Prepared Not Scared

What to do when illness hits and the Doctor office is closed Kids getting sick over Christmas feels almost guaranteed, and it always seems to happen when clinics are shut, everyone’s travelling, or you’re meant to be at lunch in 20 minutes. In this episode, Penny and Sarah walk you through how to stay calm, confident and prepared when illness strikes at the least convenient time. We cove...

Talking to children about traumatic events is one of the hardest parts of parenting *especially* when the news is everywhere and details feel overwhelming. In this bonus mini-episode of Prepared, Not Scared , Sarah is joined by child psychologist Deirdre Brandner to explore how to support children after distressing events, without frightening them or giving more information than they need. Th...

Helping you navigate boundaries, crowds and big feelings this festive season Christmas is joyful… but it can also be loud, busy, and full of pressure from well-meaning relatives. In this episode, Penny and Sarah walk you through the non-illness challenges parents face at this time of year, and how to handle them calmly and confidently. ▶︎ Boundaries around babies Helpful ways to navigate cuddles,...

Tiny blisters, big disruption. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah explain what Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) really is, why it spreads so quickly, and how to care for kids (and yourself) when it hits. With calm, practical advice, Penny and Sarah help you navigate the chaos of outbreaks with confidence, no panic, just preparation.   Key Topics Disc...

Thunderstorm Asthma – When Weather Turns Dangerous When a storm rolls in after a hot, windy, high-pollen day, it can do more than just bring rain. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah unpack thunderstorm asthma:  how weather patterns can trigger serious breathing difficulties, and why awareness and preparation matter. This episode walks you through practi...

If everyone starts sneezing the minute the wattle blooms, it might not be a cold: it’s probably hayfever. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah explain what hayfever (allergic rhinitis) actually is, how to spot the difference from a virus, and what you can do to manage it.   Key Topics Discussed: ▶︎ What hayfever (allergic rhinitis) actually is, and why it’...

Dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty, it’s when the body runs low on the fluid it needs to function, and it can happen faster than you think, especially in kids. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what dehydration really is, who’s most at risk, and how to spot the early signs before things escalate.   Key Topics Discussed: ▶︎ What deh...

Welcome back to Prepared Not Scared. This is *the* podcast that helps parents feel prepared, not scared, when illness or injury strikes. In Season 3, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah dive into the everyday health worries that send families searching for answers. From hayfever and thunderstorm asthma to dehydration, hand, foot and mouth disease, and more, they unpack what’s happening, why it happe...

Understanding Pain in Children: How to Recognise and Relieve It Safely Pain in children can be tricky, especially when they’re too young to explain what hurts. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah unpack how to recognise, assess, and manage pain in babies, toddlers, and older kids. They cover how pain presents in non-verbal children, common causes like teethin...

Understanding and managing childhood rashes: Practical tips for parents Rashes can be one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing symptoms in childhood. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to confidently assess and manage your child’s rash. They explain the different types of rashes: viral, allergic, heat-relat...

Poisoning is one of the most common (and preventable) childhood emergencies. In this episode, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah guide you through what every parent needs to know about poisoning in young children, especially toddlers who are naturally curious and quick to act. From button batteries to eucalyptus oil, they explain the different types of exposure (ingested, skin, eye, and inhaled), h...

Food Allergies in children With Dr Nelu Simonesz In this episode, we’re joined by Paediatric Doctor and allergy expert Dr Nelu Simonesz to cut through the confusion around allergic disease in children. From starting solids to understanding reactions and knowing if kids can outgrow allergies — we answer your most commonly asked questions with evidence-based, practical advice. We cover: ▶︎ What is a...

Hospital visits with a sick baby can be incredibly overwhelming. In this episode, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah walk you through what actually happens when a baby is admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis, so you know what to expect and feel more confident at every step. They explain what dictates hospital admission, what treatments may be used, and how you can stay involved in your child’s c...

In this episode, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what parents need to know about bronchiolitis. Bronch is one of the most common reasons babies under six months end up in hospital, BUT, not all cases are quite so severe. Lots of the time bronch can be safely managed at home.  Learn what bronchiolitis is, how to manage it at home, and when it’s time to seek help. From recognising...

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah help parents prepare for a safe and stress-free holiday season. From preventing injuries to staying vigilant around water, they share practical advice to navigate the unique risks that come with Christmas and summer celebrations.   With the excitement and chaos of the holidays, accidents can happen quickly. Penny and Sa...

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah tackle the alarming rise of whooping cough in Australia, equipping parents with essential knowledge to protect their families during this epidemic. With over 40,000 cases this year, the highest in nearly a decade, they explain what’s behind the surge, who’s most at risk, and the critical steps you can take to prevent its spr...

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah delve into one of the most common—and preventable—injuries in childhood: burns. Through personal stories and professional experience, they highlight the realities of burns in children, covering everything from kitchen mishaps to outdoor fires and playtime accidents. With practical advice on first aid for burns, Penny and Sa...

Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah dive into one of the most challenging and contagious childhood illnesses: gastro. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, they break down everything parents need to know—from understanding symptoms and spotting red flags to practical hydration tips that help prevent dehydration. With real-world advice on managing vomiting and diarrhoea, Penny...

Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah discuss the all-too-common topic of head injuries in children. From playground falls to tumbles at home, they break down everything parents need to know, including common causes, how to recognise red flags, and when it’s time to seek medical help. With practical tips and an easy-to-remember acronym for assessing injuries, Penny and Sarah guide parents in understan...

Understanding Fevers – What Parents Really Need to Know In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah tackle a topic filled with anxiety for many parents—fevers. Fevers are an inevitable part of childhood, but they don’t have to come with fear and panic. Penny and Sarah discuss what fevers are, why they happen, and how they’re actually a healthy part of a child’s immun...

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared , Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah share critical insights into choking prevention and first aid, arming parents with practical steps to keep children safe while handling food and small objects. Through real-life stories, including Sarah's own double choking scare, they highlight the speed at which choking can happen—even under the most watchful eyes. T...

Welcome to Prepared Not Scared. Penny from @sick.happens and Sarah from @paeds_education are here to chat all about inevitable illness and injury. We are going to be walking you through all the things parents and families freak out about: fevers, choking, gastro, burns and the rest.  Let's go.   Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and...