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How can we nurture kindness, warmth and wonder in our children?

Why are rhythms and routines so important for kids to thrive?

And why are traditions like Christmas, the tooth fairy, and other seasonal celebrations so crucial for our children’s development?

To answer these questions (and so many more), I’m joined by the incredible Lou Harvey-Zahra, a trained Primary, Special Needs and Rudolf Steiner Teacher and renowned author. 

Ever since I first read Lou’s books, I’ve been itching to get her on the show. This woman’s knack for explaining conscious parenting techniques and the importance of wonder in childhood is second to none! Press play immediately and be blown away as Lou talks us through the life-changing concept of ‘creative discipline’, why connection is essential for a thriving family environment, how to talk to your child about Santa and the tooth fairy, how to start your own family traditions, and allowing the innate magic of childhood to flourish.

About Lou Harvey-Zahra

Lou Harvey-Zahra is a trained Primary, Special Needs and Rudolf Steiner Teacher with 25 plus years’ experience. She is the author of 7 books including the popular ‘Happy Child, Happy Home: Conscious Parenting and Creative Discipline’ (translated into multiple languages); ‘Creative Discipline, Connected Family’; ‘Growing Children, Thriving Children’ and ‘The Connected Family Handbook’. Lou presents worldwide sharing inspiring, practical and easy tips to parents for happy and harmonious homes.

In this episode we chat about:

• The incredible story that led Lou to work with children, embrace the Steiner philosophy, and become a world renowned authority on conscious parenting (3:19)
• The art of ‘creative discipline’ and how it can transform your home (10:28)
• Her beautiful reframe for dealing with tantrums. (Once you know this concept, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!) (15:59)
• The importance of daily and seasonal rhythms for kids and the best way to implement them in your home (22:37)
• The critical importance of letting your kids dream, imagine and wonder (30:51)
• Should you let your kids believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy? (I’ve been curious about this question for a long time, and her answer is AMAZING!) (44:24)
• Her epic tips, tricks and ideas to create unique traditions with your kids (47:25)

Episode resources: 

• Mastering Your Mean Girl (book)
• Open Wide (book)
• Comparisonitis (book)
• Happy Child, Happy Home: Conscious Parenting and Creative Discipline by Lou Harvey-Zahra (book)
• Creative Discipline, Connected Family by Lou Harvey-Zahra (book)
• Growing Children, Thriving Children by Lou Harvey-Zahra (book)
• The Connected Family Handbook by Lou Harvey-Zahra and Danielle Harbison (book)
• Lou Harvey-Zahra (website)
• Follow Lou on (Facebook)
• Follow Lou on (Instagram)
• Follow Lou on (YouTube)

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honored that you’re here and would be SO grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple podcasts, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.

P.S. If you’re looking for a high-impact marketing opportunity for your business and are interested in becoming a sponsor for The Melissa Ambrosini Show podcast, please email pr@melissaambrosini.com for more information. 

P.P.S. Please seek advice from a qualified holistic practitioner before starting any new health practice.