The Non Perfect Parents Club (Emma Townley)

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 around the Summer term in Year 6, ready for the transition to Year 7 and to answer some of YOUR questions.

If you are a parent of a year 6 child, this is a must listen to episode!

We cover things like:

• How we can be preparing our children for the transition now that we're in the Summer term, emotionally and practically.
• What other secondary pupils found to be the biggest surprise and the biggest change transitioning to high school.
• Best Buys and Uniform tips.
• Communication with school.

We cover so much within these points and Aimee offers SO many practical tips that could potentially make a huge difference to your child's (and yours) transition to secondary school.

Find Aimee and Get Secondary Ready here:

Aimee Quinn (@getsecondaryready) • Instagram photos and videos

Top Tips for Parents and Tweens: Getting Ready for Secondary School | get secondary ready

Other episodes to listen to:

You control social media, not the other way around: https://rss.com/podcasts/thenonperfectparentsclub/989119/

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 plane, at the airport, packing and also some product recommendations. She tells us to travel light and go with realistic expectations. So grab a pen and paper and make some notes, especially if like me you're not a seasoned family traveller and it feels very daunting.

Lucianne also reassures us, as cabin crew, not to stress about a crying baby or unsettled children.

You can find Lucianne's page; Flyride here:

Facebook

Cabin Size Stroller Rental & Family Travel Tips | UK (@flyrideuk) • Instagram photos and videos

FlyRide Cabin Approved Stroller Rental, Accessories & Travel Advice

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 how hard it was being a single parent. She realised after leaving a dysfunctional relationship and entering a new loving and healthy one that your relationship does impact the children. One of the biggest challenges she found was the loneliness as a single parent of 2 children.

Claire talks about how she was just in survival mode as a young parent and regrets not having more fun with her children. Now as a grandparent she has more patience and gets to have fun with her grandson because she's not in survival mode and can be more laidback. She tells us when you see your children grown up, you realise that you've actually done a pretty good job.

Claire notes how important it is that we remember we're not just someone's Mum, we're still us too- We're still allowed to be us and we deserve to take time out to do things that light us up.

Claire's biggest values are living and learning, helping others and knowing that our best is good enough.

Thank you to Stingrays 315 Swim School for sponsoring this episode.

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 a must listen to episode!

Aimee covers things like:

• What you're going to find out in March.
• Getting your head around how to approach things.
• How to manage if you don't get the school you want.
• Reminders; like to check the email address you registered with.
• How to talk to your child about their school offer.
• How big a change secondary will be practically and how you can upskill them in this.
• Processing emotions on offer day.

She also talks about friendships, how busy year 6 is, phone use and something that I haven't heard mentioned before but is actually really important; It's a big change for your child but how it's also a big change for YOU too!

Aimee offers SO many practical tips that could potentially make a huge difference to your child's (and yours) transition to secondary school.

It's not all scary though- as Aimee says 'Watch your child step up, enjoy it!'

Find Aimee and Get Secondary Ready here:

Aimee Quinn (@getsecondaryready) • Instagram photos and videos

Top Tips for Parents and Tweens: Getting Ready for Secondary School | get secondary ready

Other episodes to listen to:

Jennifer's high school appeal experience: https://rss.com/podcasts/thenonperfectparentsclub/1161514/

You control social media, not the other way around: https://rss.com/podcasts/thenonperfectparentsclub/989119/

Today I am joined by my special guests, my daughters, the Wildcat (age 11) and Bunny (age 6). I put them in the hot seats and ask them some questions. Bunny, as you will hear, got TNPPC memo and tells things exactly how they are. Featuring yes days, trumps and acknowledging that it's hard being shy.

In this episode I am joined by Sam, a Mum of 3 and Stepmum to 1.

Sam and her family live a very alternative lifestyle which has meant she's experienced her fair share of judgement. She, however, notes how judgement can be a double edged sword as it's obviously not nice to experience but it's brought her growth, empowerment and given her the ability to stand on her own 2 feet.

[ I LOVE this take on judgement!!! ]

We talk lots about values and how we both try to take on board different styles of parenting as opposed to sticking to one sole style.

AND Sam sets us all a challenge; To OWN that we're good parents, start believing it and see how many people start to tell you that you are!

Another honest conversation about parenting!

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 between her and her parents.

Emily talks about taking the long route in parenting and how when there are moments and situations that feel like they're not going to end- they will! She tells us how she's learnt over time to set boundaries with people for the benefit of her family and we talk about something we've not really touched on before- friendships!

