Neuroscience shows that Mom’s brain changes as she expects, births and nurtures her baby. How about Dad’s brain, or that of a foster mom or caretaker? Cozette Laubser explains how certain areas in the brain shrink or grow, how close contact with a baby “rewards” parents with feel-good hormones, and how being nurtured helps children develop a regulated nervous system. She reassures parents that parenting means growing a skill set and offers advice on exhaustion and moms returning to work.

How about gifting someone close to your heart with an audio recording containing special memories, stories, insights, advice, good wishes or your sincere love and appreciation, packaged as a gift that keeps on giving? You can listen to an example by scrolling down.

Nuuskierigheid, ‘n honger na kennis, ‘n ondersoekende gees – die Engelse woord curiosity word moeilik vertaal. Tap jou kind se onophoudelike vrae soms jou energie? Lees waarom jy sy of haar weetlus moet aanvuur! Vind uit wat die 3 soorte nuuskierigheid en "produktiewe frustrasie" behels, en kry wenke om ‘n nuuskierige agie te help kweek.

Why do some traumatic experiences remain unprocessed? Post-traumatic growth specialist Sinta Ebersohn discusses the two components of trauma, the top 5 stressors, resilience as a set of skills and a growth process that can help us deal with whatever life throws at us.

Al ooit daaraan gedink om iemand ná aan jou hart te verras met ‘n onverwagse geskenk? Luister gerus na die voorbeeld hieronder.

Is selfdood selfsugtig? Kan naasbestaandes voorkom dat iemand hul eie lewe neem? Riette Rust praat oor haar man, JD, se selfdood, die stigma wat aan selfdood kleef, die hoe en hoekoms, die rouproses - en dat dit moontlik is om weer op te staan en opreg gelukkig te wees.

What’s the difference between an inheritance and a legacy? Dr Melodie de Jager explores fostering our connection with those we cherish while we’re very much alive, since we actively grow our legacy every day. She invites Mariette to talk about her “Gift podcasts” - a way to honour loved ones, strengthen relationships, and create an extraordinary keepsake.

Joernalis Julian Jansen, die skrywer van ‘Seuns sonder pa’s’, beantwoord vrae oor seuns wat sonder pa’s grootword. Selfs volwasse mans het die diep behoefte aan ‘n manlike teenwoordigheid wat respek afdwing en liefde, geborgenheid en leiding kan verskaf. Julian belig die positiewe rol van mentors en “riskant leef”, en gee praktiese wenke vir enkelma’s en mans wat voel hul pa het hulle in die steek gelaat.

 Mariette en Mart-Marie gesels openhartig oor die soet en die seer van ma-en-dogterverhoudings: kommunikasiekwessies, rebelsheid, kwesbaarheid, goed genoeg wees, aanvaarding en ‘magic’. Hierdie episode word opgedra aan elke ma en dogter. (Sensitiewe inhoud: verwysing na geweld.)

Too many balls in the air? Clinical psychologist Dr Colinda Linde shares how being diagnosed with cancer shortly after the birth of her twins inspired her to come up with a plan for the many demands moms face. She introduces her guide for managing work-life balance, relationships - and guilt.

Do you trust your emotions? Social worker Annette de la Porte explains how Emotional Logic provides a visual map for understanding our emotions. By reframing unpleasant emotions as indicators of a violation of our values, we are able to process our pain. Emotional Logic is a coaching process taking individuals and groups from confusion to clarity. Sponsored content.

Does hyper- or hyposensitivity cause you to feel overwhelmed or under-stimulated in environments others may find normal? Psychologist Luricka Fick considers whether mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety and risk-taking behaviour, may point to sensory integration issues. She discusses the role dopamine plays in over- and under-responsiveness, and the benefits of a sensory integration assessment.

Al meer mans en vroue besluit om nie kinders te hê nie. Wat vuur hierdie besluit aan, hoe behoort dit geneem te word, en watter gevolge kan dit hê?

Hoeveel slaap het tieners regtig nodig? Wat is die uitwerking van slaapdeprivasie? Is dit waar dat die skoolstelsel tieners se natuurlike slaapritme ignoreer? Lees wat navorsers vasgestel het.

Are you getting enough sleep? Clinical and neuropsychologist Mark Eaton considers possible causes of sleep deprivation, including anxiety, traumas associated with sleeping, and disorders such as sleep apnoea. He explains how sleep challenges may affect us physically, psychologically, socially and cognitively and suggests interventions - notably the fast-working BrainWorking Recursive Therapy which can address challenges on 3 levels. Sponsored content.

Jou hart breek aan stukke wanneer jou kind emigreer, maar jy is ook bly oor die voordele en nuwe moontlikhede. Emigrasieterapeut dr. Sulette Ferreira belig aspekte van die besluit om te emigreer, vrae wat ouers kan vra, die ervaring van broers en susters, en grootouerskap oor grense heen. Sy gee praktiese wenke wat die “konstante afskeid” kan vergemaklik en beklemtoon wedersydse gesprek en betrokkenheid.

Is your natural inclination visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic? How can you apply this knowledge to deepen your connection with others – and, most importantly, with yourself? Human development specialist Dr Melodie de Jager explores our sensory systems and preferences, offering practical tips on increasing our awareness, enhancing self-care, and even choosing spot-on gifts.   

In sunny South Africa the festive season is associated with candles bending in the heat, al fresco dinners, splashing about in pools and spectacular sunsets. Wherever you happen to be, you’re welcome to keep my platform company while I’m taking time off till 9 January!

Kies mense hul seksuele oriëntasie? Watter 4 fasette behels seksuele identiteit? Pastorale narratiewe terapeut dr. Marietjie van Loggerenberg belig wetenskaplike navorsing wat epigenetika insluit, seksuele vloeibaarheid en die uitsluiting van gay, transgender, interseks en ander mense - onder meer in ‘n geloofskonteks.

Since there’s no cure for Tourette Syndrome, where does one find hope? Transformational coach Cherona Dannhauser shares valuable insights from journeying with Luke (17), such as addressing co-occurring conditions, identifying internal and external triggers, and exploring strategies to navigate motor and vocal tics. Understanding this neurodevelopmental disorder is key to emotional balance and constructive self-advocacy.