7 Oct 2026
S3E8 (1-3y): Building families - Sibling dynamics and relationships
"How will I ever love another baby as much as I love this one?" It is one of the most common worries parents carry into a growing family, and the answer is simple: love does not halve, it grows. In this episode, Jen and Hannah are joined by Nicola, who works at Ngala supporting families in Geraldton and is a mum to three teenagers, to talk about building families, sibling dynamics, and the extended relationships that shape a child's world.
Nicola explains the huge range of feelings a toddler can have when a new baby arrives, from excitement to jealousy to nothing at all, and why every one of them is normal. Together they unpack how big emotions show up as behaviour and regression, how to prepare a toddler before baby comes through books, play and conversation, and how micro connections, predictable routines and one-on-one time help a toddler feel just as loved as before.
From the grief of losing one-on-one time, to putting a positive spin on being a big brother or sister, to seeing interruptions through a toddler's survival brain, Jen, Hannah and Nicola cover the whole landscape of a growing family. They also explore what makes extended family strong, how to keep grandparents close whether near or far, and how to build your own village when biological family is not available.
Is this episode for you? This episode is perfect for parents with a baby aged 12 months –3 years who want to have a clearer understanding on their child's behaviour.
📞 Need more help? For those in Western Australia, you can call the Ngala Parenting Line on 08 9368 9368 for free expert support from our team.
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Timecodes:
(00:00) Introduction: can you ever love a new baby as much? Why love grows rather than halves
(00:44) Meet Nicola and this week's topic: building families and sibling relationships
(01:30) How a toddler might feel when a new baby arrives, from excitement to jealousy
(03:30) How big feelings show up: regression, clinginess and knocked over towers
(06:45) Preparing your toddler before baby: books, conversations and easing fears early
(08:00) Using play to process: baby dolls, teddies and a toddler named Glump Clump
(09:25) After baby arrives: validating every emotion and keeping routines predictable
(10:30) One-on-one time that counts: micro connections and special moments
(12:45) What makes a family strong: warm extended relationships and clear boundaries
(14:05) When mum goes to hospital: preparing your toddler for changes to routine
(16:55) The grief and the growth: losing one-on-one time and love that just grows
(18:05) Putting a positive spin on being a big brother or big sister
(19:00) Simple ways to build warm relationships: time, laughter and full attention
(23:35) Seeing it from the toddler's view: why connection feels like survival
(24:30) Family rituals, extended family, and building your own village
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Produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/
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