Emily highlights how it's okay to say parenting is hard, no matter how lovely your circumstances are and that parents need to do what's best for them.

Emily's most powerful point in this episode for me is when she says 'if parents put the fight from everyday life for their children, into themselves'... Just think what a game changer this would be.

Emily's biggest value is safety & security and she tells us a couple of ways that she implements setting the foundations of this value into her family's day.

Another honest conversation about parenting!

In this episode I am joined by Mollie, a Mum of one. We talk honestly about Mollie's experience of motherhood so far and plan about another 5 podcasts off the back of some of things we discuss!! Once again completely different answers to my questions which highlight how diverse we all are. In this episode is my favourite, favourite comment so far which was; 'Everyone's perfect looks different.' That is SO true and a really poignant point.

Another honest conversation about parenting!

In this episode, I am joined by Ciara from The Performance Studios Theatre School in Lancaster. Despite me having a child who performs, Ciara broadens my knowledge completely on how beneficial it is for our children to attend a theatre school and why it is important to encourage them to do something that they love.

Straight away we think of confidence, but there is so much more to it than that. I sat through this podcast thinking I don't know about the kids but I need to join a theatre school!! I loved the passion Ciara has clearly got and her knowledge.

Even if your child has a different interest, this episode is well worth listening to to understand that there is often far more to something that meets the eye.

You can find more information on The Performance Studios Theatre School here: Facebook: The Performance Studios | Lancaster | Facebook

Instagram: ✰ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 | 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ✰ (@theperformancestudiosuk) • Instagram photos and videos

Website: The Performance Studios

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 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 as a one parent family.

Wendy found that the usual strategies weren't working, people that should have been supporting her weren't and she was juggling so many balls and not coping. She felt on her own and like no-one was listening.

The pressure of everything resulted in Wendy having a breakdown.

This however made Wendy reflect on things and change them- including leaving her job. But this was the best decision she could have made.

Wendy reflects on the experience of her oldest son unexpectedly going to live with his dad, how she felt like she'd lost a major part of her and was heartbroken. But how they're now in a good place and how her two eldest sons are great friends.

Wendy tells us how having boys, she's found it difficult to navigate puberty and keeping an open communication about that- Finding the balance between not making them feel embarrassed but also creating that open door to know they can talk to her.

Wendy's biggest parenting value is mutual respect.

Another honest conversation about parenting!

In this episode I am joined by husband and wife, Jake and Emma, parents of 3.

* The dog does stop barking * - As ever recording is a learning curve!!

For a while I have wanted to record a couples episode to look into the whole dynamics of two different people coming together to parent and creating their own family unit.

Jake and Emma tell us how they fell pregnant very early on into their relationship, still quite young but just got on with things and didn't let it throw them off course.

We talk lots about their eldest daughter's needs, the challenges they've faced because of this and the lack of support available for not just them, but all families who have a child with additional needs.

They tell us how traditional parenting styles didn't work, how they've had to change their expectations and how that was really hard, but it's meant that they're both on the same parenting page now- it hasn't always been that way.

Emma makes a really important point about how it's ok to say, as a parent, that we need a break.

They talk about how the loss of their second child changed how they parent and their outlook on being a parent. They became more protective and Emma highlights how she found an extra layer of emotion around being a Mum.

Jake talks about the anxiety he felt when Emma was pregnant with their third child, despite not being an anxious person and we discuss the pressure that Dad's potentially feel. They also talk about how they supported their eldest daughter during their third pregnancy and how they desperately wanted to answer her questions positively but couldn't always do that.

I really love when Jake and Emma talk about their biggest parenting value being trust and how they explain what it means to them and why it's so important.

Another honest conversation about parenting!

This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Amazing Graze, who provide graze boxes and party food for the Lancaster, Morecambe and surrounding areas.

Facebook

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 helpful things that parents can be doing to prepare their child for the transition to reception.
• How parents can prepare for the change
• Uniform
• Things you can be doing to encourage skills that will be needed for reading and writing
• Play
• How a teacher would understand a non verbal child's way of communicating
• What else parents need to buy
• How to deal with the lack of information after getting so much from nursery
• What to do if your child is a fussy eater
• Friendships
• How we can help summer born children to settle in reception

The most important thing is to talk; to your child, and to their teacher/ the school staff.

Thank you to Reading Fairy Lancaster for sponsoring this episode.

