This Glorious Mess

How soon is too soon to return to work after having a baby? Netballer Paige Hadley was back on the court ten weeks postpartum — and the internet had thoughts. Monique, Amelia, and Clare unpack why we all have so much to say about other women's postpartum choices. If you've ever given up on pairing the kids' sock or let them quit that extracurricular activity — you might be a 'Beta Mum'. We dive into why mums are rejecting the optimised parenting grind and whether it's a feminist revolution or just collective burnout. Plus, the low-key genius parenting hacks hiding in a Reddit thread, and this week's recommendations. Reccos Amelia recommends Celeste Barber's BOOIE Excellent BB Cream. And right now, it's $40 at Woolies. Monz is loving Bad Company on the ABC, if you love Fisk, Utopia or Australian comedy, this is your show. Clare recommends Smocks by Little Chomps to protect your little one's clothes every meal time. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The School Holiday Rule & The Big Bluey Stuff Up The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: You're not a hot mess. You're just a Type C parent. 10 parents told us the best hacks guaranteed to halve your mental load. 'Balance doesn't exist': 12 women on what they wish they knew about going back to work after maternity leave. 7 (totally non HR-approved) tips for your first day of work after maternity leave. GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Clare Stephens Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Video Editor: Julian Rosario Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naming a person is a challenge—but one Melbourne family has made their relatives compete for the privilege of a surname. This week Monz, Stacey and Amelia are talking about the Melbourne couple who settled their surname debate with a best-of-three rock-paper-scissors showdown. So, should we be making all family decisions via a game of competitive Jenga from now on? Plus, the school holiday rule that has parents feeling like they’re back in detention. Amelia shares the enormous effort she poured into an official essay just to take her kids overseas, as we debate if ‘world schooling’ is a genius move or just a recipe for burnout. Also, it’s the show that saved our collective sanity, but behind the scenes, Bluey is the focus of a billion-dollar financial mess. We dive into the trending story and explain the details the internet seems to be missing. And, why does Mother’s Day feel a little bit… off? We’re looking into the unexpected history of the holiday and why it’s okay if you’re feeling more ‘complicated’ than ‘celebratory’ this Sunday. Reccos Amelia recommends Caper Crew; as if The InBESTigators was directed by Wes Anderson. Monz is loving the ‘Parental Path’ video hack to capture your kids’ little voices before they grow up, plus it's a great last-minute Mother's Day gift. Stacey recommends the ‘Do It For Dolly’ campaign and the 13-DOLLY support line for any families navigating the gut-punch of school bullying. If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs to speak with an expert, please contact your GP or in Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The Holiday Decision One Mum Regrets & Party Bags Are Officially Cancelled So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'My daughter was 8 when she was tied up and left in a bin. The words that came next still haunt me.' 'The 'boring' parent is the unsung hero': 5 things Bluey has taught me about parenting. 'My husband made me cry every Mother's Day. I know I'm not alone.' 'There are 3 reasons my son took my wife's surname. It should be the norm.' A brutally honest review of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a movie that breaks everything. GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Video Editor: Julian Rosario Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have school photos become redundant? This week, Monz, Stacey and Amelia are unpacking the $180 million industry that's preys on nostalgia, guilt and the trust that no parent wants to be the one to opt out, despite their phones overflowing with perfectly good pictures of their kids. Plus, an Aussie influencer sparked a firestorm after leaving her baby in a hotel room to grab a quick massage, baby monitor in hand. Was the ensuing internet pile-on a genuine act of concern, or just a new way to pass around the "Bad Mother" baton? And, party bags are officially cancelled, you're welcome. Why Stacey wants us all to call time on the noisy sh*t and sugar spikes that mark the end of a birthday party. Finally, science says telling your kids your "family lore" helps them build resilience, so is it time to spill the tea on your grumpy relatives? We unpack. Reccos Stacey recommends Everything Under the Sun by Molly Oldfield for the perfect gift. Amelia recommends the Substack, Gen Z Parents Don’t Hate Books by Rachel Bachman. To Monz recommends a DVD player: and getting DVDs from the library to make AN EVENT of your movie. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud So, Are You A Popcorn Mum? The Lunchbox Theory & Our Complicated Feelings About YouTube The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'My phone addiction was genuinely taking over my life. This is the only thing that fixed it.' Modern Etiquette: The 19 rules we all need to agree on for kids' parties and playdates. In the age of iPhones do we really need to be forking out for overpriced school photos? The Madeleine McCann investigation stalled for years. Then police found eight buried hard drives. Andy Lee on the joy of not having kids. GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester & Stacey Hicks Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Monz, Amelia and Stacey explore the ‘performance’ of public parenting, inspired by Elin Strong’s viral article. So, are you actually parenting for the other people at the park? If the answer is yes, you might be a popcorn mum. The swaddling fail by TV’s favourite doctor has ignited a firestorm amongst fans of medical drama The Pitt and we have thoughts. Also, we discuss Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy’s controversial take on planes and babies, and why even most parents are onboard. Plus, Prince Harry and Hamish Blake are opening up about men’s mental health postpartum. It has us asking, who’s looking after the dads? Also, Amelia has a new slang term for us that you’ll ‘low-kenuinely’ love. And, Stacey shows us what’s inside her smug ‘analogue bag’.

