The Band of Mothers

We talk about parenting as a blind person, tennis, over-protectiveness versus independence, finding your calling, the highs and lows of the parenting advice you get from the internet, maternity leave guilt and dirty nappies that go waaaaay up the back. Monica also shares a pivotal moment where a fellow school-mum broached Monica's sight-loss problem with her, helping her to open up about it and in doing so overcome her isolation. I loved chatting to her about the fact I sometimes feel pretty sorry for myself, while that's not something she really does. Talk about perspective.

We talk about how we take bananas for granted, how you get me-time with a small baby knocking around, the right ways to talk about food with your children, the potential pitfalls of bypassing childcare for the first few years of your baby's life, listening to music, walking in the rain and snow and paternity and maternity leave in the US. We don't talk about COVID 19 or how we both once did an outstanding karaoke performance of Shania Twain's 'That Don't Impress Me Much'. Which is a shame. We do chat 'sometimes food', camel toes, getting on the floor and really mucking about with your kid, how we're not very good at doing that, pet names, Cameron Diaz, how you think you know a lot about parenting before you actually have a child and how that can make you a bit of a dick. There's also an extended metaphor in there about ducks and ducklings. Sorry about that.

We talk about being proud of what you do, the joys - and novelty - of your childcare coming from two Grandpas, being content with mediocrity, explaining where meat comes from and modelling being in love. We also chat about existential crises, how being brought up by single parents changes your aspirations and idea of ‘normal', envying your school-friends' family setups, the pros and cons of routine and thoughts vs. facts. I also ask her whether she feels more guilty or grossed out when she accidentally steps on a snail - because this is hard-hitting stuff.

Lucy is a single mum of one. She's also an expert witness for asylum seekers, a therapist and runs yoga classes for victims of domestic abuse. When she realised she was burning out juggling work and a young daughter she took a step back and decided to work as a nurse in a hospice. Really. I was hugely relieved when she revealed that she's been known to throw her daughter's shoes out the front door and into the street as part of the ongoing trial that is 'Shoegate'. Human. Real. Open. And doing her best. What a lady.

Anne decided to take a break from being a teacher when she had her children. Then she started a lovely, community-minded, now-thriving business. She's got a lot of drive and guilt and expertise and a cracking ability to be open about parenting being a tough gig. We also talk, Claudia Winkleman, the wisdom of ‘not smiling until Christmas' and about monster trucks needing to just calm down a bit. Seriously, is there a more aggressive vehicle out there?!

Behind the twinkly blue eyes, self-depreciation and contagious giggles, Caisa has a core of solid female grit. She's strong enough to talk about her post-natal depression with clarity and acceptance and kind enough to share her tried and tested 'Friday Cosiness' with me. And therefore you. Listen for the bit where we both talk about how when you look into a horse's eyes you feel like they "just get you", and I perpetuate that urban myth about Catherine the Great.

Total blonde bombshell enthusiasm powerhouse type lady. Most people don't react to maternity leave coming to an end by going out and getting an even bigger job. Olivia did. She shares her tips on co-parenting, the perks of grandparents and reveals the secrets of the toothbrushing dance; proven to deliver real results with toddlers.

Listen to learn something vaguely mind-blowing about Monopoly and for a different take on sex education. Spoiler: Things have moved on since we were rolling condoms onto bananas.

Listen for the last section that involves a word-assocaition game. Anya's response to the word 'abs' is extremely impressive. Also includes a do-it-along-as-you-listen pelvic floor masterclass.