EP: 96 Stop Trying to Be a Perfect Parent: Play & Connection Matter More

What if being a good parent doesn’t mean being a perfect parent? In this episode of the Parenting Collective Podcast, Donna Moala is joined by Monique Cohen, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and Play Therapist, and author of *Planet Parent*, for a warm and honest conversation about playful parenting, parent-child connection, emotional regulation and the pressure to get parenting “right.” Together, Donna and Monique unpack the myth of perfect parenting and explore how play can help children feel connected, safe and understood. They talk about child-led play, emotional regulation, anxiety, school refusal, neurodiversity, strong-willed children, parenting guilt and why children need more downtime and unstructured play. They also explore the importance of recognising when a child may need additional support, why asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent, and how parents can break cycles of guilt and perfectionism. Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that your child doesn’t need a perfect parent. They need a connected, loving and present one. If you are a parent who wants less guilt, less pressure and more connection, this episode is for you. 💛 **Follow Monique Cohen:** Website: https://www.journeypsychology.com.au/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/planet\parent\mc/ Buy the book, Planet Parent - https://www.harryhartog.com.au/products/planet-parent-monique-cohen-9781398461192?\pos=1&\sid=f88099366&\_ss=r I would appreciate it greatly if you could please LIKE and FOLLOW this podcast and if you are not following me over on instagram, head over there for all of my top tips and advice around sleep and parenting @parentingcollective.au**.**  I also offer a free 15 minute phone chat to run through all your questions CLICK here to book your FREE 15 minute chat Much Love 💞 Donna Moala  Parenting Collective                                                ***SLEEP & PARENTING ESSENTIALS*** 🩷  For your daily walks, coffee's & travel      ***CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE*** *COZIGO*   🩷  Favourite room darkening product      ***CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE*** *SLEEPY SUNDAYS* 🩷 Favourite Goat's Milk Formula     ***CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE*** *LITTLE OAK FORMULA****.*** 🩷 Favourite Rice Milk Formula     ***CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE*** ...