Men Matter

In this episode of the KindnessCan podcast, the hosts welcome guest Naomi Holdt, a psychologist and well-known author of the parenting book 'Bounce'. They discuss the concept of resilience, its importance in child development and how parents can foster it in their children. Holdt shares the journey of writing her book, her insights into the real-world challenges faced by children, and strategies for parents to strengthen their connection with their children. The conversation also centres on the importance of self-care for parents, effective boundary setting, handling bullying, dealing with children's anxiety, and navigating the complexities of parenting in the digital age. A key takeaway is the emphasis on love, connection, and understanding as crucial elements in fostering a child's resilience. Among other things the trio talk about: • Understanding Resilience • The Role of Parents in Building Resilience • The Importance of Self-Awareness in Parenting • The Impact of Parenting on Children's Self-Esteem • The Value of Boundaries and Connection in Parenting • Dealing with Bullying and Building Confidence • The Role of Parents in Problem-Solving • Maintaining Connection and Love in Parenting • The Importance of Conscious Parenting KindnessCan Website

Step into 2024 with a fresh perspective on tech use! Join Jane Linley-Thomas and psychologist Paul Bushell as they unveil their ‘New Year, new tech habits’ episode. Packed with insights, they share details of a screen-time contract designed for a balanced and mindful family digital lifestyle. If it’s not part of your New Year intentions for and your family, it probably should be. Our handheld devices have become an important part of our daily lives. We work, play, connect and entertain ourselves via our phones. And as much as this can be useful and fun, there can also be a terrible downside. Jane and Paul talk through their New Year intentions to have a better relationship with their hand-held devices. They talk about a contract for you and your family to consider entering into, outlining specific goals and boundaries for using your phones. It’s a practical way to hold yourself and the people around you accountable to healthy screen time. KindnessCan Website

This holiday season, ditch the stress and expectations and focus on what truly matters – meaningful connections with yourself and the people who make your heart sing. In the latest episode of the KindnessCan podcast, Jane Linley-Thomas and psychologist Paul Bushell delve into navigating tricky family dynamics, setting healthy boundaries, and rewriting the script of your holidays to find authentic joy. "You don't have to live by a script written by other people in your life!" says Paul, reminding us that true happiness lies in forging connections on our own terms. Whether you're craving new traditions or feeling pressure to tick all the boxes, Jane and Paul offer honest and practical nuggets of wisdom, sprinkled with plenty of laughter and kindness. They explore themes like: • Setting boundaries for authentic connections • Reconnecting with your genuine self • Navigating expectations and prioritizing real joy • Top tips for staying connected to those who matter most So, step off the holiday hamster wheel and tune in to KindnessCan this episode. Learn how to rewrite the script, embrace your true self, and foster genuine connections that fill your heart with warmth, not overwhelm. KindnessCan Website

It’s report card time! And we all know this can be a stressful time for learners and parents. Jane Linley-Thomas and psychologist Paul Bushell talk through how this can be an amazing moment for connection and growth for families. This starts with making your child feel safe and seen, followed, by a focus on the remarks before the marks. And then a deep dive into what went well and not so well, and ways to set realistic goals for next year. Jane shares how she and her Dad used to fold the report card in half and start with the comments. As always, their insight is real, practical, and fun. It’s about turning something potentially hard, into something healing and hopeful. KindnessCan Website

Jump into the latest KindnessCan episode with Jane Linley-Thomas and psychologist Paul Bushell as they unpack "The Power of Human Connection." This one's all about the simple stuff—why laughter matters, the beauty of slowing down, and the magic in connecting with each other in our crazy-fast world. Paul emphasises the importance of giving ourselves permission to laugh and play, underlining the underestimated value of these moments. This episode isn't about grand gestures; it's the small, everyday kindness that can change the game. Jane reminds us that changing the world doesn't need a superhero cape—it can start with your next-door neighbour. They spill the beans on their recent trip to Pietermaritzburg for World Homeless Day. Forget serious stuff; they found out how play and connection can be superheroes, too. No capes required. Listen in for a chat that's as real as it gets – with some heartwarming stories that might just change the way you see kindness. KindnessCan Website

In this episode, Jane talks us through her very inspiring and evocative Movember Campaign. For every day in November, the campaign has been highlighting a different KZN person in a photographic portrait and a brave testimony around their mental health. Styled colourfully by Jane’s Rejoyce Collection and photographed by Amy White - the images are playful, personal, and powerful. Answering questions like - “how is your mental health?” - the testimonies highlight some of the very real vulnerabilities of men and people from all walks of life. A stand out theme is the imperative to be kind to every one, because you don’t alway know the journey that they are walking. KindnessCan Website

Join Jane Linley-Thomas and Paul Bushell in a heartfelt discussion about South Africa's incredible victory in the men's Rugby World Cup Final and what it means for South Africa. This unfiltered conversation is filled with enthusiasm, laughter, and love as the two explore the emotions and valuable lessons that come with winning a world championship. Discover how empathetic, kind, and conscious leadership not only secured victory on the rugby field but also holds the potential to transform various aspects of South African life. The Springboks, through their actions, have set an inspiring example that every South African can emulate, becoming true heroes of the South African narrative. As Paul says, "Despite all the challenges we face as a country, we can be champions of the world." KindnessCan Website

Is “lazy” parenting sometimes better for our children? It's another light, fun, and practical KindnessCan podcast episode. This time Jane and Paul dip into the world of parenting and look at ways that parents can be kinder on their parenting journey. And you might be surprised that being kinder doesn’t always mean saying yes, giving in, or doing all the work for your children. As counter-intuitive as it may sound, having obstacles in our path is an important way to learn how to deal with obstacles, and that we are able to deal with these obstacles. This becomes the basis for our Emotional Intelligence and other useful skill sets that are becoming more and more important in a constantly changing world. KindnessCan Website

Jane and Paul share some of the new and old wisdom that they’ve been collecting over the last two years in a post-pandemic world. Through many eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart conversations with schools, corporates and all of you, Jane and Paul keep hearing how important taking care of the relationship you are having with YOU is to being a kinder version of you. Your cup can’t just be full to help others and be the best version of you, it needs to be overflowing. But are the things that are doing to fill your cup really filling your cup? Or, are they adding to the drain? In this episode, the Kind Duo take a look at how to separate real energizers from the sometimes and the fake energizers that we all for. As always, it’s light, practical and positive! KindnessCan Website

In the first episode of the much-awaited new season of KindnessCan, Jane and Paul take a moment to reflect on life in a post-pandemic world. From hiding out to over-filling our schedules, life has sometimes felt like a pendulum of extremes. We could all benefit from pausing and trying to find the words to describe what we have experienced. Choosing the right words has the potential to help us make sense of the past and move forward in an empowered way. The kind duo are as real, supportive and practical as ever – sharing personal insights, funny moments, and useful affirmations. The new season promises to be fun, light and practical, and you are invited to come as you are and leave inspired and empowered. KindnessCan Website