In this episode we talk about the recently launched TODDLER skin care range! We chat through the message it sends to our young children but also how playing with the theme of "home spa" can be great! We touch on the skincare trend for tweens too and have loads to say about this topic both as parents and professionals! Also, can you guess the old staple that Hayley is now using on her face at night? 🤣

Thank you so much to www.mimitoys.ie for being our pod sponsor. Mimi toys are a family run business, curating a developmental toy and puppet range for over 20 years. Use the code JUSTUS10 for 10% off your order. Mimi toys have a fabulous range that are perfect to shop for those stocking fillers and Christmas presents.

Don't forget to sign up to Mimi Toys news letter and get some bonus gifts and offers too

And join us and 100s of parents like yourself in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub where you can get our support and find your firm. https://www.firmparenting.com/hub

AND tickets for our NEW F.I.R.M. Parenting Approach power hour workshop is now available https://buytickets.at/hayleyriceplaytherapy/1952772

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toy guns! The topic that had brought much debate! In this week's episode we chat about Debbie's recent Ireland AM appearance and her chat on the topic of toy guns and aggression toys in the studio. We shed light on the subject as therapists and mothers and Debbie shares some key insights she didn't have time to mention on live TV!

We would love to know your personal thoughts on this at [email protected]

Thank you so much to www.mimitoys.ie for being our pod sponsor. Mimi toys are a family run business, curating a developmental toy and puppet range for over 20 years. Use the code JUSTUS10 for 10% off your order. Mimi toys have a fabulous range that are perfect to shop for those stocking fillers and Christmas presents. https://mimitoys.ie/

Don't forget to sign up to Mimi Toys news letter and get some bonus gifts and offers too!

And join us and 100s of parents like yourself in our F.I.R.M. Parent Hub where you can get our support and find your firm. https://www.firmparenting.com/hub

AND tickets for our NEW F.I.R.M. Parenting Approach power hour workshop is now available https://buytickets.at/hayleyriceplaytherapy/1952772

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know that staying calm when parenting is the ideal, but what happens when this advice just makes you feel like you are failing!? Even when you are not! In this episode we unpack what it really means to be calm and put the focus on regulation instead. We talk about repair, reconnection, authenticity and modelling a range of emotions as a parent - in other words, being human! If you've ever felt guilty for shouting, snapping or walking off, this one is for you.

Join our FREE masterclass here

https://www.firmparenting.co/live-masterclass/

We’re thrilled to have MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉

MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.

Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on [email protected]

And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here https://www.firmparenting.com/hub

Thanks for listening!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to chat about Ultra Processed Foods! Is it scare mongering or do we need to take note? What if there are eating disorders and other challenges involved? In this episode we sit down to chat bout our take on this topic as friends, colleagues and parents. Debbie shares her perspective as someone in recovery from eating disorders too.

We hope you enjoy!

HIT subscribe now and share this with a friend! Email us your thoughts, comments and pod ideas at [email protected]

Head over to our site to browse our courses and join our parent hub here

Thank you so much to MimiToys for sponsoring this podcast!

MimiToys offer an expert range of developmental toys and puppets that will blow you away. Their range is curated with care by Miriam, a mother of 4, who has been running Mimi Toys for over 20 years.

As therapists we highly recommend www.mimitoys.ie for all of your toy needs! And what is better than shopping Irish and supporting family run businesses?

Use the Code: JUSTUS10 at the check out and get 10% your order 🎉

Don't forget to sign up to the Mimi Toys newsletter and get their free activity booklet featuring activities in 4 different languages!

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s one of those topics that still makes parents squirm. You might see it joked about online, hear friends say “just a little tap,” or even feel that split-second urge when tempers flare…but slapping a child is never the answer. In this episode, we dig into why hitting..even lightly..can damage trust, model aggression, and escalate rather than solve conflicts. We talk about the impact on children’s emotional development, how it affects the parent-child relationship, and practical alternatives for managing frustration, enforcing boundaries, and teaching respect. This isn’t about shaming parents.. it’s about giving tools to stay F.I.R.M. calm, consistent, and loving, even when parenting gets really hard.

