Episode Sub Title: “The Undercurrent: Steph Pinto’s Superpower for Building Resilient, Emotionally Strong Kids”

In this thoughtful and practical episode, host Tim Curtis speaks with Steph Pinto, emotional intelligence expert, mum of two, and champion for raising emotionally strong and self-aware kids. Steph opens up about her own journey with anxiety, what she’s learned as a parent in a neurodiverse household (ADHD in the mix), and how emotional intelligence can help kids and adults alike manage big feelings, build resilience, and strengthen relationships.

Key themes and takeaways:

• How Steph’s childhood and anxiety experiences shaped her passion for emotional intelligence
• Why emotional self-awareness and regulation are at the heart of resilience
• The power of modelling — what parents do matters more than what they say
• Parenting neurodiverse kids with patience, curiosity, and empathy
• Letting go of “resilience as stoicism” and embracing vulnerability
• Why co-regulation, presence, and small actions (like breathing or EFT tapping) make a difference
• Practical tools: seeing the iceberg beneath behaviours, using “get curious not furious”
• This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience grows through connection, self-compassion, and emotional honesty.

👉 Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids

(Even) More About Steph:

Steph Pinto is an emotional intelligence coach, accredited anxiety therapist for kids and teens (Cool Kids program), and an advocate for building emotionally healthy families. She draws from personal experience as a parent of a neurodiverse child, as well as professional expertise in emotional regulation and resilience tools.

Resources:

• Cool Kids Program – Macquarie University— Evidence-based anxiety program for children and teens
• Peter Stapleton – The Science of Tapping— Leading researcher on EFT tapping and its benefits for anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation
• Tapping Solution (general EFT info)— Resource hub on how to get started with EFT
• Raising Children Network – Emotional Intelligence— Trusted Australian parenting resource on building emotional intelligence
• ADDitude Magazine – Parenting ADHD— Articles and tools for parents raising kids with ADHD
• org— A resource for supporting neurodivergent children (ADHD, learning differences)
• The Stoic Parent (Modern Stoicism)— Articles on resilience, authenticity, and emotional strength in parenting

Episode Sub Title: ““STEM Mum, Big Heart: Jaz Diab’s Lessons in Resilience”

In this inspiring and open-hearted episode, host Tim Curtis speaks with Jasmin (Jaz) Diab, nuclear scientist, STEM nerd (self confessed!), and mum of a remarkable five-year-old with achondroplasia, Zoe and little baby boy Remy. Jaz shares her experiences parenting a child with achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism), the lessons she’s learned about resilience, and how curiosity, honesty, and community have helped her navigate challenges.

Key themes and takeaways:

• How Jaz uses curiosity and science to advocate for Zoe and break down barriers
• The importance of building community, both locally and through the short-statured network
• Jaz’s parenting style: honest, open communication and letting go of perfection
• Helping kids develop self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving skills
• Why self-kindness and reframing have been crucial for Jaz’s own resilience as a parent
• The power of role-modelling language, patience, and co-regulation in tough moments
• This episode shines a light on embracing difference, building strong villages around kids, and supporting them to thrive on their own terms.

👉 Learn more at: resilienceshield.com/kids

(Even) More About Jaz: Jasmin draws upon 22 years of service as an Australian Army engineer officer with a focus on security and safety in high risk environments. Jasmin is a nuclear engineer with an extensive knowledge and experience in the Australian nuclear and national security landscape and loves a good complex challenge

Resources:

Women in Nuclear (WiN) Australia — A network supporting women in nuclear science and technology; Jasmin is likely engaged with groups like this.

Special Operations Engineer Regiment (SOER) — Australian Army’s dedicated combat engineer unit supporting Special Operations Command.

Little People of Australia — National support network for people of short stature and their families.

Growing Stronger: Achondroplasia Resource (Johns Hopkins Medicine) — Detailed medical overview of achondroplasia.

Short Statured People of Australia Facebook Group — Community space (private group; request to join).

Welcome to Holland – by Emily Perl Kingsley — Full text of the poem.

Episode Sub Title: "Perfectionism, Parenting & Lollipops: Susannah Kindred’s Guide to Being Good Enough"

In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, host Tim Curtis welcomes Susannah Kindred, clinical psychologist, performance coach, and mum of three, to the Building Resilient Kids podcast. Together, they explore what it really looks like to juggle professional expertise and the raw realities of parenting — and how being a psychologist doesn’t mean you have all the answers at home!

Key themes and takeaways:

• Susannah’s life as a clinical psychologist, mindset coach, and mum to a 6.5, 3.5, and 1.5-year-old — and why she describes parenting as “a dance” rather than perfect harmony.
• The challenges of perfectionism in kids, and how to gently support children to try, fail, and build resilience (including a touching story of tennis, tears, and a well-timed lollipop).
• Why “good enough parenting” beats striving for perfection — inspired by research on healthy attachment and resilience.
• Susannah’s reflections on temperament, personality, and how to nurture resilience whether kids are introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between.
• The balancing act of rewards and motivation: when a lollipop is okay, and where to draw the line.

This episode is filled with practical, real-world insights on parenting with compassion, curiosity, and courage — without needing to wear a “psychology hat” at all times.

👉 Learn more about Susannah and her work at: kindredthriving.com

(Even) More About Susannah: Susannah Kindred is a performance and mindset coach, trained clinical psychologist, and founder of KINDRED Thriving. She helps leaders, professionals, parents, elite athletes, and performing artists develop the mental and emotional skills to navigate challenges and excel with courage, curiosity, and compassion.

In her private practice, she has supported countless adolescents and parents, and as a mum of three young kids, she’s passionate about equipping people with the tools to navigate life with resilience and purpose.

Resources:

Susannah's website: https://kindredthriving.com/

About Wise Mind on DBT: https://dbtselfhelp.com/wise-mind/

On 'Good Enough Parenting': D.W. Winnicott introduced the concept of "good enough parenting," suggesting that parents don't need to be perfect to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Instead, they should aim to be "good enough," meaning they adequately meet their child's basic physical and emotional needs, providing a secure base for development while also allowing for age-appropriate independence and frustration tolerance.