Parenting Out Loud

Are Australian parents okay? If you're finding parenting deeply exhausting, a study has found you're not the only one. Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks are unpacking why parents are feeling so stressed out. Plus, Stacey has a theory that might just be genius.
Also, are you constantly saying sorry for your kids just being...kids? We're discussing why we feel the need to apologise all the time and what it might actually be teaching them.
Plus, whimsical grandparent names. Everyone is now 'Mimi' and 'Zaza' instead of 'Nanna' and 'Pop'. We discuss whether this new trend is just an act of rebellion from Baby Boomers who flatly refuse to grow old.

Reccos:
Stacey is loving Sea Monkeys, bringing back pure 90s nostalgia for an entry-level pet experiment.
Amelia recommends The Kids Book of Paper Love, a stationery-stuffed Amazon find perfect for kids to build scissor skills.
Monique is loving Danny Go on YouTube, his joyful dances that support a grieving family.
New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.
Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code. T&C's apply.
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
'Crying Cafes' & A Mother-In-Law Red Flag
Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’
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
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
What to read:
Hannah Waddingham is known for Ted Lasso. But she's done so much more than that...
'Life goes tits-up... but I love it.' This nana's advice for new grandparents.
"To all of you who help us raise our kids, thank you": An ode to grandparents.
'I've been a therapist for 25 years. Every parent asks the same question, but it's the wrong one.'
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
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
Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz
Video Editor: Julian Rosario
Associate 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/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sienna Miller and Laura Henshaw are presenting two very different versions of new motherhood in our feeds — so why is the internet upset with both of them? Monique Bowley, Amelia Lester and Stacey Hicks dive into the unrealistic expectations on new mums and how there might be no right answer.
Also, Mandy Moore has officially entered the chat over Ashley Tisdale’s viral ‘toxic’ mum group essay back in January, and suddnely it feels like we're back in high school.
Plus, Japan's late-night ‘crying cafes’ offer the ultimate sanctuary for exhausted mothers, and it’s made us think about the other midnight hotlines we absolutely need right now.
And, a grandmother's dilemma goes viral after she joins her grandchildren's PTA without asking. We unpack the unwritten rules of family boundaries and why tension is the price we pay for a village.
New Mamamia subscribers get $40 off — $20 off an annual membership and $20 off your TWOOBS order. Click here to subscribe.
Already a subscriber? Click here for your $20 TWOOBS discount code. T&C's apply.
Reccos
Amelia recommends Evil Witches, an irreverent email newsletter that perfectly captures the reality of family holidays.
Monz is loving Unleashed, a hilarious podcast delivering an honest truth bomb about long weekends after divorce.
Stacey recommends Off Campus on Amazon Prime, a hot and deliciously cliché college hockey romance.
Support independent women's media
What To Listen To Next:
Don't miss an episode of Parenting Out Loud
Signs You’re A Beta Mum & How To ‘Bounce Back’
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
Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts
What to read:
'I joined a mother’s group for parenting tips. What I found was something darker.'
The Ashley Tisdale and Hilary Duff mum group fallout, explained from the very start.
HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: 'This is what 43 looks like now: 23 and pregnant.'
GET IN TOUCH:
Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at [email protected]
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
Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock
Content Manager: Talissa Bazaz
Video Editor: Julian Rosario
Assistant 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/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]
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/subscribe
See 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 [email protected]
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/subscribe
See 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 [email protected]
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/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.