We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉

MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.

Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on [email protected]

And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you heard of F*ck Around & Find Out” Parenting? Maybe sounds funny on the TikTok, but in real life? Not so much. Children and teenagers will test limits.. but leaving them to just “FAFO” their way through life isn’t exactly the supportive guidance they need.

In this episode we’re unpacking why the hands-off, wait-and-see approach doesn’t always work, what kids actually learn when adults step back too far, and how we can balance natural consequences with connection, safety, and teaching. Because our job isn’t to watch them fail...it’s to help them grow.

We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉

MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.

Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on [email protected]

And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We don’t love talking about porn, but the reality is our children and teenagers are growing up in a world where names like Bonnie Blue aren’t hidden in the shadows.. they’re a click away (and they’re the chat at school).. As parents, we might feel awkward, shocked, or even scared, but pretending it doesn’t exist won’t protect our children or teenagers. In this episode we’re unpacking why it’s so important to know who and what they might stumble across online, how porn shapes expectations and self-image, and how we can open up conversations that keep our kids safe, informed, and grounded in real relationships.

We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉

MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.

Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on [email protected]

And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love the idea of them.. family memories, fresh air, new experiences, but the reality? Packing up half the house, refereeing sibling squabbles in the back seat, and making sure everyone else has a great time! Of course we know we’re lucky to be able to do these things, and we are grateful… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot. Sometimes the “fun” comes with meltdowns (theirs and ours). In this episode we’re unpacking why these supposedly joyful outings can feel so overwhelming, and giving ourselves permission to laugh, vent, and admit: maybe it’s not just us.

We’re thrilled to welcome MimiToys as the newest sponsor of our podcast! 🎉

MimiToys offers an incredible range of developmental toys and puppets, crafted with over 20 years of passion for play and children’s well-being. You can explore her collection here and use our code JUSTUS10 at checkout to get a discount on your order. (One use per customer, so make sure you get everything you want in a single order!) Offer valid until January 31st, 2026.

Even more, when you sign up for MimiToys’ newsletter, you’ll get a free activity booklet featuring fun activities in French, Irish, Spanish, and English.

Check it out…you and your little ones are going to love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, give us a rating & recommend to a friend. Email us any comments or queries on [email protected]

And if you would like support & connection as a parent - join our amazing parent space here

https://hdcircle.framer.website/

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One minute your child is watching what appears to be a harmless cartoon, the next they’re down a rabbit hole of ads, influencers, or content that’s anything but child-friendly. Add in the rise of rapid-cut shows, with flashing edits and constant noise designed to hook attention, and suddenly you’re wondering what it’s doing to your child’s focus and regulation.

In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of YouTube, from addictive elements to the way overstimulating content can affect the developing brain. We’ll share our own parenting worries, the traps we’ve seen firsthand, and therapist insights on how YouTube and rapid cut shows can shape children’s behaviour. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what parents can actually do to keep kids safe, without resorting to bans or constant battles.

Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to [email protected]

Get evidence backed parenting support you can trust here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You love your kids. You love your partner. But when it comes to discipline, routines, or handling meltdowns, it can feel like you’re playing on two completely different teams. In this episode, we dive into what happens when parenting styles clash, the good cop/bad cop dynamic, the “you’re too soft/you’re too strict” arguments, and the confusion it creates for kids caught in the middle.

We’ll talk about why being aligned matters so much for children, share stories of our own parenting mismatches, and offer therapist-backed strategies to find common ground without constant battles.

Get your tickets for our Parent On The Same Page Webinar here!

Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe, rate and recommend this podcast to a friend! We really appreciate it! Email your thoughts and ideas for future episodes to [email protected]

Get our unique support and connect with a whole community of like-minded parents here

Hayley and Debbie are both Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists specialising in Play Therapy. They are also both mothers and former primary school teachers. You can follow Debbie on instagram here and Hayley here

Hayley and Debbie offer therapy, parent support, courses and webinars and school support. Contact them on their websites below.

https://debbiecullinane.ie/

https://www.hayley-rice.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.