you medicate your child for ADHD, anxiety, depression or another mental health condition?It is one of the most common and emotionally loaded questions parents ask. In this episode, registered psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the fears, guilt and uncertainty many families experience when medication is suggested as part of their child's treatment plan. Drawing on listener questions and years of experience working with children, teenagers and families, Breanna discusses how parents can make informed decisions while keeping their child's wellbeing at the centre of the conversation.This episode explores the stigma surrounding mental health medication, the impact of untreated ADHD and anxiety, and why treatment decisions should focus on a child's functioning and quality of life rather than fear alone. Breanna also discusses the importance of therapy, parenting strategies, school supports, sleep, exercise and other interventions that form part of a comprehensive treatment approach.Whether you're currently weighing up medication for your child or simply want to better understand the conversation, this episode offers a balanced, compassionate and evidence-informed perspective for parents.In This Episode We DiscussThe guilt, fear and stigma surrounding children's mental health treatmentADHD medication: common concerns and misconceptionsAnxiety medication in children and teenagersThe difference between treating symptoms and changing personalityWhy untreated mental health conditions also have consequencesHow ADHD can impact school performance, friendships and self-esteemThe hidden costs of untreated anxiety and school refusalWhat parents should consider before starting medicationThe importance of therapy, behavioural strategies and family supportWhy medication should be part of a broader toolbox, not the only solutionQuestions every parent should ask their doctor or paediatricianA real parent story about navigating ADHD medicationHow to keep your child's voice at the centre of treatment decisionsKey Takeaways✔ Medication is not about changing who your child is. It is about reducing barriers that may be preventing them from learning, connecting and thriving.✔ Mental health conditions should be viewed through the same lens as physical health conditions. Seeking treatment is not a parenting failure.✔ The decision to medicate should consider both the potential side effects of medication and the impact of leaving symptoms untreated.✔ Effective treatment often includes a combination of therapy, school supports, parenting strategies, emotional regulation skills, sleep, exercise and sometimes medication.✔ Parents deserve to ask questions and feel informed before making treatment decisions.Questions to Ask Your Child's DoctorWhy are you recommending this particular medication?What evidence supports its use for my child's age and diagnosis?What benefits should we expect to see?What side effects should we monitor?How long before we know if it's working?How often should medication be reviewed?What signs would suggest this is not the right medication?If you are concerned about your child's mental health, consider speaking with:Your GPA paediatricianA psychiatristA registered psychologistYour child's school wellbeing teamSEO KeywordsADHD medication children, should I medicate my child, child anxiety treatment, ADHD parenting advice, anxiety medication teenagers, mental health medication children, parenting child with ADHD, school refusal anxiety, child psychologist parenting podcast, ADHD symptoms children, anxiety disorder in teens, child mental health support, parenting podcast Australia, teenage anxiety help, ADHD treatment options, psychologist advice for parents.

In this episode of Let's Reconnect, psychologist and host Breanna Jayne Sada sits down with educator, researcher and career mentor Dr Jo Winchester to explore how parents can support their children to discover their strengths, interests and future pathways without adding pressure or anxiety. Together they unpack common myths about ATARs, university pathways, subject selection and the future of work in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence.If you've ever worried that your child doesn't know what they want to do with their life, this episode is for you.In This Episode We DiscussWhy career conversations can become a source of anxiety for familiesThe pressure teenagers feel when choosing subjects and future pathwaysWhy ATAR scores are not the predictor of success many people think they areAlternative pathways into university and higher educationCommon myths about subject selection and career planningHow parents can unintentionally project their own fears and expectations onto their childrenWhy joy, interests and strengths matter more than choosing the "perfect" careerThe future of work and what artificial intelligence means for young people entering the workforceWhy part-time work may be one of the best investments in a teenager's futureThe importance of communication, collaboration and real-world social skillsHelping children build resilience when they experience setbacks and rejectionHow parents can support exploration without taking over decision-makingThe value of community, connection and "third spaces" for young peopleWhat employers are really looking for in the next generation of workersKey Takeaways for Parents✔ Your child's ATAR does not define their future.✔ Most career paths today are flexible, with multiple entry points and alternative routes.✔ The best career conversations start with curiosity, not pressure.✔ Part-time work teaches valuable life and employability skills.✔ Following interests and strengths often leads to greater success than chasing prestige.✔ Young people need opportunities to fail, learn and build resilience.✔ Parents don't need all the answers. They simply need to be a safe place for their child to explore possibilities.Resources MentionedDr Jo Winchester Website: https://www.drjowinchester.com.au/ Podcast: What's Next? with Dr Jo WinchesterWhat's Happening in the News?Breanna also discusses concerns around increasing exposure to gambling advertising during major sporting events and why parents should be having conversations with young people about sports betting, gambling risks and help-seeking. Youth gambling rates continue to rise, making early conversations and healthy role modelling more important than ever.About Let's ReconnectLet's Reconnect is the podcast for parents wanting to reconnect with their children and teens. Hosted by psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada, each episode combines practical parenting strategies, psychological insights and expert guests to help strengthen family relationships and support children's wellbeing.Keywords:parenting teenagers, helping teens choose a career, subject selection advice, ATAR stress, university pathways Australia, future of work, AI and careers, career advice for parents, supporting teenagers after school, helping children find their passion, part-time work for teenagers, career planning for high school students, parenting teens Australia, Dr Jo Winchester, future jobs Australia, youth wellbeing, school subject selection, university alternatives, apprenticeships and careers, raising resilient teenagers.