Join us as we hear Chloe share her incredible journey of stepping into full-time guardianship of her twin sisters after her mother unexpectedly left. This honest conversation explores the emotional rollercoaster, community support, legal struggles, and the importance of resilience in parenting.

Main Topics:

• The transition from sibling care to full guardianship

• Navigating family dynamics and legal guardianship processes

• Building a supportive community and mental health resources

• Parenting on a budget: routines, lunchboxes, and extracurriculars

• The impact of social media and sharing your journey as a parent

• Managing relationships with biological parents and family tensions

In this episode:

• Chloe recounts her first waking up as a full-time guardian at age 21

• The challenges of navigating her mother's departure and lack of financial support

• The emotional impact of her mother’s ongoing absence and limited contact

• How Chloe managed to access government support and legal guardianship

• The role of TikTok in sharing her story and creating a supportive community

• Her approach to parenting, including routines, lunchboxes, and extracurriculars

• The importance of mental health, therapy, and self-compassion

• Future aspirations including further study and providing a stable life for her girls

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Chloe's story of guardianship 

02:23 - Waking up as guardian with no warning 

04:03 - Early challenges with family instability and housing 

06:43 - Managing emotional and physical toll of guardianship 

08:57 - Moving to a supportive community and stable routine 

10:48 - Navigating family support and government assistance 

12:37 - The journey to legal guardianship and social services 

14:18 - Approaching conversations with the girls about their mother 

15:39 - Balancing self-care, support networks, and social media 

17:50 - The complex relationship with the biological mother 

19:52 - Advice for new parents of twins and seeking support 

23:20 - Building a positive outlook and resilience in parenting 

27:35 - Supporting children with ADHD and emotional needs 

33:44 - Managing social media presence and privacy concerns 

36:24 - The role of humor and positivity in tough times 

40:00 - Reflections on future goals, education, and financial stability 

44:00 - The importance of community and shared parenthood experiences 

50:22 - Navigating family and societal judgments 

58:42 - The significance of sibling bonds and mutual support 

64:20 - Dreams of motherhood and future aspirations 

70:05 - Parenting styles: treat each child uniquely and with grace 

78:29 - The importance of external support and resources 

83:35 - Embracing the ongoing journey of parenting and life

Resources & Links:

• Therapy & Mental Health Support - ACC NZ

• Guardianship legal process info

• Support for children with ADHD

Connect with Chloe:

• TIK TOK

• Instagram

When I found out I was having twins, I was petrified and the more I searched online, the worse it got. Outdated info, endless negativity and barely any real stories from twin parents who'd actually lived it. So I decided to create exactly what I was looking for.

Are They Twins? is a New Zealand twin podcast bringing you honest, judgement free conversations with twin parents and experts. Covering everything from pregnancy and birth to raising your twins all the way through to when they leave home. No doom and gloom, just real information so you can make confident and informed decisions for your family.

Plus a free community hub to tie it all together, backed by some brilliant Kiwi businesses.

Whether you're expecting twins or already knee deep in twin life, this is a space for you to learn and share your life as a twin parent.