Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige21 Nov 2025

Parenting : Regulation is the goal

Make sure little ears aren't listening!

Topics covered : Unpacking 'calm' parenting, navigating meltdowns (for adults and kids), the power of play in building connection with kids, dropping the threats, slapping, resilience building, unlearning, rupture and repair, positive modelling.

This week, I’m speaking with child and adolescent psychotherapist Debbie Cullinane.

Debbie lives in Mayo with her husband James and their two children, Elsie (10.5) and Freddie (9.5). She joined me on the podcast back in March 2024, and that episode resonated deeply — for me personally, and for so many listeners. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen.

In today’s conversation, Debbie shares practical, compassionate guidance on becoming as regulated as we can as parents; what our children truly need to thrive (it may surprise you); how to navigate stressful moments with more ease; the power of play in building connection; and why unlearning certain old habits is such vital work.

Debbie, along with fellow psychotherapist Hayley Rice, created the F.I.R.M.™(Firm, Intentional, Regulated, Modelling) Parenting Approach — a therapist-designed, research-driven framework that supports parents in raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids.

You can join their parenting hub - you’ll find more information on both of their Instagram pages.

If you’re a fan of what I do, please follow, rate and review the podcast in all the usual places.

And thank you, as always, for supporting Ready to be Real.

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