Is It Just Us?

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...

Why does something as essential as feeding your baby come loaded with so much judgement? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the shame, pressure, and unspoken rules around breast and bottle feeding. One of us breastfed, one didn’t and we were both shamed for it.  We’re sharing our experiences, the guilt we felt (or were made to feel), and the silent comparisons that happen far too oft...

Grey hairs, fine lines, changing bodies, and a culture that tells us to fight it every step of the way. In this episode, we’re getting real about ageing, appearance, and the quiet pressure to stay “youthful.” From the beauty industry to social media filters, we unpack why it’s so hard to just let ourselves be, and what it might look like to age on our own terms! If you'd like to join our amazing P...

From first-day drop-offs to homework battles and everything in between, school can stir up  a lot, for our kids  and  for us. Whether it’s worry, pride, guilt, or frustration, it’s more than just reading and writing. In this episode, we talk about why school hits so deep, what it brings up from our own pasts, and how to support our kids (and ourselves) through it all. Thanks for lis...

Screens, snacks, sleep routines, every decision feels like it’s up for debate. And sometimes, it’s not just others judging us... it’s that inner critic too. In this episode, we unpack the pressure, the guilt, and the silent weight of feeling like you’re always getting it wrong. Let’s talk about how judgment shows up, and how to quiet the noise.\ Thanks so much for listening x Hayley and Debbie are...

Juggling life, children, work- it’s no wonder friendships feel harder to hold onto as we get older. But no one talks about how  lonely  it can feel. In this episode, we dive into the reality of drifting apart, the guilt of not reaching out, and why it’s not just you if you’re missing the closeness and the craic you once had! Thank you so ,much for listening x Hayley and Debbie are both C...

We all want our children to grow up resilient, able to handle life’s curveballs without falling apart. But what  is  resilience, really? And is it something we can actively teach, or does it just happen through experience? In this episode, we unpack what resilience actually looks like in children (it's not just “bouncing back”) and explore the subtle, everyday ways parents shape it, thro...

We all know play is important, but what if you don’t have the time… or simply don’t enjoy it? In this episode, we’re getting honest about the guilt that creeps in when play feels like a chore. We talk about why it’s so common to feel disconnected from play as a parent, what it means if you just don’t like it, and how to find playful connection in ways that actually work for  you , too. Hayley...

This week, we’re diving into the shifts that happen in relationships after children arrive, the good, the hard, and everything in between. From feeling like teammates one minute to total strangers the next, we talk about the ways parenthood tests connection  and  how it can deepen it too. If you’ve ever felt the stretch but still believe in finding your way back to each other, this one’s...

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the hardest, most unspoken parts of parenting—sleep deprivation. From brain fog to burnout, we chat about how lack of sleep impacts everything: your mood, your relationships, your patience, and even your sense of self. If you're running on empty and wondering if it’s just you… it’s not. You are not alone, and you’re not imagining how hard t...

Welcome to another episode of  Is It Just Us...?  In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on how growing up in the 90s – surrounded by diet culture, unrealistic beauty standards, and food guilt – has shaped our relationship with our bodies and food. Did it leave a lasting impact? We dig deep into our own experiences and explore how we can break free from these old patterns. Thanks for joini...