Christmas is often painted as a time to slow down and soak it all in — but for many parents, it can feel anything but restful.

In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions, Nikki and Soph reflect on the reality of parenting through the holiday season. From managing Christmas expectations and cultural traditions to hosting, working, and navigating the chaos that comes with kids at home, this conversation explores why the holidays can feel so overwhelming.

We talk honestly about:

• the pressure to create the “perfect” Christmas

• expectations vs reality during the holidays

• cultural differences in how Christmas is celebrated

• parenting exhaustion and holiday burnout

• balancing work and family life

• the gaps in childcare and support for parents

As we look ahead to the year to come, we also share what we’re excited about, what we’re planning for the platform, and how we hope to better support parents moving forward.

If Christmas left you feeling tired, overstimulated, or quietly thinking “was that even a holiday?” — you’re not alone. This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all, and that parenting through the holidays is hard for so many families.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & reflecting on the holidays
02:40 Christmas expectations vs reality
05:14 Cultural Christmas celebrations
08:36 Holiday exhaustion with kids
14:07 Finding routine after the holidays
19:13 Parenting, work & work-life balance
23:34 Evolving childcare needs
25:54 Looking ahead to what’s next

Hot Messes Big Visions is a podcast about parenting, identity, work, and modern family life — told honestly, without pressure to have it all together.

In this lively conversation, Nikki and Soph discuss the chaos and challenges of December, particularly around Christmas. They share personal anecdotes about holiday preparations, the stress of managing children's expectations, and the realities of parenting during the festive season.

The conversation touches on the pressures of gift-giving, the complexities of family traditions, and the humorous yet relatable meltdowns that occur in the lead-up to Christmas. Ultimately, they reflect on the importance of keeping things low-key and enjoying the magic of the season without overwhelming themselves.

Chapters

00:00 December Dilemmas: The Holiday Hustle

05:48 Advent Adventures: The Chaos of Christmas Countdown

12:03 Meltdowns and Big Emotions: Navigating Parenting Challenges

18:08 Reflections on Parenting: Lessons Learned and Shared Experiences

20:08 The Pressure of Parenting in Public

23:34 The Christmas Conundrum: Expectations vs. Reality

26:54 Balancing Gift-Giving and Financial Realities

29:19 The Overwhelm of Holiday Preparations

33:57 Wrapping Up the Year: Reflections and Future Plans

In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the ups and downs of trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling the joys of life. Join us as we explore the comedic yet relatable struggles of exercise, indulgence, and the irresistible pull of the beach during the summer.

Discussing RNZ article: How Grandparents feel being the go-to childcare: https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/relationships/family/how-grandparents-feel-about-being-the-go-to-childcare

In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions, hosts Nikki and Sophia share their experiences as parents navigating the chaos of family life. They discuss their messiest moments, the importance of community support, and the challenges of finding reliable childcare. The conversation touches on self-care, body image, and the realities of parenting, including bedwetting and discipline strategies. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the need for kindness towards oneself and the value of sharing parenting experiences with others.

In this conversation, Nikki & Soph discuss the challenges of parenting, including the impact of daylight savings on their energy levels, Nikki's decision to quit a job for family commitments, and the ongoing identity crisis that comes with motherhood. They share personal experiences of postpartum struggles, the difficulty of balancing exercise with parenting, and humorous messy moments, such as dealing with an ant infestation and the challenges of keeping a clean home. The conversation highlights the complexities of modern parenting and the shared experiences that come with it.

Takeaways

Daylight savings can significantly affect energy levels.

Quitting a job can be a difficult yet necessary decision for family.

Parenting often leads to an identity crisis as roles shift.

Postpartum life can bring unexpected challenges and changes.

Finding time for exercise is tough when balancing parenting and work.

Messy moments are a common part of family life.

It's important to share parenting struggles with others.

Maintaining a clean home can be overwhelming with young children.

Food rules in the house can be hard to enforce with kids.

Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs.

Chapters

00:00 Surviving the Week: Daylight Savings and Fatigue

05:11 The Transformation: Life Changes After Kids

12:19 Messy Moments: Ant Infestations and Parenting Chaos

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges of solo parenting, the emotional toll it takes, and the practical aspects of managing children's toys and sleep routines. They share personal anecdotes about transitioning to bunk beds, the farewell of cube storage, and the ongoing struggles with sleep training. The conversation highlights the need for control in chaotic parenting situations and the emotional meltdowns that can arise from the pressures of parenting.

Takeaways

Solo parenting can be incredibly challenging and isolating.

Cube storage provided a sense of organization that was hard to let go of.

Transitioning to bunk beds can lead to unexpected challenges.

Sleep training is a continuous journey with ups and downs.

Emotional meltdowns often occur when control feels lost.

Children's independence can lead to chaos and mess.

Finding a balance between parenting and personal time is crucial.

Communication with partners about parenting roles is essential.

The need for emotional outlets is important for parents.

Parenting requires flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.

Chapters

00:00 Solo Parenting Challenges

06:01 The Transition to Bunk Beds

11:39 Sleep Training Struggles

19:19 The Quest for Control

26:19 Emotional Meltdowns and Breakdowns

In this episode of Hot Messes, Big Visions, hosts Nikki and Sophia share their experiences as parents and entrepreneurs, discussing the chaos of balancing work and family life.

They delve into the messy moments of parenting, the guilt associated with taking time off, and the importance of building a supportive community.

The conversation highlights the challenges of postpartum life, the evolution of parenting perspectives, and the necessity of self-care for parents.

Through their candid stories, they emphasise that parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's okay to seek help and support along the way.

Keywords

parenting, motherhood, sleep deprivation, mental health, conferences, inclusivity, identity, personal growth, family, humor

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences at a recent conference, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity for parents. They explore the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal identity, the realities of sleep deprivation, and the mental health struggles that come with parenting. The conversation is filled with humor and relatable messy moments, highlighting the ups and downs of raising children.

Takeaways

Inclusivity at conferences can attract a more diverse audience.

Having childcare options at events can enhance participation.

Motherhood often leads to a conflict between personal identity and parenting responsibilities.

Sleep deprivation is a common struggle for parents, affecting mental clarity.

Parenting is a journey filled with both love and challenges.

Social media can create unrealistic expectations for mothers.

It's normal to feel a loss of self after having children.

Every parent has their own messy moments and struggles.

The journey of parenting is ongoing and doesn't have a clear finish line.

Humor is essential in navigating the chaos of family life.

Titles

Navigating Motherhood: Balancing Identity and Parenting

The Reality of Sleep Deprivation in Parenting

Sound bites

"It's more inclusive."

"It's a long road."

"It's just survival."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Conference Experience

05:16 The Role of Children in Conferences

09:16 Balancing Motherhood and Personal Identity

12:58 Postnatal Mental Health and Sleep Deprivation

17:51 The Challenges of Parenting and Expectations

22:10 Messy Moments and Parenting Realities

29:48 The Importance of Self-Care

Summary

In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions, hosts Nikki and Sophia share their chaotic parenting experiences, discussing the messiness of family life, the importance of community support, and the challenges of balancing personal identity with motherhood. They reflect on their own parenting journeys, the need for breaks, and the joy of building a supportive village for parents.

Takeaways

Building your dream doesn't need to be polished.

It's okay to ask for help and take breaks.

Parenting is a constant struggle that requires adaptation.

Community support is essential for parents.

Messy moments are a part of real life parenting.

You don't need to have it together to be going somewhere.

Finding balance as a parent is crucial.

The village concept helps alleviate parenting pressures.

Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging.

You're not alone in your parenting journey.

Sound Bites

"It's okay to ask for help."

"It's a constant struggle."

"You're not alone."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Hot Messes Big Visions

11:31 The Reality of Parenting

18:40 Building a Supportive Community

34:40 The Reality of Parenting

46:17 The Importance of Self-Care