Here is the playdough recipe that I use:

1 cup of water

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of salt

2x tbsp oil

2x tbsp cream of tartar (or 1 sachet)

Mix all ingredients in a pan and heat on a medium heat. Keep stirring. You will feel the mixture start to thicken, keep stirring until it sticks together and becomes playdough. Remove from pan, let cool and knead. wrap in cling film or put in an airtight container to store.

(If it's sticky, you've usually either not kept it on the heat for long enough or not added enough salt.)

In this special edition I am joined by Chelsie from Matilda's Mission, a peer support for baby and child loss bereaved families. We hold an open conversation (which went out live on Facebook: https://fb.watch/g6Y6F4WF0P/ ) about baby loss for baby loss awareness week; 9-15th October. At the end of the conversation we remember babies and children so that their parents and families can hear their name spoken out loud. You can find Matilda's mission here: Matilda's Mission (matildasmission.com)

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 additional needs/ disabilities when they get their period,
• How we can prepare our children for starting their period.

Ellie is a huge advocate when it comes to periods and notes we have to do better.

You can find Ellie here:

Nickeze (@nickeze1) • Instagram photos and videos

Period Underwear | Period Pants | Bladder Leak Underwear – Nickeze

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 since having children, how she's had to strip back layers of conditioning and how she's had to learn how to be herself- who she really is. She tells us how she's had to become more self aware and had to learn how to put her needs first, but in doing these this she's accepted herself and this is what's had the biggest impact on her children.

We also talk about:

• Boundaries
• Rachel's 12 year old's smartphone free childhood
• Parenting strong willed children
• Growing up with a mum with bi-polar
• The gap between schools and parents
• Homework & Toilet passes
• Dysregulated behaviour
• Role modelling and Mirroring
• Accepting we do things wrong as parents
• Transitional phases that we go through with our children

Rachel's biggest value is honesty and love.

She would most like to strip back the rules around parenting and childhood for us all and give us connection and community; Bring back the village! Rachel talks about how the village isn't always blood and can be found in people that you might not expect so don't be scared to create that.

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 you up? Don't worry- Emma has some advice for that too!

We cover:

• What self care actually is,
• How to make time for yourself (and why it's not selfish to put you first!)
• Examples of ways we can practice self care- Is there a quick fix?
• What Emma would say to anyone listening who doesn't know where to start with self care,
• Emma's advice for anyone still 'sat on the fence' about implementing self care into their routine.

We also talk ice creams (maybe not the kind you're thinking of) and permission!

You can find Emma here:

Motherhood Coach for Busy Mums | Self Care Expert | Emma Benyon (@emmabenyon.coach) • Instagram photos and videos

Welcome — Emma Benyon Coaching

Thank you to Stingrays 315 swim school for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode I am joined by Dan, (our first Dad on the podcast) a dad of 2 and we chat about special guardianship, how being a good role model is really important and Dan's epiphany on the role of a mother. ANOTHER fantastic guest who raises some really good points about parenting that are well worth listening to!

In this episode I am joined by Christina from Amazing Graze, who creates graze boxes and party food in the Lancaster and Morecambe (and surrounding areas).

Christina tells us all about Amazing Graze and the 'why' behind it. This is a really wholesome episode with SO many golden nuggets to take away, especially if you are a Mum in business or thinking of starting a business.

She talks very honestly about starting a business and running a business whilst having a family/ running it around family life. Christina talks about the ethos behind her business and how it's similar to that of The Non Perfect Parents Club because it's all about bringing people together.

I LOVE how Christina see's what she does as not just party food- She's creating something special for each customer and puts so much thought into how she can make this food exciting. (This totally changed my perspective that party food doesn't just have to be parents slapping margarine on bread thinking when will this end!!).

Christina tells us what makes her different from others and her reasons for being so passionate about what she does.

You can find Amazing Graze here:

Facebook

Email: Christinavallente@yahoo.co.uk

In this episode I am joined by Lauren from Lauren Iles coaching, a mum of one. Lauren shares how she thinks she is the one who judges herself the most, how she thinks parenting is an underrated skill and why truth is her biggest parenting value. Another great guest, lots of giggles and another honest conversation about parenting.

www.laurenilescoaching.com

Lauren’s book recommendation: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Dr Julie Smith (https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/454841/why-has-nobody-told-me-this-before-by-smith-dr-julie/9780241529713)

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 been happier if she'd have had this?
• Smartphones
• Her break up with her husband/ her children's father and the possibility of this being a trigger for her child self harming.
• Self harm and how you navigate this as a parent.
• Homeschooling.
• Friendships.
• Mum guilt.
• How we're all winging it.