This week, Monique, Amelia, and Stacey are discussing the ‘Jessica’ hack gone slightly awry. We talked about it. Our listeners tried it, and some of the results were…spooky. So, why has even Jessica Biel weighed in on this viral trend? Also, we unpack the YouTube-ification of Netflix and why Danny Goh and Miss Rachel are suddenly taking over our Netflix profiles. We dive into the ‘Wild West’ of YouTube and why it’s banned in Monz’s house after a Peppa Pig incident. Plus, we talk about the list of things you must be able to perform to be considered a fully-fledged ‘Supreme Adult’. From public speaking to calling the doctor yourself, what exactly is a normal sleep pattern when you have small humans anyway? And, we discuss ‘The Lunchbox Theory’ and why we collectively need to lower the bar and become ‘underachieving’ parents. The Recommendations Stacey: The Swan Princess (1994) – Now on Netflix! It features a French frog voiced by John Cleese and a princess who demands more than just 'you're pretty'. Amelia: Taco Goat Cheese Pizza – A $15 card game that actually makes teenagers laugh. Monique: Biozet Attack – The supermarket laundry detergent with the magic enzyme that actually gets the 'funk' out of bed-wetting accidents. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud The 3-Hour Mum & The Viral 'Jessica' Hack Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.' 'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.' 'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.' GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack the 'max 3-hour mum' theory. That’s how long Skims co-founder and Kardashian-adjacent CEO Emma Grede thinks women should spend with their kids each day on weekends. We discuss whetther the mother of four's ‘quality over quantity’ approach is genius - or missing the point. Also, is kids’ sport officially broken? From private strength sessions for 8-year-olds to parents getting red-carded on the sidelines, we ask when sport stopped being about 'having a go' and started being a ‘gateway to success’. Plus, what exactly is the 'Jessica' hack? We discuss the viral TikTok trick that could snap your child out of a spiral. And, in our modern screen age, is there any merit to the old-school rule that children should be ‘seen and not heard’? RECCOMMENDATIONS: Monz recommends: The Art Gallery (it’s free!), beach patrol (also free!) and the ultimate school holiday hack - a trip to Bunnings. Amelia recommends: The Brinkley Yearbooks Series by Sarah Sax Stacey recommends: Age of Attraction on Netflix and Harry Styles’ YouTube cover of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’. Support independent women's media What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud Golden Retriever Dads & The ‘You Come Last’ Rule The Celebrity Who Loves Bad Kids & The Sibling Effect The Bad Habit That's Back & The Politics Of ‘Bagsing’ New Twin Dad Luca Enters The Chat & Divorce Just Got A Rebrand Empty Weekend Parenting & The Viral Rocking Chair Test Wait, Did We Just Witness The Ultimate Co-Parenting Sin? The Problem With Being The 'Easy Kid' FFS, Just Invite People Over To Your Messy House Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts What to read: 'I'm the breadwinner, and my husband stays home. Stop asking this one question.' 'I thought training for a marathon meant weeks of mum guilt. This one moment changed everything.' 'I thought I was raising my son right. Then he made one comment.' GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Hosts: Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester & Monique Bowley Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Audio Producer: Jacob Round Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re unpacking the 'parenting rule' that blew up the comments section this week: While the kids are awake, you come last. The Internet had thoughts and so do Monique Bowley, Clare Stephens and Amelia Lester. So, does putting yourself first actually make you a better parent? Plus, we look at the the Barbie Dream Fest — or as the internet is calling it, Fyre Festival for toddlers. Imagine paying $190 USD for an ‘immersive experience’ only to find a warehouse, a concrete floor and a cardboard box with a pink blanket. Also, Parks and Recreation actor Chris Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger has paid tribute to him on social media, calling him a 'Golden Retriever Husband', after he built their daughters a doll house. So why is the Internet still so annoyed with him over an Instagram caption from 2021 about opening a jar of pickles? And, we explore why a Sydney school’s experiment to ditch school uniforms was ulimately an epic fail. Our Recommendations:

Have you ever seen a video online that made you feel like you were failing at a job you didn't even apply for? Welcome to parenting in 2026. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and special guest, Clare Stephens, are diving into a viral trend romanticising the bond between young siblings—and it's left some only-child parents feeling a little judged. Plus, we discuss the basketball coach who went viral for screaming in a player's face. Was it ‘toxic’ or exactly the kind of high-stakes motivation our ‘gentle parenting’ era is missing? And, if your child throws a tantrum in the middle of a busy shopping centre or sticks their fingers in someone else's birthday cake, they may have a fan in award-winning actress Viola Davis. We explain why. Our Recommendations:

Today, the rise of the Gen Alpha CEO is officially in full swing as Victoria Beckham’s daughter, Harper Seven, launches a beauty brand at 13. Monz, Stacey and Amelia ask at what point we decided teenagers need a corner office and a dedicated PR team instead of just... a hobby. Plus, is ‘bagsing’ a spot in the playground slide queue ever acceptable, or have we officially lost our collective marbles? We unpack the world of park politics, optimisation and whether it’s just another form of snow-plough parenting. Also, is it time to start running your home like a large corporation? We’re diving into the ‘family AGM’ trend and why the shareholders in one host’s house are very unhappy. Our Recommendations:

Move over "conscious uncoupling". Divorce is getting a rebrand. This week, Monique Bowley, Stacey Hicks and Amelia Lester unpack Hollywood Actor Lake Bell’s unconventional approach to explaining her split to her kids. So, why is she banning the word ‘but,’ and is she onto something? Plus, Australian influencer Indy Clinton has gone viral for struggling with her sons kindergarten times tables, and honestly? Same. So, is homework still a thing in 2026 or is it time to let kids just be kids? And, a viral post by Jana Barrett has the internet talking about the invisible labor behind every successful man. He got the trophy, she got the school run. It has us asking, do we all deserve a medal for carrying the mental load? And our very own Jessie Stevens and Luca Lavigne are officially parents-of-three after twins Harry and Margot came into the world slightly earlier than planned. Luca checks in from the NICU "baby bubble" to tell us how they’re navigating life as a family of five. Our Recommendations:

Young Millennials and Gen Z are currently spiralling over the ultimate 'Why Now?' question: To procreate, or not to procreate? To help, they’ve resurrected an unlikely guru from the 1980s — Merle Bombardieri — whose decades-old 'Rocking Chair Test' is currently trending as the ultimate fix for biological-clock-induced brain rot. We unpack whether a 40-year-old therapy book can actually solve the most high-stakes dilemma of our lives. Plus, Amelia Lester, Monique Bowley, and Stacey Hicks are diving into the rise of the 'Empty Parenting Weekend'. And, from Matt Damon’s viral 'don’t blink' dad take, to the obsession with Paul Mescal’s mum, we’re asking: Why is Hollywood parenting suddenly so wholesome? Our Recommendations:

Parents of children who are 'short sleepers' — kids genetically programmed to survive on four hours of rest (and pure chaos) — we see you. We unpack the science on Parenting Out Loud this week of why some kids are simply 'built different'... and why the rest of us are drowning in caffeine. Plus, we need to talk about the fetishisation of the 'Involved Father'. From Chris Hemsworth’s commemorative tattoos to the rise of the ‘Swiftie Dad,’ why does society throw a parade when a man does the bare minimum, yet side-eye Bobby Cannavale for skipping the Golden Globes to go to a reptile expo? (Justice for Bobby, tbh). And, ex-One Directioner Zayn Malik is single-handedly causing Tooth Fairy inflation, but the real digital horror story is the school Facebook group. Is opting out of the 'digital footprint' a smart move, or does it just make you the ‘weird’ privacy parent who everyone is accidentally tagging anyway? Our Recommendations:

This week, Stacey Hicks, Amelia Lester, and guest host Clare Stephens are diving into the 'beige food' epidemic and why modern snack culture might be to blame for your toddler’s refusal to eat anything that isn’t plain pasta or chicken nuggets. And we discuss the the emotional cost of being an 'easy kid'. If you were the child who always got a gold star, never made a fuss, and now find yourself over-apologising to your barista, this one is for you. We talk about why we might actually want our kids to be a little bit... difficult. Plus, a heated debate over 'fart-proud' vs. 'fart-shame' households and why there's now official permission to stop feeling guilty about letting your kids watch TV. Our Recommendations: ⛸️ Stacey recommends getting your kids to record vlog style videos when FaceTiming the relatives gets too boring.

This week on Parenting Out Loud, we're joined again by Luca Lavigne, so of course things went off without a hitch.

Is a mum's job ever done? That's the question that's come off the back of a viral moment from the Wuthering Heights press tour after its star Jacob Elordi was spotted doing something that has everyone talking. Monz, Stacey, and special guest Luca Lavigne debate whether this red carpet incident was a sweet moment for Jacob and his mum or... totally gross. Plus, Claire Danes just said the quiet part out loud about what's being touted as the very last parenting taboo. So, how would you feel about a surprise pregnancy at 44? The internet has its opinions — and so do our hosts. And, is a clear bench top the only thing standing between you and a cortisol spike? From 'CleanTok' to 'Sunday Reset', domestic drudgery on social media is undergoing a rebrand with a surprising cohort leading the charge. Our Recommendations:

Michelle Obama spoke about a very specific kind of reality check on the Call Her Daddy podcast: the exact moment you realise you’re no longer the main character in your child’s life. Monz is feeling this deeply and Amelia and Stacey unpack precisely why it hits so hard. Plus, a viral video of an airport lounge meltdown has us asking whether we've lost the ability to handle conflict without reaching for our phone. We dive into the rise of "public shaming" and whether we’re all just one bad day away from being filmed giving someone the finger. And, move over “rawdogging boredom”, is “slow vacuuming” the new mindfulness trend? Monz is deep into this one but Amelia and Stacey remain firmly unconvinced. Our Recommendations:

The Brooklyn Beckham family drama that's been all over the news and in our group chats this week has us questioning where 'doing your best' ends and maternal control begins. We unpack the power dynamics of the family unit and why the internet is obsessed with a 26-year-old finally finding his voice. Plus, from "Make Whole Milk Great Again" to the sudden arrival of Autistic Barbie, we’re looking at the intersection of politics, branding, and... kids' lunchboxes. Also, a GP’s five-month suspension has raised some questions we need to unpack.And, some fabulous reccos to make life easier, more interesting and fun. Get it while it's hot. Our Recommendations: ☕ Amelia is all about Temple Trap a game for the kids and its associated app Playroom.

Are you an intensive millennial parent who feels stressed and burnt out? This week, we introduce the “Click Test,” which Amelia claims will change parenting for the better. Meanwhile, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are taking an unconventional approach — why they are raising their children to be "intentionally disrespectful". Plus, Monz had a park fight with a man who told her to "get some f***ing control" because her kids were being, well, kids. We debate society's growing intolerance for children in public and ask 'Who's The Asshole?' And finally, we’re checking on our parents. Why are the older generation spending half their waking hours staring at screens, and why are they the most vulnerable group for online scams? Our Recommendations:

Parenting comes with big ideas, cultural moments and the occasional guilty pleasure, and this week we’re unpacking all three. Are fancy lollies the new Labubus? Stacey thinks this might be another sign adults are craving whimsy. Plus, Amelia has declared Bluey’s dad Bandit a certified DILF, and we dig into why hot dads are suddenly everywhere. And finally, Monz asks the hard question: has kids sport officially got out of control? Between fees, uniforms and weekend travel, is the cost of competition the newest victim of cozzie livs? Our Recommendations:

Friends, do you too have a box of keepsakes? Perhaps teeny tiny socks, some pre-school era artworks, maybe even some old baby teeth or twenty? Well your parents might have been a collector and we pitch that perhaps there’s some truth to this form of maximalism. Plus, are we rushing kids out of childhood? Experts are saying that to delay delay delay when it comes to kids’ first years of school but there are some serious things missing from that theory which we’re going to talk about. And, why we might just need to reverse the parent/child hierarchy and force our kids to fit into our schedules. Monz, Stacey and Amelia make the argument that our friend catch ups and our schedules are JUST as important as Timmy’s 3 hour soccer practice. Our Recommendations:

Happy Holidays Parents! Are you having fun, are you a bit sweaty, dehydrated? Well don’t be, because today we're going to talk about: The mental health pyramid for both kids and adults that is both genius and incredibly simple. Plus, should you be able to choose who you sit next to on a flight and if so, would you ever sit next to a stranger’s baby again? And, do you have shameful little secrets? For some it’s Diet Coke, others the Real Housewives… Amelia it’s a rather quaint delicacy. We talk about the silly habits that get us through the motherhood trenches. Our Recommendations:

Consider this a midweek treat for summer with a bonus episode of She Built That, the podcast series where we discover incredible women and girls who didn't just dream big...they BUILT their futures! In this episode, you'll hear from the incredible Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia's first-ever astronaut qualified under the Australian flag. Hear how Katherine went from being a young girl staring up at the starry night sky and dreaming of becoming an astronaut, to building her future and making it her reality. Tune in to find out how she took her dream and BUILT it into something out of this world! This is a co-listening podcast for parents and kids to enjoy together. She Built That was made in partnership with LEGO Girls. THE END BITS: Discover more Mamamia podcasts here.Email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au.Send us a voice message and one of our podcast producers will get back to you ASAP.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christmas rush has officially brought a new generational conflict: Grandparenting on Eggshells. We unpack the tension between teaching kids bodily autonomy and avoiding the Grandma guilt trip. Plus, where did all the weird kids go? We blame late-stage capitalism, social media surveillance, and a collective fear of deviance for the new conformity epidemic. And, our hosts have had a few epiphanies this week. Between sending your kids on an errand and rewatching a Christmas classic, we're realising just how much the mental load has increased for parents. Our Recommendations: ☕ Amelia is all about sending kids to get a coffee. Empowering your little ones with a simple errand.

Is the ultimate parenting flex actually… no gifts at all? Because according to The Cut, Millennial parents now fall into two dramatic camps:Camp Maximalist: “Here’s every toy that's ever been produced.”Camp Minimalist: “Your present is… presence.” Meanwhile, gentle parenting has officially been cancelled. After a viral post dragged the whole “boundary-less vibes only” approach, we’re gathered here today to mount a defence before it’s declared emotionally supportive manslaughter. And in other critical news, the internet is deep into an investigation of the gossip going on about the Millennial mum group — Ashley Tisdale, Mandy Moore, and Hilary Duff — basically the Avengers of wholesome parenting. What are they hiding? PTA secrets? Matching snack schedules? We will, of course, be looking into it with the seriousness it deserves… which is none. Our Recommendations:

Uh-oh. The Wiggles are in hot water after popping up in a video with some 'unusual' lyrics — and it’s forcing us to ask what we really expect from children’s entertainers. We’re also calling out the new under-16 social media laws as this generation’s 'seatbelt moment': a long-overdue, system-wide safeguard for kids’ developing brains. Plus, the problem with nostalgia. The 'last time' TikTok trend might look wholesome, but it could be quietly distracting us from the moments we’re actually living. And finally: how does your family decorate for Christmas? We’re diving into a certain Royal Family’s festive… enthusiasm.

