Being Real Parents

Kate speaks with Keryn from Brainwave Trust about sleep for our rangatahi. Together, they explore the biological and social changes that shape teenage sleep patterns, why adolescents are naturally wired for later nights, and the challenges whānau can sometimes face in helping young people get the rest they need. This kōrero offers practical, realistic strategies parents can use to support healthy sleep habits - not only for teens, but for younger tamariki too.

In this honest Q and A episode, Anna and Kate kōrero about the parenting questions many parents quietly carry but don’t always ask out loud. We talk screens and device use, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, swearing, big feelings, and when to start talking about emotions with tamariki. A warm, practical, judgement free kōrero full of reassurance, reflection, and real life parenting support.

"In this episode, Anna and Elizabeth Emere-Harte kōrero about mātauranga and tūpuna parenting. We explore how traditional Māori approaches centre connection, responsiveness, and collective care, and how this aligns with what we now know about attachment and brain development. A grounding, affirming conversation about returning to what we’ve always known and trusting the wisdom within whānau.

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A gentle, practical kōrero with the Brainwave Trust on supporting tamariki through big emotions. We explore why all emotions are ok, the power of naming them, and how tools like nature and books can help. We also reflect on modelling our own emotions, leading with empathy, and why teaching moments land best once children are calm. A thoughtful conversation with Keryn for parents navigating the everyday ups and downs.

Juliet talks honestly and beautifully with her friend Bronwyn about the loss of her baby Harriet in 2018. Bronwyn shares the early days of grief, the overwhelm, and how it affected her ability to get through each day. Seven years on, she reflects on where she is now and what she would want others experiencing parental grief to know. A thoughtful, compassionate kōrero for those navigating or supporting loss.

Anna and Kate are joined by Karena Findlay from Succeed Differently. They talk about all things Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - how it occurs, what to look for and what we can do as parents and teachers to support tamariki affected by FASD.

Gentle parenting is everywhere right now, but many parents feel confused, exhausted, or worried they’re getting it wrong. In this episode, Anna and Kate unpack where gentle parenting comes from, what the research actually tells us, and why kindness and clear boundaries go hand in hand. A practical, reassuring kōrero about raising children with connection and realism in everyday family life.

"Anna sits down with Aaron Hāpuku from the University of Canterbury for a thoughtful kōrero about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and why understanding it matters for all of us.

Together, they explore how Te Tiriti is not just historical or political, but can guide how we work, parent, lead, and relate to each other every day.

This kōrero offers an accessible starting point for anyone wanting to better understand Te Tiriti and feel more confident bringing its values into everyday life."

Today on the podcast Anna is joined again by Elizabeth Goodwin from Awhi Ngā Mātua. They talk about what Awhi Ngā Mātua is, who it’s for, and how parents can connect with this powerful community. Awhi Ngā Mātua supports parents and carers of intellectually disabled, neurodivergent and medically fragile tamariki, offering connection, understanding and practical support. This kōrero is for any parent wanting to feel less alone and more supported.

Kate and Juliet reflect on their year as working mums, sharing the real moments, the things that wobbled, and what helped them through. It’s a gentle, relatable kōrero about navigating busy lives, setting simple intentions, and remembering we don’t need to have everything sorted to move into a new year with hope and steadiness.