Jess Kingsford, PhD.
Welcome to
Happy Hearts Parenting
Jess Kingsford, PhD.
I’m so glad you found us! …because I was once where you are now:
juggling work, friendships, family commitments, and all the pressures that come with parenting.
And yet all I really wanted was to know that my kids would be ok.
That they’d grow up happy and have the skills they needed to navigate life’s challenges. No small hope at a time when anxiety and depression in young people have been increasing at alarming rates.
While completing my doctoral research on Childhood Moral Development, I came to see just how powerfully long-term wellbeing is shaped by the quality of our relationships and by the positive roles we come to play
in the lives of others.
And then I realised ... all of this begins in childhood.
Happy Hearts Parenting grew from this desire: To support parents in raising children who not only feel deeply loved, but who also feel valued and needed, who know they have something to give, and who know that what they do in the lives of others, matters.
We're so glad you've joined us here in the Happy Hearts community!
I’m so glad you found us!… because I was once where you are now, juggling work, relationships, and the many pressures of parenting.
All I really wanted was to know my kids would be ok.
That they’d grow up happy and equipped to navigate life, even as anxiety and depression in young people continue to rise.
Through my doctoral research in Childhood Moral Development, I came to understand how deeply long-term wellbeing is shaped by the quality of our relationships, and by the positive role we can play in the lives of others.
And it all begins in childhood.
Happy Hearts Parenting grew from this: a desire to support parents in raising children who feel deeply loved, but who also know they have something meaningful to give, and who know that what they do in the lives of others, matters.
We’re so glad you’re here!
Hear from Jess ....
What people are saying about our resources...
"What an incredibly valuable framework!" - Chris
"Loved it... Very engaging!" - Julie
"Easy to follow strategies!" - Ally
"Great!... Fascinating." - Peggy
Aren’t all children self focused
and isn’t that just normal?
Meet our team!
We're a small (but strong!) team based in the Blue Mountains in NSW Australia, and we're passionate about helping parents raise kind and connected kids who have a healthier sense of themselves...
in relationship to with others.
Learn more about out team below...
Jess Kingsford, PhD.
Founder and Co-Director
Jess Kingsford, PhD, is the founder of Happy Hearts Parenting. With a PhD in Childhood Moral Development from the University of Sydney and experience as a research psychologist and university lecturer, Jess translates research into practical strategies to help parents nurture children’s kindness, connection and mental and emotional wellbeing.
“It’s just a matter of time before this fascinating area of childhood development makes greater inroads into the public domain.”
Nicola Monks
Business Development Manager
Nicola is a Business Development Manager with a background in both corporate and small business environments, particularly in the technology sector. She is also mum to 2 fabulous teenagers!
Nicola has always had a keen interest in corporate ethical leadership and moral development, and explored these aspects of business management while completing her MBA at Swinburne University of Technology.
"The Happy Hearts Parenting program concepts really appealed to me from the moment I learned about them. Understanding how parents can contribute to moral identity is knowledge every parent should have in their toolbox. I use concepts from the Foundations Program with my teens and only wish I’d learned these things earlier! I'm excited to be able to help parents and carers of young children access this program while their kids are still young.”
Lawrence Baker
Co-Director
With a background in law, public policy and veterinary medicine, Lawrence brings a unique perspective to childhood development. His work has fostered a deep appreciation for ethics, fairness, empathy and caregiving. As co-director of Happy Hearts Parenting, he champions raising children who understand the positive and rewarding role they can play in others’ lives.
“The research linking what we teach to a wide range of wellbeing outcomes is still not fully appreciated in early childhood or the broader community!”
Join our Mailing list!
Stay in the loop to support your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing. From practical tips and downloadable guides to new masterclasses and the latest research insights, all translated into clear, practical advice you can actually use.
We’ll only email you when there’s something worth sharing (no inbox overload!). Sign up below to stay connected.
About Us
Happy Hearts Parenting is a not-for-profit organisation helping kids thrive through kindess, connection and contribution.
(We take a secular, evidence-based approach to our work and we are not affiliated with any religious or political organisations.)
FOLLOW US
FOLLOW US
© Copyright 2026