Friends, we thought we'd give you a midweek treat with a little taste of She Built That. The podcast series where we discover incredible women and girls who didn't just dream big... they BUILT their futures! In this episode, Chloé Hayden shares how she overcame obstacles, and built her dream life as an actor. She even explains how she turned what could have been a challenge, into her superpower. Tune in to find out how Chloé went from playing Princess Aspien on her YouTube channel to starring in a hit Netflix TV show and more! This is a co-listening podcast for parents and kids to enjoy together. She Built That was made in partnership with LEGO Girls. What To Listen To Next: Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud A Wicked Elephant In The Room & The Science Behind The Perfect Age Gap The Exact Reason We Stopped Getting Naked The Rise Of Trad Sons & Sheet Masks For 3 Year Olds The Group Chat Is Out Of Control & Unpacking The Exhaustion Economy The Favourite Child Taboo & Why Jennifer Lawrence's Honesty Hit So Hard Picnic Table Politics & The Era Of Tiny Spies The Scariest Truth about Halloween & A Nepo Baby Debate Listen to more of She Built That Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts GET IN TOUCH: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Join our Facebook group Mamamia Family to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamia_family CREDITS: Host: Annaliese Todd Audio Producer and Writer: Thom Lion Producer: Tina Matalov Script Consultant: Jacob Round Executive Producer: Courtney AmmenhauserBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Science has finally established the perfect age gap for siblings, but who is this helping? One of our hosts hates it more than others. And it's the Wicked elephant in the room: Hollywood's return to extreme thinness is prompting us to question what's being modelled to our sons and daughters.Also, the rising trend of kindymoons. What are they? Who's taking them and why? We discuss. Plus, we deep-dive into the multi-billion dollar trend of matching Christmas pyjamas and whether this consumer identity is really for the kids, or just for the 'gram. Monique, Stacey and Amelia share where they stand. Our Recommendations:

The new trend of 'underconsumption core' is taking on Black Friday, but is this thrifty, anti-consumerist vibe even achievable for parents who are the ultimate victims of the 'stuff' economy? Special guest host Luca Lavigne joins Stacey Hicks and Monique Bowley to unpack. Plus, casual nudity is slowly disappearing from the public pool and gym change rooms but what does this mean for our kids? Welcome to the era of physical prudes but emotional nudists. And, we're stumbling into Spotify Wrapped season, the annual moment of profound parental shame. We unpack the need for a 'Parent Incognito Mode' that censors results because nobody wants their friends seeing 9,000 hours of Chicken Boonana or KPop Demon Hunters. Our Recommendations:

Shay Mitchell's skincare line for toddlers is here. So, are sheet masks for your three-year-old just some harmless fun, or the latest commodification of girlhood? And, everyone says “it takes a village”, but we beg to differ. Monique, Stacey and Amelia unpack why community is harder than ever to build, and whether we even want a village at all. Plus, we have a new term for you: 'Hub-Sons' (aka 'Trad sons'). These stay-at-home sons are causing quite a stir amongst a particular group who are not very happy about this new breed of men. Our Recommendations:

Call it what you like — sleep deprivation/sleep recession/The Exhaustion Economy —but when you're not getting enough sleep as a parent, it's sheer torture. And when actor Keira Knightley named it for the hell it is, every parent felt it in their (tired) bones. This week, we’re unpacking the long-haul burnout that comes with parenting — and the societal shrug that keeps it invisible. Meanwhile, if you think your parenting Group Chats are delivering chaos, you're not alone. Amelia (ever the secret Nicole) has three golden rules to survive them, while Monz is rolling out the five parent archetypes you’ll absolutely recognise.

Did you grow up in a home with a favourite child? Do you secretly favour one of your own kids? We unpack the expert opinions and whether or not parental favouritism actually matters in the long run. Plus, we deep-dive into Jennifer Lawrence's recent The New Yorker profile where she shares what her life looks like postpartum and how returning to work has left her feeling like a fundamentally different person. Relate, much? And, from Jennifer Aniston opening up about adoption to Hailey Bieber sharing the secret that helps her raise her son, it seems like the A-listers are finally peeling back the curtain on the unvarnished truth about having kids. Our Recommendations:

Parenting can involve big ideas, public debates and the odd festive guilt trip - and this week, we’re tackling all three. The man who created Adolescence has a new idea for how dads can connect with their sons - it’s beautiful, but one of us hates it. Plus, Amelia dives into the kids party photo that’s divided Australia: can you really “bags” a park table? And finally, it’s Elf O’Clock. Monz realises she’s the last mum on earth without a tiny spy living in her house, and wonders aloud if there are some traditions that should just be left alone. Our recommendations:

