Our very own Janet Evans speaks on Collett Smart's podcast - Raising Teens.

Win a copy of Janet Evans' book Empty Next by clicking here!!!

Janet Evans is an accomplished author and podcast host recognised for her insightful work on the themes of parenting and personal growth. She co-authored the book "Empty Next" with Dr. Amelia Haynes, targeting the often unspoken phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. Alongside her literary contributions, Janet is known for co-hosting the podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday," which celebrates the experiences and transitions faced by women over 40. Janet’s expertise in traversing this delicate phase of parenting combines personal experience with practical strategies tailored to support parents through this emotional transition.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Spectrum: Parents often experience a mix of pride and grief when their children leave home, highlighting the natural, varied responses to empty nesting.
• Improved Relationships: Interviews with young adults reveal that many develop stronger relationships with their parents after moving out, underlining the potential for positive change.
• Reevaluating Misconceptions: The episode challenges common misconceptions, such as the assumption that mothers are more affected than fathers by their children's departure.
• Global Phenomenon: Empty nest syndrome is not exclusive to Western cultures; parents worldwide experience similar emotional transitions despite differing family structures.
• Proactive Transitioning: Parents are encouraged to plan ahead by prioritising personal interests and marital relationships to ease the transition into this new stage of life.

Notable Quotes:

• "You bring them up for like 20 odd years. It's a long time to be in the same job."
• "A lot of [young adults] got on a lot better with their parents once they'd moved out."
• "You should never feel guilty about missing your children after they've left home."
• "With all of the people that we spoke to, the dads were just as affected. Oh, my goodness. And some of them even more so."
• "Every single situation is different, and every personality is different… overwhelmingly, most parents want the very best for their kids."

Resources:

• Janet Evans's book "Empty Next" explores empty nest syndrome and its impact.
• Podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday" hosted by Janet Evans, focused on women over 40.
• Hope 103.2 Radio, mentioned as an initial platform for the podcast concept.

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Dr. Sandy Kershaw is a General Practitioner with over 16 years of experience working at Long Bay Correctional Complex in Malabar, Sydney. Her professional background is diverse and includes working in homeless health, palliative care, Aboriginal medical health, and with the military. Dr. Kershaw unexpectedly found her calling in corrections health, where she treats a variety of inmates with different medical needs, ranging from acute to chronic conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Sandy Kershaw has extensive experience in diverse medical fields, and her work in the correctional system emerged from an initial locum stint that became a fulfilling, long-term career.
• The complexity and unpredictability of jail healthcare challenge medical professionals to adapt quickly, often dealing with emergencies and long waiting lists.
• Despite the harsh environment, Dr. Kershaw highlights the importance of treating every inmate with dignity and the significant impact such care can have.
• Dr. Kershaw values the unique medical challenges presented in a correctional environment, offering an opportunity to handle complex cases not commonly seen in regular general practice.
• Security protocols and the presence of contraband items significantly influence the healthcare dynamics within a prison, but appropriate measures ensure a surprisingly safe work atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The patients didn't scare me; it was the physical environment. Shawshank Redemption comes to mind—very oppressive."
2. "You see things you do not see in the average general practice. You see things that otherwise you only see in textbooks."
3. "A lot of people who committed certain offenses are very often victims themselves."
4. "It's an insane job, but it is very enjoyable. I love the medicine and the difference you can make."
5. "Incarceration in Australia is designed to curtail the freedom of movement, not to punish through other mechanisms."

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest

Colleen Hirst is an accomplished psychologist and family therapist affiliated with Merrylands Counselling. With a rich professional history in psychology and therapy, Colleen specialises in helping individuals understand and break negative relationship patterns. She is proficient in applying various therapeutic models and theories, such as attachment theory and John Gottman's methods, to enhance relationship dynamics and promote personal growth. Her insights are particularly valuable for developing secure attachments and improving interpersonal connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Patterns: Each individual has emotional blueprints shaped by upbringing and life experiences that govern relationship behaviors and attachment styles.
• Importance of Self-awareness: Identifying negative patterns is crucial; individuals must recognise their contributions to relationship dynamics to effect change.
• John Gottman's Principles: The Four Horsemen model provides insights into destructive relationship behaviors, underscoring the need to replace criticism with soft startups and stonewalling with self-soothing techniques.
• Connection Over Communication: True relationship resilience is built on connection and shared meaning, not just communication skills or conflict resolution.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Even entrenched patterns can be altered with intentional actions, as therapy can provide a framework for developing more positive interaction cycles.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We are all patterns, all of us. We've all got these internal working models for how we emotionally connect." — Colleen Hirst
2. "Good communication is a fantastic and vital skill, but when we lose connection, that's when the conflict comes." — Colleen Hirst
3. "Every time we say no to our automatic pilot, we're starting to change the internal script." — Colleen Hirst
4. "My top tip is connection… How can we build this relationship because I want a future with you?" — Colleen Hirst
5. "The main thing is not about active listening; it's about being there for your partner." — Colleen Hirst

Resources:

• Maryland's Counselling: Merrylands Counselling Psychology Practice (Gaining additional insights and support)
• John Gottman: Various models discussed, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Sound Relationship House Model.
• Attachment Theory: Explored in relation to early life experiences affecting adult relationships.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.