Raising Literacy launches Words Grow Minds podcast, with co-hosts former minister Kate Ellis and journalist Amelia Mulcahy

There’s no manual for raising kids but a new podcast delivers expert advice on everything from screen time and meltdowns to baby brain development.

Limiting screen time, managing meltdowns and meeting milestones are on the minds of most parents of young children – but the advice from all corners can be overwhelming.

Now a new podcast aims to break down the latest science and expert tips for time-poor mums and dads.

Children’s entertainer and educator Emma Watkins, known as Emma Memma, will be among guests on the Words Grow Minds podcast, which launches on April 2.

Other episodes will help parents unpack what is happening in their child’s first three years, from brain development and motor milestones to regulating emotions and encouraging communication.

Words Grow Minds podcast co-hosts Amelia Mulcahy (left) and Kate Ellis. Picture: Gretl Watson-Blazewicz

Ms Ellis said the podcast was “all about breaking down complex infant neuroscience into practical tips and tools.” Picture: Gretl Watson-Blazewicz

South Australian hosts Kate Ellis, a former federal minister who now heads Raising Literacy, and 7News journalist Amelia Mulcahy will also share their experiences raising young children.

Ms Ellis said the podcast was “all about breaking down complex infant neuroscience into practical tips and tools that already very busy parents can use to help their children thrive”.

Ms Mulcahy said the pair “speak to some of the best in their fields … (and) get their

tips, advice on what to look out for and where to get more info, so parents can listen in whenever, and wherever, they have a spare thirty minutes”.

The podcast stems from the Words Grow Minds public education campaign which launched over a year ago to promote the importance of talking, playing, reading and singing to babies and toddlers.

Hannah MacLeod enjoys reading with her daughter Eloise, 2, and son Alexander, eight months. Picture: Dean Martin

Adelaide mother of two Hannah MacLeod has attended Words Grow Minds playgroups with her daughter Eloise, 2, and son Alexander, eight months.

“Some mornings you wake up and think ‘What am I going to do all day with a baby?’,” the 35-year-old said.

“I really like that children absorb the learning in those early years through play, that takes a lot of the pressure off.

“That’s how my two-year-old learned how to count to 10, because we sang all the songs.”

Ms MacLeod, who is currently on maternity leave, said she had seen a lot of misinformation about parenting online and welcomed a trustworthy source of advice about “what parents can do as their child’s first teachers”.

Originally published as Raising Literacy launches Words Grow Minds podcast, with co-hosts former minister Kate Ellis and journalist Amelia Mulcahy