Advokids: Recent Episodes
Sheza Q
A podcast where we share heart-warming, inspiring and real conversations with Parents, Mental Health Professionals and Educators from all over the world.
Each child grieves differently, and there is no right or wrong way or length of time to grieve. Grief can be loud, quiet, public, private and everything in between. It is important to listen and take cues from the child, rather than assume you know what that child needs.In this episode, we'll explore the various ways in which children express their grief, the common reactions they may exhibit, and how parents and other family members can best support them through this challenging time.
Imagine a world where your body and voice seem to have a mind of their own. Every movement, every sound, like a song that keeps changing unexpectedly. This is what it's like for people with Tourette syndrome.Tourette syndrome is a complicated brain condition. People with Tourette syndrome often have body movements and sounds they can't control. These movements and sounds are called tics. Many people think this condition only involves saying bad words or doing strange things, but that's not true. This condition covers a wide range of different tics, like movements and sounds, and each person's Tourette syndrome is different.
Selective mutism is a condition in which a child is unable to speak in certain situations, despite being fully capable of speech in others. According to DSM-5, selective mutism is often accompanied by social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, phobias, and situational oppositional behaviors are also common. For example, a child may be unable to speak at school and can communicate without difficulty at home. It’s called selective mutism because a child is only mute in select situations. Imagine being a child entering a classroom full of children, feeling the urge to speak but unable to utter a single word. Or imagine a grown-up at work who really wants to join in the talk but feels paralyzed by the inability to speak up. This is the reality for individuals with Selective mutism.
Being a parent means making mistakes, facing challenges, and growing along the way. We're not perfect, and we learn while raising our children. Sometimes, we worry that our mistakes might harm our relationship with them. But in the midst of all the ups and downs, there's hope, there's a chance to make things right and strengthen our bond with our children.
Tonight, we explore everyday adventures of children through the lens of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). I cannot even begin to emphasize how important it is for parents and schools to understand the need for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in a child's life. It is not just an educational buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of a child's development that impacts their overall well-being and success.In this episode, we explore the family environment, school, playground, and digital world to discuss how SEL shapes children's lives. From morning routines and family relationships to classroom collaborations and after-school activities, we'll explore how SEL empowers children to get through challenges, build connections, and thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.
Recently, I had the privilege of working closely with an 8-year-old who was bravely facing alopecia. Despite her tender age, she displayed a remarkable amount of resilience and grace, far beyond her years. Her experience with alopecia wasn't just about losing hair; it revealed the incredible strength and courage that children possess when they go through such challenges.There were moments, where I realized the profound impact of empathy and understanding in nurturing resilience. It's a reminder that behind every struggle lies an opportunity for growth. In this episode, I've discussed some important points for parents on raising a child with alopecia, along with coping strategies to help their child deal with this condition.
Imagine a classroom full of happy faces, where everyone feels excited to learn and grow together. What makes that happen? It’s not just books and lessons- It’s the well-being of those incredible teachers, the heroes who guide you towards learning and growing, shining brightly with their hard work and caring hearts! Making sure teachers are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy is really important for classrooms to work well because when teachers thrive, classrooms come alive, and the possibilities for learning are endless.
Tonight, we explore ‘Parenting Through PTSD’ Post- traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can result from exposure to a traumatic experience. For parents dealing with PTSD, the daily demands of parenting can trigger memories, anxiety, and emotional distress related to their traumatic experience. It’s important to know that each individual’s experience with PTSD is unique, and parenting through this condition requires a personalized approach. So, whether you’re a parent seeking connection, someone curious to understand the realities of parenting through PTSD, or an empathetic listener, you’re in the right place. Join us as we take you on a journey of empathy, resilience, and shared humanity.
Tonight we talk about the heart of sibling relationships with a theme that’s close to every siblings heart: ‘The Battle, The Bond,The Banter’ Having siblings is like having a built- in support system, but not always sunshine and rainbows. There are battles over the remote, bonds formed through shared secrets, and banter that could make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
Tonight we explore a topic that holds the key to unlocking your child’s full potential- crafting their educational path. And that requires insight, flexibility, and a whole lot of love. How can parents move beyond the cookie-cutter approach which means fitting ALL in the same box and start crafting a learning path for their children.
Tonight, we explore the complexities of raising emotionally secure children.We explore the silent storm that often goes unnoticed - how parental anxiety affects children OR how parental anxiety 'harms' them.Parents are like the atmosphere creators at home. When they are anxious, it affects how everyone feels at home. Children, take in these emotions, like how a sponge soaks up water. This is called 'emotional contagion', where children catch the anxiety of their parents.
This episode is dedicated to all the students that are away from home, who might be feeling lonely, especially during the holiday season. I understand that not everyone can go home for various reasons, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. Tonight, we discuss ways how you can work on your mental health, find happiness and build a supportive community, no matter where you are.
In this episode, we talk about what it's like for a tween to step into the teenage years. It's a period filled with changes- both exciting and challenging. We explore the emotional and social shifts that children experience and provide guidance for parents navigating this transitional phase with their teens.
Tonight's podcast episode takes you on a powerful journey—one that opens the door to understanding, compassion, and resilience. Imagine taking a walk through the mind of a brave child who has faced multiple traumas. It's a journey into a world where emotions tell stories, and healing begins.Being aware of the experiences of a traumatized child helps us create a compassionate and supportive environment. It initiates conversations around mental health, resilience, and the importance of creating safe spaces where these children can heal and thrive. This conversation is not just a walk—it's a call to action!
In this episode we talk about those quiet moments from our past that stick with us and shape who we are. We figure out why this happens, how it affects us, and most importantly, how we can make sure it stops with us. Get ready for a podcast that’s all about breaking free from the quiet and creating a new story for generations to come.
This episode is a call to action- a reminder that every child deserves support, understanding, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Together, let’s work towards a world where every child is safe, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
In this Episode, I want to talk about the importance of not shaming our children, it’s a tricky topic to engage with, but the shame minefield needs to be tackled if we’re to collectively break the shame cycle.
My guest tonight is Wafa, a Special Educational Needs Teacher, a researcher working with the Ministry of Education in UAE and Owner at AlBayanSEN. Tonight, Wafa shares her experience of teaching children with Special Needs, how she witnesses and work towards shame effecting them in a mainstream school.
Tonight, Maha shares her inspiration to initiate the community for expat women in Riyadh, the importance of providing a safe space for them, and her vision of taking it to different places
Tonight, Maria revisits her past as she tells us about her abusive marriage and her timely escape from it. More importantly she will discuss the red flags in a relationship and help women identify them before it’s too late.
Tonight, Shirin talks about how she survived with the most painful phase of her life, losing 2 beautiful babies. How people don’t understand the grief of a mother who has lost her child and what women may go through psychologically if they don’t have a strong support system.
A journey you wouldn’t expect to go through as one person and come out at the other side of the tunnel as someone else. This is the story of Hira Shah who changed her own life story by escaping in the middle of the night with just her passport in hand.
My guest tonight is a fighter, one of the very brave people I know, Farheen Zahid.
In this episode, Farheen shares her journey of how she was diagnosed with cancer, and the miracle she was blessed with. She further talks about the rare side effect of an injection which caused her paralysis chest down and finally, how she is managing 2 jobs in this condition.
My guests tonight are my people, my support system, Farin Zaman, Kiran Shah & Shadab Kazi.
In this Episode, we talk about self-worth, traumas, importance of support system and growth.
A pandemic that has shaken the Education System to the core, it’s important to understand that these experiences can affect a student’s attention, decision-making ability, how they learn and even how they respond to stress.
My Guest tonight is Sheba Rose Sultan, a Writer, Researcher & Higher Education Professional.
In this episode, we discuss mental health issues teenagers go through these days. Our main focus is on peer pressure and academic pressure put on children by their parents.
As I look around me at what’s happening in the world and see how hard we’re working to get life right everyday- especially parents- I feel this is the perfect time to send out this reminder.
You are never too old or too far to seek help for something that happened when you were a child. Know that you can always start working on yourself and seek help from a therapist. Know that your thoughts and feelings about things that happened years ago are just as valid now as they were then, and it is OK if it has taken you a while to get to a point where you are ready to work on it. No matter when you had that unpleasant experience in your life, it’s never too late to seek help from Professional.
Conscious parenting is not a set of rules for parents to follow but a set of beliefs about what your child needs to develop and thrive
Talking to your child about Dyslexia will be the most difficult conversation, but it is also the best thing you will ever do with them.
My guest tonight is Rubina Kabir Khan, Reading specialist, Orton gillingham practitioner and Consultant remediation.
In today’s episode, Rubina tells us basic signs and red flags in identifying a child whose dyslexic (at home and in school). She further explains understanding the kind of environment and support a child needs to be successful and how having a mentor in life of a dyslexic child/person can be a game changer.
Parenthood is a gift you only get one shot at. You just need different tools and a better understanding of how your child leads and what motivates them.
My guest tonight is Mariam Arafat, Relationship Coach (certified in life caching and Emotional Intelligence) A homeschooling mom.
This episode is dedicated to Emotional intelligence.
Mariam explains the importance of understanding and managing our emotions. She also emphasizes how parents can teach their children to recognize and express their feelings in a healthy manner.
My guest tonight is Kiran Shah, International Artist, Author of "Pink Shoes and Jilbaab", Women Empowerment Coach, with expertise in NLP, MER, Emotional Intelligence, Life Coaching and Hypnotherapy.
In this episode Kiran talks about the developmental changes a girl goes through as she steps into her teens. And she talks about the unconditional love, communication and acceptance essentially required from parents at such a sensitive turn in her life.
My guest tonight is Aun Ali, Founder of Trauma Release and Wellness Centre, Addiction and Trauma Therapist, NLP Master Coach.
In this episode, Aun explains what Intergenerational trauma is, it’s diagnosis and how one can heal from it.
In this Episode I talk about why parents struggle to love their children, and the need for them to seek help first before the child.
In this episode, I will be sharing my battle with Covid. Despite reading and hearing all about this virus, nothing prepares you for what is coming, and what it takes from you. Covid not only affects you physically, it mentally and emotionally drains you too. It’s like a constant mind-game that you’re playing with yourself.
My guests tonight are Amaan’s parents, Saira and Mobin. Saira is a passionate kindergarten teacher and partner, at work with her husband Mobin: owner at Mobins Garments.
In this Episode, Saira and Mobin talk about their son Amaan, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition at the age of 2, and was later diagnosed with epilepsy. Amaan lost his life after battling his condition.
There is a lot you will take from this podcast tonight, it’s not just an ordinary journey; it’s a journey of sheer determination, strong faith and never ending patience.
My guest tonight is Dr. Wamiq Ali, Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Co-Founder at Synapse Pakistan.
In this episode, Dr. Wamiq talks about the role of Psychiatry in Epilepsy, and the stigmas attached to it. He further explains the behavioral and emotional changes a person goes through in this condition.
My guest tonight is Dr. Asfia Irfan, MBBS, FCPS Neurology, Consultant Neurology.
In this Episode, Dr. Asifa talks about the diagnosis and treatment of Epilespy and the risk of having other medical issues along with this condition.
She further discusses how one can give support to family members of a child living with Epilepsy.
Our Autism Mom for this week is Shumyla Noreen, CEO Trusted Support Therapeutic Clinic. Certified Behaviour Therapist, Special Educator and a mother of two children with ASD
Our Autism Mom for this week is Urooj Hasan, an Autism Advocate, Special Needs Educator/Consultant and mother to a 12-year-old boy on ASD.
Our Autism Mom for this week is Tooba Qaiser, a Clinical Psychologist, Founder Team Neurodiversity.
Our Autism Mom for this week is Ayesha Mahmood, Head of Department of Dawood Development Unit, and a mother to a beautiful 18-year-old daughter on ASD.
My guest tonight is Ayesha Choudhry, Director Libraries, a Social Activist, widow to an Army Officer.
In this Podcast, Ayesha talks about her husband who was martyred 7 years ago leaving behind 3 children, she further talks about the opportunities a single mother can grasp to become financially stable. And the strength she gained from pushing herself to move on for her children.
To all the mothers who have differently-abled children, if you were ever told that your child will not be able to participate on sports day or any annual function in school, please understand, that it’s not your child, it’s the school’s failure!!
To the mothers who have differently-abled children, if your child has ever been told,”he can’t be in our school”, it’s not your child’s fault. It’s the school!!
If your child was not invited to the birthday party he really wanted to go to because all his friends and sibling were going, then it’s not your child who has failed, its society as a whole which hase failed you!
Do we need to have a child with special needs at home to understand what someone else is going through?
In this episode, Aysha shares with us her journey of raising her boys as a single parent, the conversation one should have with children on separation. How important it is for them to have a relationship with their father and the importance of family support.
My guest tonight is Dr. Aisha Sanober Chachar Consultant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist MBBS, FCPS (Psychiatry) Clinical Fellowship, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Aga Khan University)
In this Episode Dr. Aisha talks about how parental separation affects a child’s emotional development, the trauma children go through during child custody disputes, and what is more important, the 2-unit parental family structure or a secure attachment during childhood.
My guest tonight is Amna Karimi; single mom to a beautiful 3-year-old, Child Psychologist by profession and soon to be a Speech Language Pathologist.
Her family being her biggest support; Amna shares her journey of being a single mother and how she bravely prepared herself to life tests she never thought she would come across.
My guest tonight is Humaira Affan, a Psychotherapist and a Mental Health Awareness Trainer.
As an expert Humaira talks about the difficulties a single parent goes through, and how we as a society can provide resources as well as support to make things easier for them.
Last but not least, my guest tonight is Sarah Mir, an MBA, NLP Master Practitioner, CBT Practitioner. Sarah bravely shares her journey of depression, encouraging people to seek and accept help.
My guest tonight is Ali Rauf, who has many years of experience in working as a mental health counselor and an addiction therapist, he has also received specialized training addiction treatment and rehabilitation from the UK. He is a member of several international bodies for addiction treatment. His stead’s of expertise include 12 steps of program of AA and NA, and family counseling. In this episode Ali shares with us his journey and 15 years of experience in countering substance abuse and the paths to recovery.
My guest tonight is a A 21 year old boy suffering from depression and anxiety disorder.
In this Episode he takes us through the journey of his broken family and a childhood filled with a number of challenges
My guest tonight is Anas, a 23 year old, who suffers from Tourrette Syndrome, a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds that can’t be easily controlled.
Getting bullied in school and being treated differently at home, Anas shares how he had no control over his tics and his future.
My guests tonight are two siblings Shadab Kazi, a communication designer, Owner at Crateful Mom @cratefulmom and Asghar Hussain Kazi, an IT Business Analyst in New South Whales government, Australia.
Together they share their journey of growing up with a parent who suffers from Bipolar Disorder.
Tonight we are in conversation with Dr. Wamiq Ali who talks about his experience of working with Children and Adolescents that suffer from mental health conditions, and the importance to educate and empower their families.
Last but not least, tonight’s guest on “The Untold Stories” series is Rabia Aziz- Rizvi, founder of the Facebook group Special Needs Pakistan, Founder of Aaliya’s Care Packages, Motivational Speaker, and Facilitator.
In this Episode Rabia tells us how she found out about her daughter’s condition, her journey of multiple surgeries and upon finding no support for herself or her child, how she created “Special Needs Pakistan” Pakistan’s first support group for Special Needs.
My guest tonight is Fawzia Salahuddin, Taha’s mom, a software project manager, founder of Taha’s Homeschool, and ASD compassionate.
Her son has ASD and SPD. In this episode, Fawzia shares Taha’s diagnosis journey, their struggle of trying to adjust him into a mainstream school, and creating “Taha’s homeschool.”
If there are 3 things you’ll take away from this episode they will be: inspiration, motivation, and loads of positive vibes!
My guest tonight is Beenish Umer, a mother of 3 beautiful girls. She’s a Filmmaker, Producer and Founder Trustee of Rah-e-Amal.
Beenish lost her beautiful first born, Amal Umer, to a police bullet and inadequate emergency medical care at a private hospital on the eve of Independence Day 13th August 2018, in Karachi, Pakistan.
In this podcast, She shares with us her story of struggle for justice, dealing with immense grief and her journey to set up Rah-e-Amal, a platform for advocacy and improvement of trauma care in Pakistan.
My guests tonight are Haya, an 11-year-old living with type1 diabetes, and her father, Asim Ali, founder of Crabs Studio, pharmaceutical manufacturer, and Mentor Type-1 community.
In this episode, Haya shares her journey on her activities and lifestyle. She further talks about her initiating an Instagram page, for empowering other children with type 1 DM.
Asim tells us about fighting his demons as he struggles with Dyslexia, difficulties he faced while researching his daughter’s condition, and his journey from Haya’s diagnosis to mentoring the type1 community in Pakistan.
Together, a powerful father and daughter team breaks down barriers, stereotypes, and stigmas to advocate Type1 diabetes.
My guest tonight is Nida Zuberi, a graphic designer and a strong determined mother who is doing everything she can to advocate and save her son’s life.
Her son, Arsalan is battling a severe and fatal muscle wasting condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He is also on the Autism spectrum and has Cognitive delays.
In this Episode, Nida shares her journey across continents and her quest to diagnose her child, find a cure and give him a normal life full of love, wonder and hope.
In this Episode, Aun shares his struggles of coping with Dyslexia in school and dealing with bullying. He said the education system would support you by giving extra time in school with your work with remedial training. Still, the emotional and social vulnerabilities can damage one’s personality.
He further shares how forming a connection with teenagers is important, who are constantly looking for someone to understand them better. Not being able to do so might lead these teens to unhealthy habits such as mal behavior and drug abuse.
He also talks about how releasing his Trauma helped him find his inner creativity, and how he found a hero reading his first book from the Harry Potter series. That really changed his life around, and he was able to combat his fear for reading.
My guest tonight is Parisa Anwar, a brave mom who lost her 20-year-old son after fighting Niemann pick-c Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects many of the body’s organs and systems.
In this Episode, Parisa shares the story of Zahan’s battle against this debilitating disease, and how she coped when he was unable to speak for 12 years as his health continued to deteriorate.
And what life is after he’s gone.
“ He went as beautifully as he came into this world.” - Parisa Anwar.
In this Podcast Dr. Wamiq talks about how becoming a father changed his perspective in life. How fathers should bond with their children, take time out of work, and giving one-on-one makes a remarkable difference in their relationship. Conversations of how your day went even discussing your exhausting routine with your child can bring you closer and make a difference. Being a child psychiatrist and a father; sometimes practice can be different from preaching. There is no perfect parenting.
In this Episode Dr. Aisha speaks on how most people are only discussing physical safety like wearing masks and sanitizing but Not many are discussing psychological well-being in the context of reopening schools.
This podcast is all about Teacher Burn out, if we want to solve these issues, if we’re going to produce happier students and teachers, it’s time to take a hard look at many questions surrounding teacher burnout: it’s definitions, causes, symptoms, prevention and more. So take out that notepad and get ready to take note of the answers that might save the global education.
This podcast is for everyone to understand the struggles of today’s teachers, and how you as parents can help and support your children in making the best of new and sometimes unfamiliar distance learning environment.