In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Butcher — retired family therapist and absolute wisdom-holder — for a real conversation about the messy, emotional reality of family life.

We talk about keeping the baby in mind (always), how diagnoses ripple through the whole family, and why emotional safety matters more than getting it “right.” We unpack extended family dynamics, unspoken expectations in relationships, modern parenting pressures, and the impact of social media on how we connect (and disconnect).

This episode is about:

• Emotional presence over perfection
• Repairing relationships instead of pretending nothing happened
• Parenting from authenticity, not performance
• Modelling the kind of communication we actually want our kids to learn

If you’re parenting, partnered, triggered, trying your best, or quietly wondering “is it meant to feel this hard?” — this one’s for you.

If you’re listening and noticing your own edges — with your child, your partner, or yourself — I offer support for parents wanting more connection and emotional safety at home. You can find me at www.emberoakfamilymentoring.com.au.

You can also find me on instagram @Kimberley.cousins

Keep it real! X