In this open and deeply honest episode, Lauren Lores shares her journey through some of life’s biggest shifts — from becoming a mother and navigating changing identity, to facing a breast cancer diagnosis and choosing to go flat.

Lauren talks about the raw moments, the personal decisions, and the growth that came with it all. She reflects on what it means to embrace imperfection, to let go of old expectations, and to find strength in vulnerability.

As both a parent and educator, she also shares powerful insights into how we can better support kids emotionally and advocate for their needs — at home and in the classroom.

This conversation is real, empowering, and full of heart. Tune in for an inspiring look at how life’s hardest chapters can also bring the deepest connection and clarity.

ABC Compass Episode - https://iview.abc.net.au/video/RN2411H008S00

Cancer Council - https://www.cancersa.org.au/support/

Fame Flexible Learning Centre - https://fame.flexi.edu.au/

In this episode of Teacher Triggers, we dive into the quirky and sometimes challenging dynamics of communication between parents and teachers. Join us as we explore the humorous and relatable moments that arise when messages are sent with hesitation, and how these interactions can lead to unexpected insights and solutions. Discover how a simple pause can foster deeper understanding and resilience, both in the classroom and at home. Tune in for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking discussion on the art of communication in education.

Title Music - Sourced from Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/

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Ever been stuck behind the broom or vacuum a lot longer than you had hoped? Or feel as though no matter how much you trail around behind your children with a vacuum that you never seem to get all of it?

Here is another everyday pondering that is associated with being a parent and a thought that I have now pondered on just a little too long!

It is reaching a point now with three small children attending school and day care that I have begun to wonder if the vacuuming, sweeping and mopping will ever end. It seems relentless and at times as though someone has played a cruel joke and collected bags of sand from the beach to dump them in the lounge and dining room. When will it end?!?

Come along for a little listen while we pop this thought bubble and consider what cleaning the floors really looks like in the family home.

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment and don't forget to share with those family and friends that you think this might resonate with as well!

This episode was written, recorded and produced by Joshua MacWilliams.

Sound effects provided by Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/

Teacher Triggers is a quick and entertaining look at those little things that drive teachers mad. Although they might not say it at the time, there are a number of moments throughout the day that get teachers rolling their eyes, grinding their teeth and taking some deep breathes to make it through the day. No doubt these types of moments happen in all jobs and walks of life but in these episodes we will focus on moments that are a little more unique to educators and the interactions that have with students, colleagues and parents throughout the year.

This episode is about those moments when teachers get asked to be the lunch police. Those interactions where parents feel their child hasn't eaten enough from their lunchbox and it becomes the teachers responsibility to make sure nothing is left in the lunchbox by the end of the day. This 100% is a teacher trigger and hopefully this episode might outline just why.

Music and sound effects for this episode were sourced from UppBeat.

https://uppbeat.io/

Parental Ponderings is a new concept in which we explore the basic everyday situations associated with being a parent and ponder them in a little more depth. No interview, no guest, just a thought, musing or story that has led to pondering longer and harder than you would usually have thought necessary. Come along for the ride and see if these Parental Ponderings are things that you may have pondered too.

In what situation is it too much for you to want to share your baby wipes?

Have you ever had that situation where you ran out of baby wipes? You're in a bind and you either have to duck to the shops or rely on a friend or stranger to bail you out and snag some more wipes. It has happened to all parents at some stage or another, I am sure. But how far should we go with the generosity of our wipe sharing? I have been pondering this since a chance encounter recently and my pondering got the better of me! This episode is where I got to with my pondering.

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Dr Mike Poulsen, a chiropractor with a special focus on paediatric chiropractic care and supporting neurodivergent children. Dr Mike shares his deep knowledge and passion for helping families through gentle, nervous system-focused chiropractic care designed especially for children.

Together, we explore how chiropractic care can support children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences and other neurodivergent presentations—improving regulation, connection, and overall wellbeing. Dr Mike also addresses common concerns around chiropractic care for young children and shares practical advice for parents navigating this space.

Whether you're a parent, carer, educator or allied health professional, this episode offers a wealth of compassionate insight and empowering information.

About Dr Mike Poulsen:
Dr Mike Poulsen is a dedicated family chiropractor based in Adelaide, South Australia, with advanced training in paediatric and prenatal chiropractic. With a warm, gentle approach and a strong commitment to supporting neurodivergent children and their families, Dr Mike brings a unique and heart-centred perspective to nervous system health and chiropractic.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• https://www.coastfamilychiropractic.com.au/

• https://www.instagram.com/coastfamily.chiro/

  https://www.facebook.com/coastfamilychirosa/

• https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/

📣 Connect with Us:

• Subscribe to Parent Teacher Interview wherever you get your podcasts

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—it helps others find the show!

• Follow us on social media @parent_teacher_interview for more updates and behind-the-scenes content

In part two of our conversation with Alana Potter, we dive into her journey from classroom teacher to educator and advocate in the areas of sexual health, respectful relationships, and inclusion. Alana now works across diverse educational settings, empowering both students and educators to build safe, inclusive environments where these crucial topics can be explored openly and confidently.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Practical strategies and tips for parents and carers on how to start meaningful conversations with kids about sexual health and relationships

• How to foster inclusive, respectful dialogue at home and in the classroom

• Resources and conversation starters to help guide tricky or unfamiliar discussions

• Why building understanding and inclusivity from a young age can have a lasting impact

🎧 Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone wanting to create a more inclusive space in your community, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights and practical tools to help you get started.

Resource Links

The Birds and The Bees - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3MyLt6l5n0

Tea Consent - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU

Queer Australia - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/queerstralia

Shine SA - https://shinesa.org.au/

The Hunting - https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/the-hunting

Corey Silverberg - https://www.corysilverberg.com/

Alana Potter shares with us about her early teaching experiences in New Zealand and the differences between her Teachers College experience and current teaching degrees. We also learn about what it was like for Alana when she moved to Australia with her partner and decided to live and work in some of Australia's most remote Aboriginal communities-building relationships and learning about and from community and community members.

This episode provides a great understanding of what life is like for an early career teacher and how important it is to be adaptable and open to new thoughts, ideas and experiences when working in different cultures and communities.