About this episode
This is Part Two of a deeply important conversation with Ros Nealon-Cook, ex-psychologist and fearless advocate for children’s mental health.
In this wide-ranging episode, we dive into the foundations of emotional wellbeing — the stuff that’s so basic we often overlook it: sleep, movement, nutrition, play, laughter, and connection. Ros unpacks how these simple daily habits build true resilience and mental strength in our kids.
She then introduces a practical emotional education framework known as the Zones of Regulation, helping parents and children alike tune into emotions, triggers, and stress in a language that’s simple, non-judgmental, and actually works at home.
We also explore how families can begin healing the hidden trauma and division left over from the COVID years — a conversation that’s long overdue — and why processing collective shame and grief is key to moving forward.
Other topics include:
- How to raise courageous, emotionally literate kids in an age of fear and censorship
- Ways to engage doctors and medical professionals and rebuild trust without blame or bitterness
- The technology tsunami shaping our kids’ brains — plus real, workable family tech contracts to help your kids self-regulate their screen-time
- The confronting reality of pornography’s impact on adolescent boys — and a surprising take on how to best address it positively
Ros brings both compassion and clarity to one of the biggest issues facing parents today. This episode finishes on a note of hope, creativity, and practical optimism for rebuilding our kids’ emotional worlds — and our society — from the inside out.
Resources:
Zones of Regulation: https://zonesofregulation.com/
Shoppers Guide to the "Dirty Dozen": https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.ph
Technology Contracts (Many available, here are some Australian starting points):
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources/family-tech-agreement
https://danielmorcombe.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2021_SafeBedrooms_Family-Technology-Agreement_EDITABLE.pdf
https://danielmorcombe.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2021_SafeBedrooms_Family-Technology-Agreement_EXAMPLE.pdf
Good for teens:
