Health & Wellbeing @ NLPS
Connected Parenting Webinar with Lael Stone
Last week, our parent community was treated to an inspiring and thought-provoking webinar with educator, speaker, and author Lael Stone, as she shared her wisdom on Connected Parenting. The session was a heartfelt reminder that parenting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present.
Lael brought warmth, humour, and real-life experience to the conversation, leaving many of us feeling more empowered and connected to our parenting journey. She spoke passionately about the importance of building strong emotional bonds with our children and how those bonds lay the foundation for resilience, emotional intelligence, and lifelong wellbeing.
Key Messages from Lael’s Webinar:
1. Connection before correction
Children thrive when they feel safe and connected. Before addressing behaviour, take a moment to tune in and connect emotionally. This helps kids feel seen and heard, and more open to guidance.
2. Feelings are not the problem, how we respond to them is
Lael reminded us that emotions are a natural part of childhood (and adulthood!). Instead of shutting down big feelings, we can support our children by welcoming them with empathy and curiosity.
3. Your calm is their calm
Children co-regulate with us. When we manage our own emotions and stay grounded, we model healthy emotional regulation for them. Pausing, breathing, and staying present during tense moments makes all the difference.
4. Behaviour is communication
Instead of seeing challenging behaviour as defiance, Lael encouraged us to look beneath the surface. Often, it’s a child’s way of saying, “I’m overwhelmed” or “I need help'. Meeting that with compassion builds trust.
5. Micro-moments of love and connection matter
Lael emphasised the importance of small, everyday moments (i.e. a loving glance, a gentle touch, a few minutes of undivided attention). These micro-moments build emotional safety and connection over time. They don’t require perfection, just presence.
6. Children can’t be what they can’t see
A powerful reminder from Lael was this: our children learn how to be in the world by watching us. Are we modelling the values and behaviours we want them to carry into their own lives? Whether it's self-kindness, emotional expression, or respectful communication. We are their blueprint.
7. Expressing feelings in healthy ways
Lael encouraged us to normalise emotional expression and to model healthy ways of dealing with big feelings. This means showing our children that it's okay to feel sad, frustrated, or anxious, and teaching them what to do with those feelings.
8. Listening without judgement, fixing, or adding drama
Sometimes, what our children need most is for us to simply listen—not to solve, interrupt, or add our own reactions. Being a calm, safe presence allows our children to process their feelings without shame or fear, which builds emotional security and trust.
We are so grateful to have had Lael share her expertise, and support us in building strong, connected relationships with our children. If you missed the session, the recording is available:
You can access the recording of the webinar - HERE
Please note this link expires on the 12th of June.
Samantha Meddis
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader