My Word Speech Therapy Podcast

The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Kids (Hint: It’s You)

What if the most powerful thing you could do for your child… was to work on yourself?
 
In this episode, I’m joined by Glenda O’Neill from Novo Counselling for a real and honest conversation about something so many mums experience — but don’t always talk about. Because motherhood has a way of bringing everything to the surface. We explore what it actually means to “do the work” as a mum — processing our own stress, anxiety, and past experiences — and how these can quietly shape the way we respond to our kids.
 
Glenda shares how our early experiences can show up in parenting, why our nervous system matters more than we think, and how becoming a more regulated (not perfect) version of ourselves can completely shift the emotional tone of our home.
 
This episode isn’t about blame or striving for perfection. It’s about awareness, growth, and learning how to navigate life in a way we can feel proud of — while modelling that for our kids along the way.
We chat about:
How past experiences show up in parenting
What nervous system regulation actually looks like in real life
Why “doing the work” is the greatest gift for your children
The shift from reactive parenting to intentional parenting
How to know when it might be time to seek support
What counselling really looks like (and why it’s not as scary as you think)
 
If you’ve ever found yourself reacting in ways you didn’t expect, feeling overwhelmed, or just knowing there’s a better way to show up — this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Because your kids don’t need a perfect mum. They need a real one — who’s willing to grow.
 
You can find more about Glenda and what she offers at Glenda O'Neill - Coach & Therapist
Website: www.oneillcoachingaus.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenda_oneill_therapist_coach?igsh=d3YwZjBuYm1iNjFl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novocounsellingaus?mibextid=ZbWKwL
 
You can find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team on our website and social media pages.
Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/
Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/mywordhealth
Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/mywordhealth

Dyslexia, Literacy & Learning to Read: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Learning to read isn’t always straightforward for every child.
 
In this episode, Maegen sits down with Kate from Read3 Literacy to unpack what literacy really involves, why some children struggle to learn to read, and how parents can recognise the early signs of dyslexia and literacy challenges.
 
Kate shares her personal journey as a parent of a child with dyslexia and explains how that experience led to the development of the Read3 literacy program — a structured, evidence-informed approach designed to support children who aren’t progressing with standard phonics instruction.
 
Together we explore:
• What literacy actually involves beyond reading and writing
• The “Big Five” skills that underpin reading development
• Early warning signs of dyslexia and literacy difficulties
• Why early intervention is so important
• Whether a dyslexia diagnosis is necessary
• Practical strategies parents can use to support reading at home
• How the Read3 program helps children build confidence and fluency
 
If you’re a parent wondering whether your child’s reading struggles are typical or something more, this episode will help you understand what to look for and what steps you can take to support them.
 
Because literacy isn’t just about school — it opens the door to confidence, opportunity, and lifelong learning.
 
You can find out more about the Read3 program via their website, including access to their free checklist
https://read3.com.au/
 
If you need help from a speech pathologist who is trained in Read3 you can reach out to us at My Word Health https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/
 
You can find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team on our website and social media pages.
Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywordhealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mywordhealth/

Tummy Time, Torticollis & Flat Spots Explained

Tummy time is one of the most talked-about parts of baby development — but many parents are left wondering if they’re doing it “right”.
 
In this episode, Maegen sits down with a kids physiotherapist, Jessee, to talk about why tummy time is so important, how it supports your baby’s development, and what parents should know about conditions like torticollis and flat spots.
 
We unpack common questions parents ask, including:
• What tummy time actually is and why babies need it
• How tummy time supports motor development
• What torticollis is and how it affects babies
• Why flat spots can develop on babies’ heads
• Signs parents should look out for early
• Simple ways to make tummy time easier (even if your baby hates it)
 
If you’re a new parent or expecting a baby, this episode will help you understand what’s normal, when to seek support, and how small daily activities can make a big difference to your baby’s development.
 
Because tummy time isn’t just another parenting task — it’s a key building block for rolling, crawling, and moving with confidence.
 
Connect with My Word Health
🌐 Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywordhealth
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mywordhealth
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate and review the podcast so more families can access evidence-based support for their children.

From Crawling to Confidence: The Role of a Kids Physiotherapist

When people hear the word physio, they often think about sports injuries or rehabilitation after an accident. But paediatric physiotherapy is so much more than that.
 
In this episode, Maegen sits down with kids physiotherapist, Jesse, to talk about the important role kids physios play in supporting children’s development, movement, and confidence.
 
We explore how paediatric physiotherapy helps children build the foundational skills needed for everyday activities like jumping, running, balancing, and playing with friends.
 
In this episode we discuss:
• What a paediatric physiotherapist actually does
• Signs your child might benefit from seeing a physio
• Gross motor milestones like crawling, walking, jumping and hopping
• Common concerns such as clumsiness, toe walking and poor endurance
• What “low muscle tone” means and how it affects movement
• What a typical physio assessment looks like
• How physio supports children socially and emotionally — not just physically
 
Jesse also shares why trusting your instincts as a parent is so important when it comes to your child’s development.
Sometimes all it takes is one appointment to provide reassurance, guidance, or a simple plan to help your child move with confidence.
 
Connect with My Word Health
🌐 Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywordhealth
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mywordhealth
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate and review the podcast so more families can access evidence-based support for their children.

Informed, Not Overwhelmed: The Additive Conversation with Jo from Additive Free Lifestyle. Episode #33

What if some of the behaviours we’re seeing in our kids aren’t “just a phase” — but information?
 
In this episode, Maegen chats with Jo from Additive Free Lifestyle about food additives and their potential impact on children’s behaviour, sleep, attention, and emotional regulation.
 
You’ll learn:
• What food additives actually are
• Why some children may be more sensitive
• How to read labels quickly and confidently
• Simple first steps families can take
 
This isn’t about fear or perfection — it’s about being informed, noticing patterns, and making realistic changes that support your child’s wellbeing.
 
If you’ve ever wondered whether food could be influencing your child more than you realised, this episode is for you.
 
You can find more about Jo and Additive Free Lifestyle here:
Website: https://additivefreelifestyle.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/additivefreelifestyle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/additivefreelifestyle/
 
You can find more about Maegen and the My Word Health team on our website and social media pages.
Website: https://www.mywordhealth.com.au/
Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/mywordhealth
Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/mywordhealth

Raising with Resilience: Marion's Story

In this episode, we welcome Marion — a warm, resilient mum — as she shares her family’s deeply personal parenting journey. From the moment her son received his diagnosis to the day-to-day realities that followed, Marion opens up with honesty, courage, and grace.
 
We talk about the emotional highs and lows, the challenges of navigating complex systems, and the strength it takes to advocate for your child. Marion also shares the tools and perspectives that have helped lighten the load, and the advice she wishes she could give herself at the very beginning.
 
This is a story of love, growth, and showing up every day — even when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone who wants to understand more, Marion’s insights will leave you feeling inspired and connected.
 
Stay tuned for wisdom, warmth, and real talk about parenting beyond the expected. 🌍✨

Rebecca’s Story: A Mother’s Journey Through Diagnosis, Advocacy & Hope

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Rebecca, a devoted mother, who opens up about her family’s journey following her son's diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Rebecca shares a glimpse into her family life and the moment she first learned about her son’s condition—along with the emotional rollercoaster that followed. She candidly discusses the challenges they’ve faced, including one of the most difficult moments and how she found the strength to navigate it.
 
From navigating the complexities of the healthcare and education systems to becoming her child’s fiercest advocate, Rebecca offers valuable insight into the realities many families quietly experience. She shares practical tools and strategies that have made daily life more manageable, and how her perspective on parenting has been transformed through this journey.
With honesty and grace, Rebecca also reflects on the advice she wishes she could have given herself at the beginning, and offers meaningful ways listeners can support families like hers.
 
Tune in for a conversation full of courage, love, and the wisdom that comes from walking a path not chosen—but embraced.

Easing the Transition: Starting School with Confidence

In this episode of the My Word Speech Therapy Podcast, we're joined by our wonderful Key Worker, Laura, to chat all things school transitions—because starting primary school is a big step, not just for kids, but for parents too!
Laura shares her practical insights on how to support your child as they move from preschool into the world of primary school. We cover:
✨ What parents need to know ahead of the transition
✨ What your child can expect in the first few weeks
✨ How to ask the right questions to find out how their school day really went
Whether your child is starting school soon or you're planning ahead, this episode is packed with simple strategies and reassuring advice to help make the transition smoother for the whole family.

Maternity Leave

We're taking a short break from the podcast as I've just had my baby. Thanks for listening and I look forward to bringing you more content soon.

Social Workers and Their Space in the NDIS

On this episode I chat with social worker Adam about how you might be able to access a social worker to help with your therapy and best utilise your NDIS funding to achieve your goals. If you have been wondering what therapy sessions look like with a social worker, this is the episode for you!