The Parent-Teacher Project

How can hobbies help children grow—not just in skill, but in confidence and self-understanding?
In this episode, we are joined by Abi Lee, who shares her personal journey with neurodiversity and how hobbies and interests have played a powerful role in shaping her identity. Together, they explore why hobbies are more than just "extra activities"—they are essential spaces where children, especially those who are neurodivergent, can thrive, connect, and discover their strengths.
Discussion Points: 
What neurodiversity means and how it shapes the way children experience the world

Abi's journey with autism, ADHD, and self-understanding

Why hobbies are essential for confidence, identity, and emotional regulation

The role of hobbies as a safe outlet—especially for neurodivergent children

How parents can support children who jump between interests or hyper-focus

The importance of patience, communication, and giving children agency

Using children's interests as a powerful way to build connection

Join the Conversation  
What hobbies or interests help your child come alive?
How can you create space for them to explore what they love—without pressure or comparison?
We'd love to hear your thoughts—share this episode with another parent or continue the conversation with us.
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Daryl Castellino is the current Director of Teaching and Learning at Redfield College. He shares practical tips on how our children can become the best learners. In this episode, we talk about why it's so important that your child learns beyond the test. This episode is designed to help your child become a lifelong learner. 
You don't want to miss:
Identifying your child's learning style
Why we need to learn beyond the test
Resources:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/childhood/professionals/support/egsls.pdf
Related Episodes
Helping Diverse Learners
What Is Deep Learning In The Classroom?
The Importance Of Sleep For Academic Performance
You can:   

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   

Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   

Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we speak with Nick Giorgiou, Head of Sport at Redfield College, father of four, and lifelong athlete, about how sport can shape the character of young people and help them thrive in today's world. 

Nick shares how discipline, resilience, teamwork, and emotional intelligence learned through sport extend far beyond the playing field. He reflects on the life lessons that come from both victory and failure, and how sport offers young people a powerful space to grow in confidence, connection, and character. 

Discussion Points:  

1. The Role of Sport in Character Formation 

Nick explains how sport helps young people grow essential virtues such as perseverance, generosity, and self-mastery—traits that prepare them for challenges in school and life. 

2. Learning from Failure and Building Resilience 

From missed goals to lost games, Nick highlights how setbacks teach valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and growth. 

3. The Power of Teamwork and Communication 

Sport creates opportunities to work with others, develop leadership, and learn how to move together toward a common goal—even with people you might not always agree with. 

4. Emotional Intelligence on the Field 

Nick discusses how emotional regulation, self-awareness, and reading others' emotions are as crucial to success as physical skill—and how coaches and parents can nurture these qualities. 

5. Encouraging Without Pressure 

For parents whose children aren't naturally "sporty," Nick highlights ways to make movement enjoyable rather than obligatory; focusing on fun, participation, and connection instead of results. 

6. Broadening the Definition of 'Sporty' 

Nick invites listeners to expand their view of sport to include diverse activities—from rock climbing to dance—emphasising openess and enjoyment over competition. 

 

Join the Conversation  

Sport is more than a game; it's a classroom for life. It's where young people discover the value of effort, learn to handle success and disappointment, and experience the strength of teamwork and friendship. 

How do we, as parents and teachers, nurture these lessons beyond the field? How can we model discipline, humility, and respect when emotions run high; whether we're cheering from the sidelines or guiding a PE class? 

Perhaps most importantly, how can we ensure sport remains a joyful space for every child, regardless of skill level or competitiveness? 

We'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Share your own stories or reflections with us online, how has sport shaped you, your students, or your children? 

 

You can:   

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   

Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   

Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this thought-provoking episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, Alex Perrottet, Dean of Warrane College at UNSW sits down with Associate Professor Xavier Simmons, Master of Warrane College and Director of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics at ACU, to unpack the growing anxiety epidemic among young people — and how smartphones, social media, and modern parenting might be shaping this "anxious generation.".  

The conversation covers the importance of leading by example, the role of legislation in managing children's access to social media, and the powerful influence of parental modelling when it comes to healthy device use. They discuss the growing parental involvement in young adults' lives—such as writing resumes, attending interviews, and even negotiating grades—and how these good intentions can undermine self-reliance. 

The discussion also delves into risk aversion, the decline of in-person social interaction, and the need to cultivate resilience and agency among young people. They reflect on the role of reading and engagement with great books as antidotes to screen addiction and as a pathway to deeper reflection, imagination, and emotional maturity. Finally, Xavier shares insights from the Harvard Human Flourishing Study, shedding light on what truly contributes to long-term wellbeing—such as stable family life, strong social relationships, and cultivating meaning and purpose. 

Discussion Points:  

Parental Modelling and Example: why leading by example in technology use is one of the most effective ways to guide children towards balanced habits. 


Social Media and Legislation: The potential benefits and limits of policies that restrict children's access to social media and online content. 


Over-Parenting and Self-Reliance: How well-meaning parental involvement can hinder independence and responsibility. 


Risk and Resilience: The importance of allowing young people to face challenges, take risks, and experience failure as essential components of growth and maturity. 


Building Face-to-Face Connections: Why fostering in-person conversations and community engagement is key to developing empathy and authentic human interaction. 


The Power of Reading: How reading good literature can help young people rediscover imagination, reflection, and emotional growth in contrast to passive digital consumption. 



 

Find out more on: 

The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt 

 

Join the Conversation  

As parents, educators, teachers and mentors, we all share a role in helping young people navigate an increasingly digital world. What habits do we model at home? How can we create opportunities for children to face small challenges, make mistakes, and grow in confidence? 

Reflect on your own family's relationship with technology: 

Are you modelling the balance you hope your children will learn? 


What boundaries could help strengthen face-to-face time at home? 


How can we encourage reading, meaningful conversations, and a love for learning in our children? 


And most importantly, how can we teach them that true flourishing goes beyond screens—it lies in connection, courage, and character? 


We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Join the conversation by sharing your reflections or tips on creating a more mindful, resilient, and flourishing family life. 

 

You can:   

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast   

Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   

Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we sit down with dietitian and body image advocate Meg McClintock to discuss how parents and educators can help children develop a healthy, positive relationship with their bodies. From the impact of social media and "selfie culture" to the subtle messages children absorb at home, Meg shares practical strategies for fostering resilience in young people. 
 
Discussion Points: 
What "positive body image" really means — and why it's not about constant self-admiration 
How today's culture of constant photos and video calls affects self-perception 
The influence of early comments and compliments on a child's self-worth 
The pressures boys and girls face in a world of curated, filtered images 
Why resilience is more realistic than complete protection from body image pressures 
Practical tips for parents to create a "safe harbour" at home 
How to model positive body talk and shift the focus from appearance to what bodies can do 
 
Want to learn more about the importance of the body?
Upcoming TeenSTAR training: Register HERE 
Choose Nutrition 
 
Join the Conversation  
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. How do you foster a healthy body image in your home or classroom? Share your experiences and tips with us on social media using #ParentTeacherProject or send us a message at [email protected]. Your insights could inspire other parents and educators facing the same challenges. 
You can:  
Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  
Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  
Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  
Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes