Honouring children’s inner worlds through presence, understanding, and connection

This week on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast , I had the joy and privilege of connecting with the deeply compassionate and insightful Aisleen Harte - a devoted mother, experienced Early Years Educator, and Preschool owner in Co. Meath. With almost 20 years of experience guiding and nurturing young hearts and minds, Aisleen radiates a sincere passion for helping children feel safe, seen, and heard.

Her debut book, My Voice, My Choice, is a powerful and tender offering that beautifully captures her philosophy: empower children by listening to them, by meeting them where they are, and by allowing them the space to express their truth. Through rich storytelling and emotive illustrations, the book speaks directly to the heart - reminding us that when children feel heard, they begin to understand their own worth and identity.

As we spoke, I found myself deeply reflecting on the psychology of a child’s early years -those formative moments where connection becomes their language, and the world is something they are constantly trying to make sense of. Children aren’t just learning to walk, talk, and play - they are learning how to connect, how to feel safe in their bodies, how to regulate their emotions, and how to trust the adults around them.

So often, their behaviour is their communication. A tantrum is not defiance - it is unmet needs, overwhelming feelings, or simply the only way they know to say “I need you.” Aisleen's message echoed this truth with clarity and compassion: children are always trying to connect, even when they don't yet have the words.

Listening to a child is about more than hearing their voice - it’s about reading between the lines, noticing the silence, and tuning into their energy. It’s about seeing the world through their eyes and honouring the sacredness of their perspective.

With two more books already written, Aisleen’s vision for her “Voice of the Child” series is a deeply healing one - not just for children, but for the adults who care for them. It is an invitation to slow down, to remember what it felt like to be a child, and to become the kind of adult we all once needed.

This conversation reminded me that our greatest role as adults is not to shape children into who we think they should be - but to hold space for who they already are, and allow them to bloom in their own divine timing.

Let’s continue to create a world where every child feels heard, valued, and emotionally safe to grow into their truest self.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Author, Speaker, Holistic Wellness Coach & Podcast Host

Life doesn’t always unfold as we imagine it will - especially in motherhood. Often, it takes us on a journey that cracks us open, reshapes us, and ultimately reveals the depth of our inner strength. On this week’s episode of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I’m honoured to sit with Tracy Holmes - a devoted mother of three and wife to Andrew, living in the beautiful surroundings of Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

Tracy’s story is a profound and heartfelt reflection of what it means to grow through motherhood, especially when faced with challenges that shake us to our core. In her raw and beautifully written memoir Raising Resilience, published by Orla Kelly Publishing, she shares the emotionally charged experience of the premature birth of her twin boys, the diagnosis of Down Syndrome for one of her sons, and the early separation of the twins during that tender first year.

But at the heart of Tracy’s story lies something even more universal - the often unspoken reality of maternal mental health.

So many women, as Tracy so vulnerably shares, suffer in silence. Afraid of being judged, of not being seen as a "good enough" mother, they carry their pain alone. But Tracy’s message is one of deep compassion and truth: to be the kind of mother - or father - our children need, we must first care for ourselves. Looking after our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing is not a luxury; it is a necessity. When we tend to ourselves, we model to our children the power of self-love, resilience, and emotional integrity.

Tracy's healing journey included finding time for herself, reclaiming small yet powerful moments of peace and connection. One of her greatest sources of strength came from sea swimming - an act that brought her not only clarity and calm, but connection to a tribe of supportive women. She also found solace and understanding among other parents raising children with Down Syndrome, discovering that shared experience creates a sacred space where vulnerability is met with empathy rather than judgement.

This conversation is a call to all mothers and parents: you are not alone. Your struggles do not make you less - they are part of the courageous path you walk. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it is a profound act of love - for yourself, and for your children.

Tracy's story is a gentle yet powerful reminder that motherhood is not about doing it all perfectly, but about being real, being supported, and being kind to ourselves through the ever-evolving journey. In sharing her truth, she offers a guiding light for others to follow—out of isolation and into connection, out of fear and into trust.

Tune in to this soulful and healing episode. Let Tracy's voice and vulnerability remind you of your own strength, and the sacredness of tending to your own heart as you care for the hearts of those you love.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Author, Wellbeing Coach & Podcast Host