What happens when parenting stirs something in us — an old memory, an unexpected reaction, a voice we thought we’d left behind?In this episode of Nurture, we gently explore how the stories we carry from our own childhoods can shape the way we show up as parents — especially in the heat of the moment. I share a personal story (involving a rock and some very scratched paintwork), and unpack how that moment became a quiet act of reparenting.We talk about:* Why our past experiences live on in our nervous systems* How early attachment patterns shape our parenting responses* What “reparenting” really means — and how it looks in real life* The Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) and how it reframes old patterns as adaptive* How to offer emotional safety, even when we’re still learning what that feels like for ourselvesAnd, as always, we close with three soft, supportive prompts to carry with you through the week ahead.📝 Resources MentionedTo support your listening and reflection, you’ll find a few gentle tools below. These are here to help you explore the episode’s themes in your own time — no pressure, no perfection needed.* Reflection Sheet: “Old Stories, New Responses”A quiet journaling page with prompts, space for your thoughts, and a gentle reminder just for you.➝ Download the PDF* Lock Screen RemindersSave one of these gentle quotes from today’s episode as a phone background — a soft nudge toward presence when you need it most.➝ Browse & Download* Summary NotesA simple recap of the key ideas from the episode — helpful if you want to revisit without re-listening.➝ Download the Summary💭 A quiet reminder...You’re not doing it wrong if it feels hard. You’re doing the courageous, unseen work of noticing, pausing, and choosing something different — for your child, and for yourself.And that matters.Click here to follow me on Instagram! Get full access to Nurture by Dr Emma Bagnall at themotheringpsychologist.substack.com/subscribe
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S1E1 What is nurture, really?
Welcome to the first episode of Nurture — where we gently explore what it means to care for our children and ourselves through presence, relationship, and deep attunement.This episode is a reminder that nurture isn’t about doing more, trying harder, or getting it right all the time. It’s about noticing. Being with. Returning.✨ Key Takeaways* Nurture is relational.It’s not about performance or perfection — it’s about connection. Children (and adults) are wired to seek comfort, co-regulation, and closeness when things feel too big.* It’s the small, ordinary moments that matter.Nurture often shows up in the quiet pauses — a hand held, a soft glance, the way we stay near when emotions run high.* Our children’s nervous systems are still developing.Meltdowns and big feelings aren’t misbehaviour — they’re moments when our child’s nervous system is asking for support. Through co-regulation, we lend them our calm while theirs is still growing.* “Good enough” is good enough.No parent is regulated all the time. What matters is how we return — the repair, the softness, the presence after the rupture.* Nurture goes both ways.It’s not just something we give to our children — it’s something we can offer to ourselves, too. Nurture isn’t a one-way street. It’s a shared, evolving relationship.💬 Reflection PromptsYou don’t need to answer all of these. They’re here to support gentle noticing — in your own time, in your own way.* What small moment of connection did I notice today?* When was I able to return — to myself, to my child — after a hard moment?* Where could I offer myself the same compassion I offer my child?📎 Resources Mentioned* “Moments of Connection” Reflection Sheet→ Download here* Lock Screen Reminder Cards→ Download hereClick here to follow me on Instagram! Get full access to Nurture by Dr Emma Bagnall at themotheringpsychologist.substack.com/subscribe
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Nurture - Coming Soon!
🎧 Nurture — Coming SoonWelcome to Nurture — a podcast about the heart of parenting, the reality of motherhood, and the quiet, powerful work of growing alongside our children.Hosted by Clinical Psychologist, Holistic Sleep Coach, and mom, Dr Emma Bagnall, this podcast holds space for the often unspoken parts of parenthood — the emotional, mental, and relational layers that aren’t always easy to name.Each episode offers thoughtful reflections on topics like:Matrescence and identityMental health and wellbeingSleep without sleep trainingResponsive parenting and reparentingNeurodiversity in family lifeEmotional regulation and the daily work of showing upEmma brings together insights from her clinical practice with her own lived experience — creating a warm, reflective space to feel more grounded, more resourced, and more connected.At the heart of it all is nurture — not just something we offer our children, but something we all need.Whether you’re in the early days, deep in the juggle, or simply craving a softer space to land…You’re so welcome here.✨ First episode drops soon — follow or subscribe to be the first to listen. Get full access to Nurture by Dr Emma Bagnall at themotheringpsychologist.substack.com/subscribe
A podcast for the mother in all her seasons.
Nurture is a quiet space for reflection, reassurance, and real talk about the emotional landscape of motherhood. Hosted by Dr. Emma Bagnall, clinical psychologist, holistic sleep coach and mom, this podcast weaves together personal reflection and professional insight, without pretending to have all the answers.
themotheringpsychologist.substack.com
Ireland