Telling stories to our children like a quirky aunt, full of colourful animation, squeaking sounds and a symphony of songs, is exactly the Rhythm our children need, says our equally colourful guest this week, Lynn Joffe (@author_storyteller). Her brainchild, Solid Gold Story Time, was recently awarded the Podcast of the Year in the inaugural South African Podcast Awards, under the auspices of the South African Podcasters Guild. A remarkable achievement, and this week she brings her powerful stories to our audience to help us understand why storytelling with our children is so important for their mental health & development. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

I never thought a discussion about pacifiers (dummies), and thumb sucking would open my eyes to the incredible ways in which those aspects influence my child's dental health, breathing and speech. It's the irony of the passive lurker: how a (wrong) dummy habit could alter the entire palate of my child's mouth, leading to a variety of health problems later in life. In this Podcast we are joined by TWO experts - paediatric dentist, Dr Farah Seedat, and Janay-Alexander Gilchrist, a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Breathing Method Practitioner. "Please trust in nature, we are created to heal naturally!" says Janay. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When should I go for a Mammogram? What if I'm healthy and not worried about anything? Do I still need to go for a check-up? What about treatments if something is wrong? As Mothers and Women, we bring new life into this world, but it's also our responsibility to stay healthy - and that includes having healthy breasts. Early detection and professional treatment give millions of women the chance to avoid the spread of breast cancer. But what should I do? In this Podcast, Mammographer & Radiographer, Tumi Phiri, helps us to better understand Breast Cancer. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Moms-to-be... How do We prepare? Which experts should We listen to? What is the safest way to give birth? Should We consider a C-section? Or is natural better? What if there are complications? In this podcast, We explore the Secrets to Easier Labour, with our special guest - Cape Town based Doula, Nishaat Jano, from Back to Nurture. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

What does it mean when Our children are always talking to themselves? whether during playtime, at home, or loudly in public... In this captivating Podcast, educational psychologist, Megan Tucker, explains Why 'self-talk' among Our children could be an important part of their development. But when does it become a problem, that needs our intervention, or professional help? Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Let's learn the ABC... Adult Before Children, because it starts with me as the parent (the adult) teaching my kids without knowing it - simply by speaking to them, the sounds they hear from Day 1... How we teach as parents, is the WIN: what's important now? What do I need to look at, and address, as the parent in this moment. Engaging with our children - how we use words, and display actions, become their first level of education - way before school begins. Veteran Teacher & Author, Renee Lighton, joins Elana this week, and shares a few excellent ideas to stimulate critical thinking with our kids and use everyday items around the house to teach maths, organisation, and self-regulation. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

"How your kids practice their voice at home is how they're going to do things when they're out there in the world..."

"Our Tweens want a little bit more control, making their voice heard a little more, and it's important we stay present, pay attention, and let them feel heard."

...but how do I manage these changes and all this drama without total disruption? The mood swings, the social behaviour, the impulse decisions and dis-regulation.

Tweens are an interesting 'in-between' phase, and Psychologist Dr Jenny Rose returns to our Podcast, this time to help us better understand the dynamics of handling a smooth transition for our kids into their Tween years and beyond.

Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Whether you call it your ‘Auntie Flow’ or tell people that it’s your ‘time of the month’, there are many ways to address The Period Talk - but How do we as parents start the conversation? And when is the right time? When my daughter's first pimple appears? When she decides to ask me? In this Podcast, Tweenology Founder & fellow parent, Marlese Wallis, shares her story of Having the Talk with her own daughter- and how they founded Tweenology, a support platform for Tweens. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

Take a seat, because this story will catch you off-guard... and inspired! "I was mocked and laughed at, because I look different, and kids are not always taught at home that children are different, and we need to love everyone no matter what they look like," says double-amputee, Neo Kirchway. A young girl from Botswana, with both her legs amputated as a toddler, decided to chase her dreams, no matter the hardships. Dancing her way into social media fame, and becoming a Mother of 4 children, happily married and now living her dream life in the USA! It's not a fictional tale, but the true-life story of Neo Kirchway - our guest this week. No frills, no make-up or Hollywood glam, just pure Love & Joy - a mother's Love, to be specific. @NeoKirchBaby is the most unlikely hero of our times! Listen to our podcast this week to find out how she made it happen! Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

When should I be worried about my child's night terrors? At which point do I need professional help to solve the situation? Our visiting expert this week is educational psychologist Megan Tucker, who explains to us that nightmares and emotional stress are part of their development. However, the situation could become serious. In this podcast, she outlines the warning signs that parents should watch out for. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.

My cycle is changing, My period is changing, What do I do? Perimenopause is easily managed if you know what the signs are, early on! And don't be fooled: lifestyle stress, depression, exhaustion, and mood swings, could all be indicators. In this Podcast we are joined by a medical expert, Dr Juanri Jonck, to help Women better understand the hormonal changes that happen when we enter this chapter of our life cycle. Brought to you by Epi-max Baby & Junior – our family, for your family. Also supported by Jacaranda 94.2.