Spooky season is just about to hit and we’re asking: what’s the point of Halloween, anyway? And are Australians missing one crucial trick about it that could change... everything? Monz unpacks. Then, Amelia makes a bold claim — some nepo babies are better than others. But why do some rise while others flop, even within the same famous family? And in a twist no one saw coming, Hailey Bieber just became our accidental parenting guru. Yep, that wasn't on our bingo card for 2025 either. Stacey has feelings. Big feelings. Grab your headphones and join the conversation. Our recommendations:

Your weekend sanity check has arrived. A new episode of Parenting Out Loud is here with all the conversations you need - because if parents are thinking about it, we're talking about it. Are you feeling ‘The Squeeze’? The daily chaos of modern parenting is real. We unpack why you’re feeling maxed out and overwhelmed and talk about whether there’s actually anything you can do about it. Plus, are you raising readers or just scrollers? And in today’s digital world, is it even important? We discuss whether it’s possible to get over your scrolling addiction and get you (and your kids) back into books. And, the dads are in their feelings this week, and we’re here for it. George Clooney reflects on the sacrifices he’s made for success, while Prince William reveals how even Royal dads can feel overwhelmed when it comes to raising tiny humans. Our recommendations:

The kids are at home, the holiday activities are seemingly endless and you probably need a break. So welcome back to the podcast that's not just any parenting podcast. On the show today: You're officially excused from ever attending your child's sport practice. Don't believe us? Just ask the professional soccer player Abby Wambach. Plus, are you an eldest daughter? Well, so is Taylor Swift and the birth order theory might explain a lot. And, magicians are having a moment. But this time it's not just for the kids. So get the girls over, put the kids to bed and enjoy some whimsy. And our recommendations:

The school holidays are upon us and Monz, Amelia & Stacey are back to distract you with some Millennial core memories, a flashback to Shania Twain and a playlist that will lift your mood. On the show this week: Genius or completely unhinged? Do our kids need ‘Social Media Prep School’? We've got thoughts. And, are you holding onto a room full of stuff to hand down to your kids? How A$AP Rocky & Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker are rebranding your clutter. Plus, the childcare conversation we need to have & one woman's controversial solution. And our recommendations:

Welcome back to Parenting Out Loud where we've got a brand new episode to start your weekend off right. On the show this week: The rise of the stealth mum. From Margot Robbie's press tour to your work colleague who's never mentioned having kids, we're exploring why hiding motherhood has become the new cultural currency. Plus, praising your child is a fraught business. Do you compliment their efforts, their appearance, their creations? Perhaps millennial parents are overthinking things... again. We discuss. And, there's a tiny internet feud happening on Facebook that we need to talk about. Plus, our recommendations:

Welcome to Parenting Out Loud where you can be sure you're kicking off your weekend right. Monz, Amelia and Stacey are here to unpack the week once more — through the wild, wonderful lens of parenthood. On the show this week: KPop Demon Hunters is smashing records. Kids love it, parents ADORE it so, what’s behind all the hype? Tracking apps: a non-negotiable today, or are we just spying on the ones we love? The evidence that says having kids young is a good idea. We’re not completely sold, but we are talking about it. And Anne Hathaway: the quiet queen of gentle parenting who put the paps in their place. Settle in — it’s the group chat you won’t want to mute. Plus, it’s our recommendations:

Excellent news, friends. We're back with another episode of Parenting Out Loud. Father’s Day is tomorrow and there's been a distinct shift in its marketing. Amelia unpacks what’s changed and why. Bluey: adorable? Absolutely. But is this the kids' TV show that's also making us feel… bad? Welcome to the Bluey Inadequacy Complex. Monz explains all. Plus, ❤️

Welcome to Parenting Out Loud where if parents are thinking about it, we're talking about it. On the show today, Jessie Stephens, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks sit down to tackle; Glam retreats: a cultural necessity for post-partum mums? Why bedtime stories are being put to bed themselves. How some dads forget their kids names, refuse to change a nappy or fail to RSVP — and why some women let them. And, sleep divorces. Is this where intimacy gets put to rest, or a secret hack that's been misjudged? Plus, in this week’s reccos:

We've got a fresh episode of Parenting Out Loud for you. Because if parents are thinking about it, we're talking about it. On the show today, Jessie Stephens, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks join forces to chat all things including: