EP 12: What is a Family Rhythm and Why does it Matter

This episode is all about family rhythm, creating calm in the chaos of family life, and finding a flow that works for your family. Nadia and Althea explore what a family rhythm actually is and how it can help make everyday life feel calmer, more predictable and connected. They chat about the difference between a family rhythm and a rigid routine, and why having some consistency doesn't mean every part of your day needs to go exactly to plan. Nadia shares what family rhythm looks like in her home, from resetting the house the night before and having breakfast together, to using a visual calendar to help her children understand what the day will look like. She also shares their family traditions, including their "Shimmers and Glimmers" at the dinner table, family walks and their bedtime rhythm. Althea shares her experience of moving from a more rigid routine with her first child towards a more flexible rhythm with two young children. Together, they talk about how disrupted sleep, newborn stages, work, holidays and changing family circumstances can affect your rhythm—and why flexibility and trial and error are such an important part of finding what works. They also discuss the benefits of family rhythm for children and parents, including creating a greater sense of calm, helping children understand what is expected of them, supporting connection and making everyday transitions easier. They unpack research exploring the relationship between consistent family rhythms and children's mental health and family wellbeing. **In this episode we discuss:** - Family rhythm vs rigid routines and schedules - Visual calendars and helping children understand what's coming next - Family traditions and rituals - Finding flexibility when life doesn't go to plan - How family rhythm can support children's behaviour and emotional wellbeing - Trial and error and finding what works for your family **Tried & True** Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life. Althea's recommendation: Side by Side Push SUV – A side-by-side push wagon that Althea has been loving for her two young children. She shares how they've used it for trips to the beach, the zoo and around the neighbourhood, as well as the features that make it practical for families with children close in age. She also shares the one thing to consider before buying: its size and how much boot space you'll need. Nadia's recommendation: Indoor climbing frame – Nadia shares an indoor climbing frame that has helped her children get more movement into their day and has significantly reduced the amount of jumping on the lounge! The climbing frame can be mounted to the wall and used with different attachments, including a lycra swing. Links mentioned in the episode Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between. Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what your family's rhythm looks like and what is working for you. If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes. Disclaimer The views and information shared in this podcast are general in nature and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not intended as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician-client relationship. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.