How does a parent deal with not only the stigma, but misconceptions attached to high-functioning autism? Social worker Mariette Cawood candidly speaks about how this affects a child and its parents, facilitating the child’s relationship with teachers and other individuals, dealing with specific challenges, and the 3 phases of autism. She voices the grief many parents experience and urges other adults to educate themselves and promote a more supportive, inclusive environment.

Society has a narrow lens when it comes to autism, writes the mom of a nine-year-old diagnosed with high-functioning autism. “Many find it easier to label a little boy than to challenge their own biases and become better, more inclusive adults. And so, they never get to know the kind, gentle, snuggly, clever little boy that I get to call my son.” Read social worker Mariette Cawood’s moving letter – “not a story of pity, but a call for awareness.”

Neuroscience shows that Mom’s brain changes as she expects, births and nurtures her baby. How about Dad’s brain, or that of a foster mom or caretaker? Cozette Laubser explains how certain areas in the brain shrink or grow, how close contact with a baby “rewards” parents with feel-good hormones, and how being nurtured helps children develop a regulated nervous system. She reassures parents that parenting means growing a skill set and offers advice on exhaustion and moms returning to work.

Clinical psychologist Jeffrey Rink emphasises the concept of a “good-enough” dad and considers what a “good-enough” society would look like. Which elements should our society address? Can spirituality significantly contribute to easing fathers’ role, and also assist in a broader societal context? And what about psychotherapy? Join Jeffrey in his probing of these profound questions.

Being a father can be complicated, especially when you’ve known “fatherlessness.” Even boys who live with their fathers often have little opportunity to experience the meaning of manhood first-hand. The consequences include the universal wound many men carry, father hunger, and a deep sense of loneliness. Here are some practical ways to address these issues and to foster fathers’ connection with their children.

Although the safety and well-being of both Mom and Baby remain the foremost concern during childbirth, parents now have more choices: where their child should be born, who to include in their birth team, and what type of birth they prefer. Counselling psychologist and hypnotherapist Karin Steyn discusses the advantages of HypnoBirthing®, an approach to natural birth involving deep relaxation, releasing fear, tapping Nature’s own anaesthesia during labour, and “breathing down” you baby instead of “pushing”.

Developmental specialist dr. Melodie de Jager introduces a free, weekly blog for the woman who wants to be a mother but doesn’t know where to start. “The Art of Co-creating” will also interest dads, grandparents, and anyone fascinated by the science behind the shaping of a baby. Melodie tells Mariette about fictional characters Zani and Jake’s compelling journey - navigating their emotions, seeking clarity, and making choices informed by scientific research on preconceptual care, prenatal development, birth, and other key subjects.