This Mum's biggest value is her children being happy, safe and loved.

She would love for all kids to be able to be kids and for parents to get chance to be the fun parent.

In this episode, we potentially coined a new term; 'Messy Parenting'. Listen to find out more!

If you enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to leave a review.

To find out more about The Non Perfect Parents Club visit our website The Non Perfect Parents Club - The Non Perfect Parents Club- Welcome

Thank you to Reading Fairy Lancaster for sponsoring this episode.

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.

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 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 protection assessment) was instigated.

The family underwent an incredibly challenging time, before it was discovered that baby actually had a birthmark. Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis (formerly called a Mongolian Blue Spot) is often mistaken for a bruise, leaving families vulnerable to accusations of harm.

My guest wants to raise awareness of this misdiagnosis, encourage parents to do their own research and ask questions when faced with difficult health or social care situations, and crucially, ask health professionals to always remain curious, non-judgemental and collaborative when working with families.

In this episode, I am joined by Kelly the Reading Fairy who highlights to us how easy it can be to set those foundations to promote early reading skills. Some of which I am sure you will be doing anyway... without even realising!

Kelly's (who is an ex-teacher) knowledge is fantastic and the reading fairy programme really is the full package, giving not just the children, but also the parents a head start!!

This is backed up by an independent review from a child who attends one of Kelly's sessions in their nursery setting; My 4 year old nephew.

If you've got a child under 5, this is the episode to be listening to!

You can find more information on Kelly, the Lancaster Reading Fairy here:

Facebook: Reading Fairy Classes Lancaster | Lancaster | Facebook

Instagram: Reading Fairy Lancaster (@reading_fairy_lancaster_) • Instagram photos and videos

Website: https://www.readingfairy.com/lancaster/home

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 Mum and GP, Joanne.

No preaching, just straight up information with lots of realism in there. We covered a range of topics and lots of reminders on why it's important to not forget about yourself.

Joanne reassures me that it's okay to ask for advice and it would never be wasting a doctors time- they'd much rather help than you not ask.

I thought I'd be able to add a little bit more in on smears, but I just couldn't. Cervical cancer has devastating effects, my family knows this, PLEASE get those smears. And don't forget to check your boobs regularly.

Lots of nuggets of information to take away from this episode, I hope you all enjoy!

Helpful Links:

https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/touch-look-check?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi6fcoMai_QIVi41oCR3pWQiDEAAYASAAEgKWWfD_BwE

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/caregivers/index.html

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

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!!

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

I want to try something a little bit different after I saw this post on Facebook this morning. I shared with TNPPC members but wanted to share with my listeners too.

Here is a 'short' and a thought of the day provided by Dr Naomi Fisher (Will reference below). So often screentime is seen as negative and damaging, she offers a different perception on this and I thought it would be helpful to share- it definitely flipped the narrative for me!

In a parenting world full of judgement, I thought this highlighted perfectly why we should always do what we feel is best for our children.

Dr Naomi Fisher | Facebook

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 parenting as a parent of adult children and as a grandparent. He says you have to make the best out of your life that you can and give all the love to your children. He's always tried to look forward rather than back and has treated every mistake as a lesson not a failure- Which you might recognise as something that I also talking about doing. He highlights how big a responsibility being a parent is but that it's a privilege and you can't beat it.

And probably the most poignant moment of the whole episode, where I ask my dad how HE felt when my parents experienced their 3 miscarriages. He becomes emotional- something that I've never really seen before- and acknowledges that nobody ever asked HIM how he felt. He just had to put on a 'stiff upper lip' and bottle it up to protect and look after my Mum. But that you never forget.

Thank you to Churchill Tyres for sponsoring this episode.

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 do we know if it's burn out or depression?
• Katy's thoughts on how a bubble bath won't help.
• What are things we can do to help ourselves with burn out?
• Things that people say that aren't helpful.

You can find Dr Katy here:

Dr Katy Hill | Clinical Psychologist | Parental Stress & Burnout (@theparentalstresspsychologist) • Instagram photos and videos

Links - Dr Katy Hill - Clinical Psychologist

Thank you to Stingrays 315 swim school for sponsoring this episode.

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 on one of the children. That was her lightbulb moment and she knew then that she had to get out.

Two of her children have additional needs and Ruby tells us how as children, she didn't really know how to manage that. It's only more recently when she was diagnosed with additional needs herself that she saw how different things could have been- She says she wishes she'd have known when they were kids.

Ruby's biggest challenge was understanding that her children weren't her and that they were all really different. Which I think is actually a really important point to acknowledge- We unpick this a little more during the episode.

Her biggest value is treating nature with respect and Ruby tells us if that value is present in her son's lives now.

As a parent with adult children, Ruby offers a lot of 'in hindsight' advice and she offers some HUGE take away pieces of advice.

Another honest conversation about parenting!

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

A pre release bonus extract from the latest episode recorded with Jake and Emma, parents of 3. The first couple on the podcast!

The full episode will be out on Monday.

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, you NEED to listen and not only find out what it is but hear what Susannah has to say about it. If you are a new mum or a mum to be, at the end of the episode, Susannah reels off the most wonderful 'monologue' that you must hear.

Susannah notes how important how we talk about being a mother and how we feel about being a mother is, and why we need Mum's need's to be a priority.

Susannah's biggest value is community, which she highlights isn't just having people to look after your children. Community is connection and having people to have a chat with and meet up with. We need more than our phones to communicate.

There are some epic quotes in this episode like; 'a never ending cycle of sadness and cake', 'are they mental or are they going to mug me?' and... How Susannah's biggest challenge is how much money she's being rinsed for on dried fruit...!

Susannah would change the patriarchy for us all- need I say more... This is an episode you need to listen to!

If you want to learn more about matrescence or buy one of Susannah's wonderful packs, you can find her here: Susie | Matrescence Club (@matrescence_club) • Instagram photos and videos

Thank you to Stingrays 315 Swim School for sponsoring this episode.

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 that children can still get into trouble even if they can swim. She notes that this doesn't just apply to smaller children, but teens too and it is crucial that our children know that to have fun in the water, they need to remember to be safe.

We discuss:

• Why it's important to look our for dangers, and to remember to do this.
• Swimwear colours
• What else we can do as parents to make sure our children are water competent,
• How easy it can be to encourage children to learn what to look out for when swimming in terms of being safe and dangers,
• How we can have conversations about water safety with our children without frightening them,
• The water safety code,
• Advice for parents of teens who go swimming on their own,
• Paddling pools & hot tubs,
• Secondary drowning,
• Advice for parents who are focused on their child's goals and achievements but their child doesn't have the same focus,
• Advice to parents who want their child to go to lessons but their child either doesn't want to go or doesn't enjoy their lessons.
• What Stingrays 315 Swim School have to offer

You can find Stingrays 315 Swim School here: Swimming Lessons Lancaster UK | Swimming Lessons UK (3-1-5.co.uk)

Thank you to Reading Fairy Lancaster for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode I am joined by mum of 2, Jhuliana and we chat about judgement, loneliness and what she would change about parenting for us all. Great guest, great points raised and another honest conversation about parenting recorded for you all to hear!

In the first episode of TNPPC podcast, I put myself in the hotseat! I am joined by my friend, Lauren, who takes the role as host to ask me the questions. Find out what I've felt judged on, what my biggest parenting value is and a little bit more of an insight into why I parent the way I do!

In the first of our special episodes I am joined by Tarnia from TP Financial Solutions.

Finances. Straight away I shun away and panic BUT this is a really great conversation which is well worth listening to, even if you think your finances are in order.

Tarnia gives us the lowdown on what to do and to be looking at when it comes to our finances, giving us a good plan of where to start and work to. She offers some really good things to think about (Has anyone had a conversation about how they want their retirement to look? And yes we do need to be thinking about this now!) and also mentions the importance of good role modelling to our children when it comes to finances.

I've taken a lot away from this conversation and hope you do too!

Find TP Financial Solutions here:

Facebook: TP Financial Solutions | Facebook

Instagram: T P Financial (@tpfinancialsolutions) • Instagram photos and videos

Twitter: TP Financial Solutions (@TPFSMorecambe) / Twitter

Website: Financial advice in Heysham, Morecambe and Lancaster. (tpfinancialsolutions.co.uk)

In this episode I am joined by Helen from Organise Me, a mum of two. I can't do the content of this podcast justice in written form- you're just going to have to listen!! Helen shares lots about being a mum in business, how her's and her husband's expectations are aligned, talks honestly about how she's not always patient and shares a hilarious story about how she promotes her value of good hygiene; specifically brushing teeth. We laughed so much during this podcast- if you want to feel like you're sat chatting with friends, this is the podcast to listen to!

Organise Me - Virtual Assistant based in Lancaster