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Figuring out Families

Figuring out Families

By Majellan Media

It's in the family we learn the skills of living together. We first
learn that we are loved, understood, wanted and cared for,
and in most cases it's in the family we are formed to be who we are.

But our biggest hurts, failures and tragedies can also occur within the family.

For most of us we have to learn as we go!

For over 70 years Majellan has provided advice, shared stories
of family life and helped family members deal with the problems that arise.

We've helped thousands with their family issues.

Hosted by David Ahern.

Together we’ll set about Figuring out Families.
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Currently playing episode

Ethiopia In Crisis with Guest Kirsty Robertson, CEO Caritas Australia

Figuring out FamiliesOct 25, 2022

00:00
27:13
When should families gather at the dinner table?
Feb 20, 202327:24
Child safety in faith-based organisations. With Professor Daryl Higgins

Child safety in faith-based organisations. With Professor Daryl Higgins

This podcast is a must listen for all faith-based organisations taking child protection seriously.

Our guest, Professor Daryl Higgins from the Institute of Child Protection Studies talks about areas concerning the understanding of how young people perceive safety. 

Continuing the work done for the Royal Commission into institutional responses into child sexual abuse to understand what are the different risks and perceptions that young people have around where harm might occur in the kind of youth serving organisations that they engage with.

Daryl outlines the fundamental questions communities need to be asking young people about their involvement in safety and what they want from faith-based communities.

Feb 07, 202325:33
Growing Faith at the Dinner Table
Jan 17, 202328:00
The benefits of gathering for family meals with guest Derek Boylen
Nov 29, 202224:05
The Dinner Table - a place for gathering, sharing, being family
Nov 14, 202228:13
Ethiopia In Crisis with Guest Kirsty Robertson, CEO Caritas Australia

Ethiopia In Crisis with Guest Kirsty Robertson, CEO Caritas Australia

In our special Mission podcast we talk to Kirsty Robertson, the CEO of Caritas Australia. Kirsty has previously featured on our podcasts speaking about Caritas’ role in helping the people of Ukraine following the invasion by Russia and the importance of Project Compassion during Lent.

Caritas Australia is the Catholic Church’s international aid and development agency and is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world.

Recently returned from Ethiopia, Kirsty speaks about the dire consequences families are facing in Ethiopia and how they are struggling to even find water for their children. She says conflict and drought are proving to be a deadly combination in the African nation.

Oct 25, 202227:13
How families can survive financially in tough times. The financial series with Serina Bird

How families can survive financially in tough times. The financial series with Serina Bird

Interest rate increases and the rising cost of living are making life much more difficult for families. In this latest Financial Series podcast featuring Serina Bird she discusses ways families can survive the tough times. Serina says with inflation pushing up prices for things such as groceries and petrol, many people understandably are feeling powerless but it’s not all doom and gloom and there are things families can do to insulate themselves from the rising cost of living.

In this very important podcast, Serina provides some terrific tips on how families can make it through the rough and tumble of the next few years.

Jul 19, 202227:29
The dangers of smacking kids. Child Wellbeing with Prof Daryl Higgins

The dangers of smacking kids. Child Wellbeing with Prof Daryl Higgins

In this latest podcast of the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, Director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, we discuss the issue of parents smacking their children.

Daryl talks about the latest study which shows children who are smacked are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life. He also provides strategies for parents who may feel guilty after smacking a child and are looking for a more harmonious household

Jun 27, 202225:24
Child Wellbeing Series - Episode 2 with Prof Daryl Higgins

Child Wellbeing Series - Episode 2 with Prof Daryl Higgins

In the second podcast in the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, our discussion centres around ‘parenting interventions’ to address mental health issues in children.

Daryl says the majority of mental health problems have their origins in childhood and adolescence which is why additional funding is needed to help families. The problem has been made worse by the pandemic and the prevalence of social media. While family income plays a part, Daryl offers some tips on what parents can do to help their children.

He also says it’s better, if possible, if both parents are active in their child’s development.

May 04, 202226:31
Getting back on track after the pandemic - Parenting session with Dr Rosina McAlpine
Apr 13, 202234:10
Seeking Help with Family Financial Issues
Apr 04, 202230:02
Child Wellbeing with Prof Daryl Higgins - Episode one

Child Wellbeing with Prof Daryl Higgins - Episode one

The mental health of young Australians is in the spotlight again with a recent newspaper poll showing one in four young people aged sixteen to twenty-four thought about suicide over the past two years and 15 per cent attempted self-harm. The Age poll reveals a staggering eighty-two per cent said the pandemic caused their mental health issues.

Our new podcast series with Professor Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies is therefore timely. In this first Figuring out Families podcast with Prof Higgins, he says parents need quicker and more improved access to evidence-based support programs to address these rising mental health problems. And he believes primary and secondary schools are well equipped to help deliver the programs that will best meet the needs of young Australians.

Professor Daryl Higgins is Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies. His research focuses on public health approaches to protecting children and child-safe organisational strategies. He is a registered psychologist. For almost 30 years, Prof Higgins has researched a wide sphere of child health including: welfare and protection, family law, family violence and family wellbeing. He has published over 250 articles, papers and reports that have made a significant impact on policy related to child maltreatment, both in Australia and internationally.

Before joining ACU, Prof Higgins was the Deputy Director (Research) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, where he had responsibility for the research program, knowledge translation and exchange functions focusing on issues affecting families in Australia.

Mar 21, 202224:28
Finances Series 1 - Impact of the Pandemic
Feb 28, 202233:17
How year 12 students have dealt with lockdowns

How year 12 students have dealt with lockdowns

In this special episode of Figuring out Families we look at the difficulties many families have faced with home schooling during the pandemic.

Star of the Sea College co-captains, Lucy Corcoran and Charlotte McCormack, who have spent much of their final 2 years of schooling working from home, explain the challenges of not being able to interact with their friends and teachers. They both say their families have played an important role in keeping them calm and on track.

Despite the obvious difficulties of not being physically present at school, they have managed to cope and are looking forward to a bright future in their respective careers.

Lucy and Charlotte also have some handy tips for other students who are preparing for final exams.

Oct 19, 202127:06
Marriage Preparation Session Four with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.
Sep 27, 202122:37
Marriage Preparation Session Three with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.
Sep 13, 202128:10
Marriage Preparation Session Two with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.

Marriage Preparation Session Two with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers.

We continue our Marriage Preparation sessions with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers. In Session 2 we cover key issues that couples need to consider and discuss prior to their marriage.

Topics covered include dealing with extended family, traditions, finances and the importance of communication. In particular Andrew and Veronica explain how couples should approach differences in opinion and values.

A must listen for those preparing for marriage and a great refresher for all couples that have been together for some time.

Aug 31, 202126:08
Preparing for Marriage Session 1 With Andrew & Veronica Schoenmaekers

Preparing for Marriage Session 1 With Andrew & Veronica Schoenmaekers

Pre-marriage education programs aim to help couples build stronger relationships as they prepare for marriage – and a lifetime together!

They are designed to help couples to put relationship theory into practice and

learn how to:

  • explore their relationship’s strengths and differences
  • find ways to grow their friendship
  • build skills to navigate and manage conflict
  • discuss the challenges that they may face and plan positive ways to respond
  • think creatively about a vision for their future and the marriage they want to build

In these Preparing for Marriage Sessions Andrew and Veronica Schoenmaekers who have been married for 42 years share their experience as facilitators of the FOCCUS marriage preparation program for over 16 years.

These podcasts are a great resources for anyone considering marriage.

You can also view a great pre-marriage resource here

Aug 17, 202130:35
Break free to be all you can be!

Break free to be all you can be!

In this podcast, Dr Robyn Mills talks about the benefits of positive thinking and how to free ourselves from the shackles of past negative influencers. Robyn has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology, nursing, and natural medicine and is a grandmother of six. She says some people spend a lifetime thinking they are hopeless at certain tasks, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Robyn says it’s important for people to take on a different mindset and set challenges for themselves. She says if a particular family member’s behaviour is such that it affects the whole family, there are things that person can do to improve themselves which will lead to a more harmonious household.

She reminds us we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Jun 23, 202130:10
Strengthening Family Practices - Parenting Session with Rachel Schofield

Strengthening Family Practices - Parenting Session with Rachel Schofield

Rounding off Rachel's sessions on building sibling relationships and strengthening family bonds in this session she provides more great ideas to help siblings grow and thrive together. In the podcast Rachel explains practical strategies and practices that every family can use. 

Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.

You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.

Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.

Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website

https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchofield.au/  

rachelschofield.com/siblings

May 25, 202124:33
Grandparents Special Love - Parenting Session with Dr Robyn Mills

Grandparents Special Love - Parenting Session with Dr Robyn Mills

In this latest Parenting Session podcast we talk to Robyn Mills about the special love grandparents have for their grandchildren and how they can teach a child about love. Robyn, a grandmother of six who has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology and nursing, says grandparents can teach children from a young age to show love: respect, compassion, sharing and kindness.

Robyn also provides tips on the fun ways love can be taught to young people and how a grandparent can prepare a child for the arrival of a new sibling into the family.

May 11, 202131:38
Raising Healthy Kids
Apr 27, 202130:30
Giggle Games Parenting Session

Giggle Games Parenting Session

In this Session  Rachel explains how to use Giggle Games. These are games to help a child adjust to a new sibling, games to help with sibling squabbles and games to build lasting sibling bonds. The session is filled with great ideas on what games to use, how to use them and how effective Giggle Games are in helping children in dealing with many issues.


Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.

You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.

Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.

Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website

https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchofield.au/  

rachelschofield.com/siblings








Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash

Apr 13, 202128:09
Diffusing Family Tensions

Diffusing Family Tensions

In this Parenting Session Rachel Schofield discusses tensions and issues amongst siblings and helps parents identify the issues that lead to most disagreements and tensions.

She then explains practical strategies parents can put in place to assist their grumpy, tense children.

Another important topic she covers is problems that arise when one child feels they’re not being treated fairly because an older brother or sister appears to have privileges that the younger child doesn’t because of the age difference.

This Parenting Session is sure to offer relief to parents having to deal with conflict in their family.


Rachel Schofield
is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.

You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.

Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.

Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website

https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchofield.au/  

rachelschofield.com/siblings

Mar 23, 202130:33
Understanding the Teenage Brain
Mar 17, 202128:22
Dealing with Sibling Rivalry. A Parenting Session with Rachel Schofield

Dealing with Sibling Rivalry. A Parenting Session with Rachel Schofield

In this Parenting Session on Sibling Struggles, Parent Coach Rachel Schofield talks about sibling rivalries and what leads to conflict in the home. She says some families experience more problems, but there are some simple things parents can do to assist their children. 

Rachel, who is a professional member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists and mum to two children, provides tips on what parents can do to ease the tension in their household.


Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.

You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page – look for the Challenge posts.

Download Rachel’s free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.

Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website

https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchofield.au/  

rachelschofield.com/siblings

Mar 10, 202128:06
The big picture of sibling friendships a parenting session with Rachel Schofield

The big picture of sibling friendships a parenting session with Rachel Schofield

In this important parenting session we welcome Rachel Schofield who talks about the positive results that can come from a solid relationship between siblings. She also explains why so many siblings struggle to connect and provides handy tips on what parents can do to encourage a more harmonious relationship between their children.

Rachel Schofield is a Parent Coach, Professional Member of the Australian Association of Family Therapists, and Mum of two boys.

You can let Rachel know how you go in the Sibling Challenges she offers in each session on her Facebook page - look for the Challenge posts.

Download Rachel's free pdf Siblings Guide & Workbook that accompanies these Sessions. It gives you the key points from the podcasts, explains strategies and offers you reflection questions so you can figure out how to build better relationships between your kids.

Learn more about Rachel on her Facebook page and website

https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchofield.au/  

rachelschofield.com/siblings

Mar 03, 202124:49
The Joy of Grandparenting with Dr Robyn Mills

The Joy of Grandparenting with Dr Robyn Mills

Reflect on your family, in particular your grandparents influence in your life.

For many of us grandparents have had a big influence on our lives. But this can often be tricky in families as role modelling is an important way for children to learn. But where values may be different grandparents need to honour their children’s way of parenting, while at the same time honouring the grandparent they want to be.

In this most informative Parenting Session, Psychologist, Lecturer and Grandmother of six, Dr Robyn Mills explores the role of grandparents today and how they can truly enrich the lives of their grandchildren.

Feb 16, 202128:27
 Bullyproof Your Child, Dr Robyn Mills Parenting Session

Bullyproof Your Child, Dr Robyn Mills Parenting Session

In this Parenting Session on Bullying we introduce Dr Robyn Mills, a grandmother of five who has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology, nursing and natural medicine. She’s also a co-founder of Win Win Parenting along with Dr Rosina McAlpine.

Robyn says the introduction of new technologies has made bullying worse because it can now occur 24/7. She says bullying occurs amongst all age groups and if it’s not tackled when children are young, it can continue well into adulthood. Robyn also says bullying takes many forms but has some handy tips on how to ‘bully proof’ your child.

Feb 10, 202133:04
Win Win Parenting with Dr Rosina McAlpine

Win Win Parenting with Dr Rosina McAlpine

Win Win Parenting. In this Majellan Parenting Session with Dr Rosina McAlpine we explore Win Win Parenting and how it supports parents to successfully navigate through the ups and downs of family life and learn practical strategies to manage parenting challenges.

Dr Rosina’s Win Win Parenting program provides parents with an effective step-by-step practical approach to managing day-to-day parenting challenges without requiring discipline, punishment and rewards. Teaching children life skills to become successful, cooperative and caring members of your family and society.

Jan 28, 202128:50
New Series: Parenting Sessions coming early 2021
Dec 11, 202001:21
Emotional intelligence - Parenting Session with Dr Rosina McAlpine

Emotional intelligence - Parenting Session with Dr Rosina McAlpine

New Parenting Sessions with parenting  expert Dr  Rosina McAlpine

In this Figuring Out Families podcast we talk to Dr Rosina McAlpine, who’s an author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting which supports parents on how best to navigate through the ups and downs of everyday family life. 

Win Win Parenting also provides practical strategies for parents on how to manage the challenges of raising their children. 

In this first episode of our new Parenting Sessions, Dr Rosina explains in simple terms what emotional intelligence is and the five aspects of emotional intelligence including empathy and managing your emotions.

Enjoy.

Dec 03, 202029:07
Parenting - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Sep 29, 202027:52
Goal Setting - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Sep 23, 202026:46
Dealing With Difficult Family Members - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Sep 15, 202027:27
Financial Stresses - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Sep 07, 202033:08
Infidelity - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Sep 03, 202029:21
Focus Sessions Overview with Derek Boylen
Sep 01, 202005:46
Is it Over? Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Aug 25, 202032:30
Twelve Facets of Intimacy - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Aug 17, 202031:34
Importance of Work/Life Balance - Focus Session with Derek Boylen
Aug 12, 202029:15
Benefits of Being Part of a Community - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Benefits of Being Part of a Community - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

In the latest focus session of Figuring out Families with Derek Boylen, we explore community. The current pandemic has revealed much about society today and how we live in community. When we are deprived of communion with our neighbours it can impact on our mental health, and test the sturdiness of our social fabric.

Derek explains how a strong sense of community is vital for the wellbeing of our relationships with loved ones.

Aug 05, 202030:29
Faith and Spirituality in Families - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Faith and Spirituality in Families - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

In this session we explore how faith and spirituality effect relationships in the pressure of daily life.

Derek and David are joined by special guest Karen (Derek’s wife) to explore the importance of taking time to strengthen our ‘spiritual being’ and how in doing so we build closer more loving relationships.

Topics covered in this session:

  • The meaning of spirituality
  • Spirituality, faith or religion?
  • How we experience spirituality in the day-to-dayness of life.
  • Learning to see our family members with new eyes. How to behold them.
  • Opening space in your family for spiritual conversations to occur more naturally
  • Thinking about what you’d like to pass onto your children and how to be intentional
  • Finding people your family can journey in faith with.
  • First steps if you’re very new to this but want to explore faith and spirituality more.
Jul 27, 202033:14
Love Languages - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Love Languages - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

What are love languages? Put simply, they are the ways we show love and interpret love back.

It is the language we speak when expressing love.  And it is important to know that your love language may be different to that of your loved ones. This means there is room for misinterpretations and can be a cause for lack of connection.

In this Focus session Derek describes what the five love languages are and shows us how we can express our love more deeply – to our partner and our children in their love language.

If you have or haven’t heard of love languages before you will enjoy the way Derek presents this most interesting topic

Jul 14, 202030:45
Problems and Relationship Repair - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Problems and Relationship Repair - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

All relationships are tested at one time or another and there is nothing wrong with a good argument. In fact, it can be healthy.

Arguments in a relationship are inevitable! Even if we had the best communication skills in the world there are still going to be times when we have different expectations or goals or values which can to lead to a disagreement of some sort.

In this session we explore the steps to help address problems when they arise and how disagreements and arguments can in fact enrich a relationship.

Join David and Derek to find out more.

Jul 13, 202031:15
Keeping Fun and Romance Alive - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Keeping Fun and Romance Alive - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

When we think about what it takes to build strong lasting family relationships we often focus on the big guns of trust, honesty, loyalty, etc. However, an essential part of meaningful relationships is also fun, humour and laughter. Those are also play a big part of the job of building a healthy family life.

Having fun and including romance in relationships is a choice, not something we do, just when we feel like it. In this session Derek talks about the importance of planning for fun in the family and explains what love rituals are and how to keep romance alive in your relationship.

Jul 13, 202032:46
Love Maps - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Love Maps - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Having a strong loving relationship usually means you have a good understanding  of what is important to your family members. 

In this Focus Session we explore Love Maps and how they can help to gain a deeper knowledge of the people we care most about and therefore build stronger relationships.

Understanding Love Maps gives us a valuable means of getting to know and appreciate our partners and children better to help avoid conflict, and most importantly build strong, loving bonds.

Derek and David discuss what Love Maps are, how to grasp them and how to apply the knowledge to make our relationships the best they can be.

This is a fascinating session

Jul 03, 202031:42
Communications Part 2 - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

Communications Part 2 - Focus Session with Derek Boylen

In part two of our Communications session we take a closer look at how emotions impact on our relationships and how we communicate.  
We are also joined by some special guests to get children's perspective on communication.  

We suggest you listen to part one first.
Click Here to go to Part 1 .

Communication is the theme of the second session of our focus series with Marriage Counsellor Derek Boylen.

As much as good communication can build positive bonds and mutual respect, so can poor communication remove trust and break down the foundation of a relationship.

An entire series could be focused on this topic alone. However we have condensed the subject into two incredibly informative sessions, with part I & II.

Jul 01, 202035:59
Communications Part 1 - Focus Sessions with Derek Boylen

Communications Part 1 - Focus Sessions with Derek Boylen

Communication is the theme of the second session of our focus series with Marriage Counsellor Derek Boylen. 

As much as good communication can build positive bonds and mutual respect, so can poor communication remove trust and break down the foundation of a relationship.

An entire series could be focused on this topic alone. However we have condensed the subject into two incredibly informative sessions, with part I & II. 

Jul 01, 202030:08
Figuring Out Families – The focus series with Derek Boylen - Session 1: Families in Lockdown

Figuring Out Families – The focus series with Derek Boylen - Session 1: Families in Lockdown

With this episode we start a new series of podcasts that focus in on real family and relationship issues ... And we’re pleased to be joined by marriage counsellor and family expert, Derek Boylen. Together we will explore the most pressing issues facing families today.

As well as being a relationship counsellor, Derek is the Director of the Centre for Life, Marriage and Family in the Archdiocese of Perth and is also a sessional lecturer for the University of Notre Dame in the Discipline of Counselling.  

He is extremely well qualified, and we are very pleased to have him join us again on Figuring out Families for a series of 'sessions' on relationships and family.  

Our first 'session' looks at how families deal with Covid-19.

Jun 24, 202032:52