The Non Perfect Parents Club

In this episode I am joined by Gillian Brown, an alcohol free coach for Mums. We discuss: Why Mums drink and the effect of alcohol on women. The Mummy wine culture and why it's damaging. Why go alcohol free (and not just limit it)? Where to start with going alcohol free. What Gillian would say to someone who wanted to go alcohol free but who was worried about taking that step. Tips & advice fo...

In this episode I am joined by Laura, the project lead on a research project at Lancaster University called Adopters Advocacy. Adopters advocacy looks at the experiences of adoptive parents and has highlighted different challenges that they may face. Laura tells us about the project, how it started and what they've found so far. Laura, who was adopted and is now an adoptive parent herself tells us...

In this episode I am joined by a Mum of 2 who wishes to remain anonymous (so please respect this if you recognise her voice!). We talk about: Judgement- the silent judgement of teens and also how children are judged. Her regret of not being settled with a mortgage and a career before having children and how she can't help but compare herself to other people in this respect. Would her children have...

In this episode I am joined by Becky, a mum of 2 and a reception teacher. We discuss tips and advice for parents who have a child starting Reception in September, and Becky answers some of your questions. This episode is jam packed full of advice and hopefully lots of reassurance for any parents who are apprehensive about the transition and the change that is coming. We cover: What are the most he...

In this episode, I am joined by Hannah from Stingrays 315 Swim School to talk about water safety. The statistics say that only 1 in 3 adults can swim and that only 4% of 11 year olds are water competent. Hannah shares some of her knowledge as both a parent and a swimming teacher and explains why is it so important that we as adults respect the water and teach our children to too. Hannah reminds us...

In this episode I am joined once again by Aimee from Get Secondary Ready. (Listen to our first episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/thenonperfectparentsclub/1340753/ ) Aimee, until recently, was an assistant head in a high school and found a gap on social media in information on the transition from primary school to secondary school. She has joined us again to share some of her knowledge based a...

Thank you to Ginny Koppenhol photography for sponsoring this episode, find her on Instagram here: Ginny Koppenhol - Photographer (@ginnykopp) • Instagram photos and videos In this episode I am joined by Lucianne, the founder of FlyRide (a cabin size stroller rental service) and who has been cabin crew for 14 years. She is also a twin Mum. Lucianne offers her top family travel tips; for on the plan...

In this episode I am joined by MY DAD, Graham! He talks about his experience of being a dad and how life has changed since he was a child. Dad tells us how he thinks life is backwards and how materialistic life seems to be now compared to when he was growing up. We talk about the impact the internet has had on society and how you can only give your children so much. Dad offers his perspective on p...

In this episode in our new series, my guest (who wishes to remain anonymous) tells us her 'story' about a situation that her family found themselves in in 2017 when her son was just 3 months old. My guest took her 3-month old son to the GP as he had a mark on his back that she'd not seen before. Medical professionals became concerned as it looked like a bruise, and a Section 47 Enquiry (Child prot...

In this episode I am joined by Rachel, Mum of 2. This is a really powerful episode. Rachel tells us she has been most judged by herself and that came from a fear of being judged by others. She kept such a tight control of things in order to not be judged. She notes the fear of being judged by others is enough to keep you trapped in your own self judgement. Rachel talks alot about how she's changed...

In this episode I am joined by Emma Benyon, Mum, and self care & motherhood coach and educator. We open up the conversation about self care and the guilt we often feel around it. Emma offers some fantastic practical tips on how to fit self care in and how it shouldn't be something that feels pressured, but something that 'lights us up' and makes us feel good. Can't remember what even lights yo...

In this episode I am joined by Dr Katy Hill, a clinical psychologist who specialises in parental mental health with a particular interest in parental stress and burn out. She is also a Mum of 3. Katy reassures us that it's very normal to feel burn out and shares her expansive knowledge with us from a very realistic point of view. We cover: What is burn out? How normal is it to feel burn out? How d...

In this episode I am joined by Ellie, a nurse, barrister and owner of Nickeze, period underwear and sportswear. We cover: Why Ellie created Nickeze, Tips on how to help parents open up conversations about periods, Do's and Don'ts of what to say when your child gets their period, What's normal when starting periods and when Ellie would suggest to seek medical advice, Challenges for girls with addit...

In this episode I am joined by Claire, Mum of 4. Claire tells us how she learnt later on in life that judgement is human nature and it's what we do with that judgement that matters. She felt judged being a parent at 17 and was scared to ask for help because of society's view, but knows now that all parents struggle. Claire says life after a divorce shaped how she parented and talks a little about...

In this episode I am joined by Susannah, Mum of 2. Susannah tells us how the person she felt most judged by was herself and how being unable to breastfeed made her feel like a failure. She feels like she didn't get the newborn experience that she was promised- but does that idyllic newborn bubble actually exist? Susannah's specialist topic is matrescence- which if you haven't heard of this yet, yo...

In this episode I share a previous experience of my own on a past Mother's Day and some of my thoughts that are hopefully valuable.

In this episode I am joined by Ruby, Mum of 3. This is an incredibly honest episode. Ruby tells us about her life as a parent and many of the things she's experienced- In her words; 'I've been through some hideous things'. Ruby was a young Mum who found herself in a domestic abuse situation with her children's dad. When she reached out for help, she got none and so stayed until her partner turned...

A pre release bonus extract from the latest episode recorded with Ruby, Mum of 3. The full episode will be released on Monday.

In this episode I am joined by Aimee from the Instagram page; Get Secondary Ready. Aimee, until recently, was an assistant head in a high school and found a gap on social media in information on the transition from primary school to secondary school. She has joined us to share some of her knowledge ready for National Offer Day on 1st March. If you are a parent of a year 5 or year 6 child, this is...

In this episode I think about the last year of the podcast and reflect back on it. I am joined by my friend Lauren and we talk about what I've achieved, how I think it's gone so far and what I hope to achieve this year- Along with a confession!!

The second episode in our new series; The Seasons of Parenting. What this means to mum of 2, Sophie. Where she's at and what she's noticed so far.

In this episode I am joined by Emily, Mum of 3. Emily chats to me about being a parent very honestly- despite her professional knowledge as a play therapist, she offers a very realistic view on parenting. Emily tells us how she hates judgement- Nobody knows what's going on behind closed doors and one of the hardest things about judgement she's found is the generational differences in parenting bet...

A pre release bonus extract from the latest extract recorded with Emily, Mum of 3. The full episode will be released on Monday.

The first episode in our new series; The Seasons of Parenting. What this means to me, Emma, where I'm at and what I've noticed so far.

In this episode I am joined by Wendy, Mum of 3. Wendy talks a little about divorce- her parents and her own. She tells us how she felt judged as a parent by numerous people, including professionals, and that even now, that's still quite raw. Her middle son has ADHD and Autism and this was a huge factor in the judgement she felt she faced. Wendy tells us this brings challenges in itself let alone a...