Ekuthuleni Parent and Child Therapy Centre

22/01/2026

Regulated parents raise regulated children.

When children act out or behave in ways that feel “not okay”, it’s easy to move straight into correction or punishment. But often, what we’re seeing is a child who doesn’t yet have the words or emotional capacity to explain what’s happening inside them.

In this moment from the Lights Camera Baby Podcast, the centre’s Clinical Psychologist, Lungile Mangena, speaks about choosing curiosity over reaction – pausing to ask why, naming the feeling, accepting the emotion, and helping children learn regulation through connection.

By pausing to understand your child’s emotions before reacting, you teach them how to understand and manage their feelings in healthy ways.

💬 Let’s open the conversation:
What emotions were allowed (or not allowed) in your home growing up?
What helps you stay curious instead of reactive when your child is overwhelmed?

Your reflection might help another parent feel seen 🤍

21/01/2026

“Misbehaviour” is often misunderstood.

Children are naturally curious, explorative, and consistently learning about the world. What we often label as misbehaviour is sometimes a child’s way of communicating big feelings they don’t yet have the words for.

In this snippet from the Lights Camera Baby Podcast, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist Lungile Mangena gently reminds us to pause, look beyond the behaviour, and ask: What is my child trying to tell me?

Every behaviour is a message.

When we respond with curiosity instead of reaction, we help our children feel seen, hear and emotionally safe🤍

🎧 Tune in to the full episode for practical tips on responding to your child’s big feelings.

More insights coming soon.

20/01/2026

🎧 Now Live: Guest Feature Episode

Lungile Mangena, our Clinical Psychologist & Family Therapist, joins the Lights Camera Baby Podcast for a meaningful conversation on raising emotionally secure children – while learning to parent ourselves along the way.

In this episode, we explore the following key topics:
✨Development is holistic – physical, emotional, cognitive & social
✨Children learn emotional safety before language
✨Regulation comes before discipline
✨Both boundaries and discipline can be loving, not scary
✨Repair after conflict builds trust and resilience

🎧 Available now on YouTube and Apple Podcast! Search Lights Camera Baby Podcast

Clinical Psychologist
Family Therapy Centre
🕊Restoring peace & trust in families 💞 Therapy for parents, children & teens 📲Book a consultation today!

19/01/2026

Every parent has moments of doubt – wondering if they’re doing “enough” or doing it “right”.

In this week’s Lights Camera Baby Podcast by , our centre’s founder and Clinical Psychologist, Lungile Mangena, discusses how child development is emotional, relational, and deeply human – and how comparison can quietly steal confidence from parents and also impact their mental health.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below:
What has been your biggest challenge in your child’s development journey?
What do you wish someone had told you earlier?

Your experience might be exactly what another parent needs to feel less alone🤍

16/01/2026

As parents, it’s easy to focus on milestones – when should my child crawl, walk, or sleep through the night?

But what one needs to remember is that child development is much more than a checklist of milestones.

Child development is holistic – it includes how children move, think, feel, and connect with others. Each of these areas develops together, and every child follows their own unique pace and path. For example, a child who takes longer to speak may be developing other skills, such as showing empathy in other ways.

Swipe through to understand the key elements of child development – and why comparison often does more harm than good 🤍

✨ A gentle reminder: celebrate your child’s individual progress and strengths.

01/01/2026

As we step into the new year, many families feel pressure to do more or better.

In 2026, may we choose something different. May we choose presence over perfection, repair over guilt, and connection over control.

Parenting is not about getting it right all the time – it’s about returning, listening, and growing together. One day at a time.

From Ekuthuleni, we wish your family a year of growth, healing, and harmony ✨

29/12/2025

Before the year ends, it’s always good to pause and reflect – together as a family.

Asking children thoughtful questions makes them open up and helps them feel seen, heard, and emotionally safe 💛

Whether during a shared meal or a quiet moment, try these age-appropriate reflection questions to gently close the year with care, connection, and curiosity. This helps you enter the new year with a deeper understanding of your child.
There are no right or wrong answers – only connection.

💬 Which question do you think your child would enjoy answering most?

25/12/2025

From our hearts to your home🤍

We wish you and your family moments of peace, laughter, rest, and meaningful connection with those you love most.

May your home be filled with gentleness, patience, and gratitude – especially in the small, ordinary moments that matter most.

We hope you enjoy your family traditions and create new memories together this Christmas Day.

✨ “Peaceful families, thriving children.”

23/12/2025

Still unsure of what Christmas gift to get your kids? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.🎁

The most meaningful gifts aren’t always the loudest or the most expensive. They’re the ones that support your child’s development, spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and strengthen connections.

This festive season, here’s a conscious gifting guide for children aged 2-13 – designed to nurture emotional, cognitive, and relational growth.🌱

✨ Swipe through for gift ideas that support your child’s growth and help them make lasting memories.

💬Tell us in the comments which gift theme resonates most with you?

19/12/2025

School holidays can be wonderful – but they can also feel heavy when the days are long, and the demands seem never-ending. ❤️‍🩹

If you’ve felt irritated, overwhelmed, or simply “finished”, you’re not alone. Every parent reaches their limit sometimes. What matters is knowing how to reset, so you can respond to your children with warmth and calmness again.

Here are 5 quick psychology-backed ways to reset after a hard day of parenting ✨👇🏽

1️⃣ Step away & breathe slowly (even 2 minutes helps)
2️⃣ Restore your nervous system with a sensory break
3️⃣ Ground your body with simple physical movement that you enjoy
4️⃣ Release guilt & practice compassionate self-talk
5️⃣ Repair with your child when you’re ready

You deserve moments of rest, presence, and peace – even during the school holidays.💛

✨Which reset will you be trying today?

EkuthuleniCares

15/12/2025

Reconciliation begins with the courage to soften and open your heart – even when it feels easier to protect it. 💛

Reconciliation is a process – slow, intentional, and rooted in the courage to start again.

As we approach Reconciliation Day, may we remember that for many families the festive season brings both joy and emotional tension. This is your gentle reminder that a meaningful connection can still be rebuilt with presence, compassion, and patience. 🤍

What’s one act of kindness you want to offer your family this week?

Clinical Psychologist
Family Therapy Centre
🕊Restoring peace & trust in families 💞 Therapy for parents, children & teens 📲Book a consultation today!

08/12/2025

The parent-baby relationship is beautiful, but it’s normal for it to be difficult to create, especially in the beginning.

Your baby’s development depends on responsive connection – not perfection.

Parent-Infant Psychotherapy (PIP) helps parents slow down, understand their baby’s inner world, and create secure emotional patterns.

There is no such thing as “too late.” Creating this bond is always possible.

Clinical Psychologist
Family Therapy Centre
🕊Restoring peace & trust in families 💞 Therapy for parents, children & teens 📲Book a consultation today!