Is It Just Us?

Mattel has released its first ever autistic Barbie, complete with headphones, fidgets and a communication device. In this episode of  Is It Just Us…?  we chat all about why this matters and how representation in toys can shape attitudes. From a therapist’s lens, we explore play, identity, inclusion and why this Barbie is so much more than a doll. We hope you enjoy and send your thoughts...

Grok - the AI image editing app that has exploded on to the scene recently with it's nudifying abilities. In this episode we try to unpack its impact while also providing you with as much helpful info as possible. It's a scary time in the online world, so we hope this episode brings you some clarity and reassurance. https://hotline.ie/ https://smartphonefree.ie/ https://www.cybersafekids.ie/ https...

Happy New Year!! Is it just us… or does the New Year call for a reset more than a resolution? In this episode, we talk about letting go of pressure, calming your nervous system, and gently finding your feet again after a full-on season. We speak about the ways we personally reset as well as about resetting things like boundaries and routines. Enjoy! Send your QUESTIONS and pod suggestions to us is...

Is it just us or does Christmas now require a recovery period?! This week, we’re debriefing the festive season in real time..from the chaos and sickness to feelings of grief and thoughts on the new year, we’re chatting about how Christmas actually felt this year, what surprised us, what drained us and why even the good stuff can be… a lot! No festive perfection, no toxic positivity... just a very...

It's Christmas Eve! In this episode we are chatting all about our F.I.R.M. Parenting approach, what it actually stands for and how it came to be! We share behind the scenes insights into how we work and what is to come too! As a special Christmas gift to you here is a link to our 7 day FREE trial so you can check out our hub yourself! We hope you enjoy! We would like to wish all of our listeners a...

After the incredible response to last week's podcast with Jack O' Dea on ADHD, we wanted to unpack this topic a little more. In this episode, we open up an honest, judgment-free conversation about ADHD, questions parents are asking, the worries they’re holding, and the confusion that can come with trying to make sense of it all. We hope you enjoy! Send your feedback and future topic ideas to isitj...

This week's podcast truly is a very special one. We had the privilege of speaking with Jack O' Dea, our first ever guest! Jack is a 22 year old Masters student from Galway who was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old. He talks us through what life was like growing up, how he navigated school, friendships and the sometimes negative feedback he faced. We talk about advocacy, parenting, giving children...

In this week’s episode of  Is It Just Us? , we dive into one of the most loaded parenting topics right now… smartphones for children and teens. With Christmas just around the corner, you may be feeling the pressure! We talk honestly about the pros and cons of smartphones, the emotional, social, and behavioural impacts we’re seeing and how to make choices that are alig...

Ok, so much has been going on, it is high time we filled you guys in! From home new to work news, we hope you enjoy this chatty life update episode! Send us your emails at isitjustuspod@gmail.com and tell us your thoughts and what you would like to hear from us! Thank you to our incredible podcast sponsor https://mimitoys.ie/ for sponsoring this podcast. We adore Mimi's developmental and super uni...

In this episode we talk about the recently launched TODDLER skin care range! We chat through the message it sends to our young children but also how playing with the theme of "home spa" can be great! We touch on the skincare trend for tweens too and have loads to say about this topic both as parents and professionals! Also, can you guess the old staple that Hayley is now using on her face at night...

Toy guns! The topic that had brought much debate! In this week's episode we chat about Debbie's recent Ireland AM appearance and her chat on the topic of toy guns and aggression toys in the studio. We shed light on the subject as therapists and mothers and Debbie shares some key insights she didn't have time to mention on live TV! We would love to know your personal thoughts on this at isitjustusp...

We all know that staying calm when parenting is the ideal, but what happens when this advice just makes you feel like you are failing!? Even when you are not! In this episode we unpack what it really means to be calm and put the focus on regulation instead. We talk about repair, reconnection, authenticity and modelling a range of emotions as a parent - in other words, being human! If you've ever f...

It's time to chat about Ultra Processed Foods! Is it scare mongering or do we need to take note? What if there are eating disorders and other challenges involved? In this episode we sit down to chat bout our take on this topic as friends, colleagues and parents. Debbie shares her perspective as someone in recovery from eating disorders too. We hope you enjoy! HIT subscribe now and share this with...

It’s one of those topics that still makes parents squirm. You might see it joked about online, hear friends say “just a little tap,” or even feel that split-second urge when tempers flare…but slapping a child is never the answer. In this episode, we dig into why hitting..even lightly..can damage trust, model aggression, and escalate rather than solve conflicts. We talk about the impact on children...

Have you heard of F*ck Around & Find Out” Parenting? Maybe sounds funny on the TikTok, but in real life? Not so much. Children and teenagers will test limits.. but leaving them to just “FAFO” their way through life isn’t exactly the supportive guidance they need. In this episode we’re unpacking why the hands-off, wait-and-see approach doesn’t always work, what kids actually learn when adults s...

We don’t love talking about porn, but the reality is our children and teenagers are growing up in a world where names like Bonnie Blue aren’t hidden in the shadows.. they’re a click away (and they’re the chat at school).. As parents, we might feel awkward, shocked, or even scared, but pretending it doesn’t exist won’t protect our children or teenagers. In this episode we’re unpacking why it’s so i...

We love the idea of them.. family memories, fresh air, new experiences, but the reality? Packing up half the house, refereeing sibling squabbles in the back seat, and making sure everyone else has a great time! Of course we know we’re lucky to be able to do these things, and we are grateful… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot . Sometimes the “fun” comes with meltdowns (theirs and ours). In this...

One minute your child is watching what appears to be a harmless cartoon, the next they’re down a rabbit hole of ads, influencers, or content that’s anything but child-friendly. Add in the rise of rapid-cut shows, with flashing edits and constant noise designed to hook attention, and suddenly you’re wondering what it’s doing to your child’s focus and regulation. In this episode, we unpack the hidde...

You love your kids. You love your partner. But when it comes to discipline, routines, or handling meltdowns, it can feel like you’re playing on two completely different teams. In this episode, we dive into what happens when parenting styles clash, the good cop/bad cop dynamic, the “you’re too soft/you’re too strict” arguments, and the confusion it creates for kids caught in the middle. We’ll talk...

We’re told we can “have it all”- the career, the family, the social life, the self-care routine! But, most days it feels like we’re just spinning plates and waiting for one to crash. In this episode, we get real about the impossible standards women face around work–life balance. From guilt that follows us around all day, to the pressure of being present for everyone except ourselves, we unpack why...

Tantrums aren’t just for toddlers - grown-ups have them too, even if they look a little different or sometimes the exact same - shouting, banging things & crying - we’ve all been there!  In this episode, we unpack why stress, overwhelm, and emotions can push all of us toward meltdown moments. We share what’s helped us stay grounded and calm, and explore strategies that work for children a...

Not our sex lives (James & John can sigh with relief!) but how we talk to our children about theirs. Because despite what many of us were told, teaching children about sex isn’t “too much too soon,” and using the correct names for body parts won’t “take away their innocence.”  In this episode, we tackle the biggest myths that stop parents from having open, honest conversations about sex,...

Somehow, “gentle parenting” has been twisted into “never say no” or “let your kids walk all over you.” In this episode, we dig into the real meaning behind the approach, talk about our own approaches and why it’s not about giving in, staying quiet, or avoiding boundaries.  We’ll explore how firm limits, emotional connection, and respect go hand-in-hand and why being gentle doesn’t mean being...

Something different this week - Ready for a round of all the randomness, “Wait… is it just us, or is it just me?”. We’re firing off rapid-fire takes on everything from parenting fails to everyday oddities - fast, fun, and totally relatable. Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on isitjustuspod@gmail.com And if you would like supp...

We hear it all the time “Be good", “Are you being good?” But what does that actually mean? For adults, it often shows up as restriction: staying in control, following the rules.  For children, it’s usually about compliance - being quiet, being polite, not making a fuss. In this episode, we unpack how this vague idea of "being good" creates confusion, fuels people-pleasing, and leaves bot...